FAQs about Bulgarian Citizenship by Origin

FAQs about Bulgarian citizenship by origin

Based on our long-standing experience of advising clients on Bulgarian citizenship by origin matters, we have compiled a list of clients’ frequently-asked questions and our answers to them.

Do I qualify for Bulgarian citizenship by origin?

Bulgaria applies a broad criterion to determine who qualifies on the basis of origin. Generally, if you are aware that you have Bulgarian ancestors or relatives, you are likely to qualify.

What are the steps to acquiring Bulgarian citizenship by origin?

The process of acquiring Bulgarian citizenship based on origin and collating the necessary documents can appear daunting.

We will help you identify the correct path to suitable documents to evidence your origin and help you prepare and file your application. 

We are able to offer support throughout the process. Our in-depth knowledge and experience with citizenship applications ensures that clients acquire citizenship as quickly, early and easily as possible.

Applying for Bulgarian citizenship on the basis of your origin is generally a matter of long-term planning rather than something you can hope to benefit from immediately (though there are situations of restoration of citizenship or where Bulgarian nationality had not been lost, and in which a travel document is available much sooner).

We generally advise clients to prepare for decisions within 12-24 months, though this can be shortened in special cases. Such cases are those where the use of nationality may be required by the applicant as a matter of genuine urgency and applications may combine origin with merit (under art. 16 of the Citizenship Act) to result in an accelerated review (eg, where there is a humanitarian reason or the applicant has contributed to Bulgaria – scientifically, economically, culturally or otherwise and are of Bulgarian origin).

Can I reside in Bulgaria even before obtaining citizenship?

This is possible under certain circumstances. We will advise on your particular case.

Can my family also obtain Bulgarian citizenship?

Your children, of any age, can also obtain Bulgarian citizenship once you become one.

And your spouse can also become a Bulgarian citizen. Your spouse will be able to live, work and study in any of the 27 EU member countries.

However, the spouse of a Bulgarian citizen can only obtain Bulgarian citizenship by residing, or by investing, in Bulgaria.

NBLO – Your Bulgarian Citizenship Lawyers

New Balkans Law Office is a boutique law firm with a strong practice in Bulgarian and EU immigration and nationality law. We deal extensively with applications for citizenship including Bulgarian citizenship by investment, Bulgarian citizenship by origin and Bulgarian citizenship by residence, settlement of family members of EU/Bulgarian citizens, and other citizenship and immigration related matters.

For more information, please contact us at: or via our contact form.