Who is called a “citizenship collector”?
A citizenship collector is someone who acquires multiple nationalities, often more than he really needs. People do it to gain freedom, security, fiscal and other advantages. They often go to the extreme and try to obtain as many nationalities (passports) as they can. Their philosophy is “the more, the better”, as they believe they can use each of the passports they hold for certain advantages.
A prime example is Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, who reportedly holds passports of Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, the United Arab Emirates, and France. He probably believed that the “jewel in the crown,” his French passport, would give him extra security. Yet, we all know what happened when Mr. Durov landed at Le Bourget Airport in France in August 2024.
Citizenship collectors and Bulgarian citizenship for special merits
It’s not a secret that most citizenship collectors are influential people, well connected and with adequate financial resources. Many of them can be considered as ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI). These are exactly the people who are often interested in obtaining a true EU citizenship, just as Pavel Durov did.
From our experience, 85% of those who genuinely approach us for assistance in obtaining Bulgarian citizenship for special merits have a net worth exceeding €50 million.
Is holding multiple passports an advantage or a disadvantage when applying for Bulgarian citizenship for special merits?
This is clearly a disadvantage and requires careful handling to prove the authenticity of your application to Bulgarian authorities. Why?
- Bulgarian authorities may view citizenship collectors sceptically, as the program favours applicants who genuinely contribute to Bulgaria, not to the whole world;
- Holding many nationalities can suggest that your main goal is personal gain or mobility, rather than a commitment to Bulgaria.
What should you do if you are serious about getting Bulgarian citizenship for special merits?
First of all you must be eligible for special merits citizenship. As we have repeatedly stated, special merits citizenship is only for a few chosen ones. VD&A Gold Club members are often among the first invited, but still not all members are eligible. If you are among the lucky ones and you hold more than one citizenship, you should discuss it with our lawyers first. We will need to present your “multiple citizenship” situation to the Bulgarian authorities and ensure they see your genuine intention to become a Bulgarian citizen, rather than simply adding another passport to your collection.
If you need any additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact our offices. In all cases however, if you need a “jewel in the crown” – an EU citizenship, you should think twice before “buying” a passport from a tiny Caribbean state or a Pacific island.