1951 - 1968 - 1978 IMMIGRANTS AND THEIR DESCENDANTS' CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS IN BULGARIA

People who immigrated in these years or in the years in between usually require a longer process to obtain citizenship than other immigrants. The only way to understand the process is to apply to the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Bulgaria for a “citizenship inquiry”. In this process, the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice is asked whether the “emigrant” is still a citizen. The Ministry of Justice can answer in two ways;

Answer 1 : THE EMIGRANT RETAINS HIS/HER BULGARIAN CITIZENSHIP.

In this case, if the emigrant is still alive, an application is made for a liçna karta and a passport. In a short time, the citizenship documents are obtained and the process is finalized.

If the person who emigrated but did not lose his/her citizenship is not alive, then his/her descendants can apply for citizenship and obtain citizenship in a short period of time by simply attending an interview “without a residence permit phase”. Once the surviving descendant has acquired citizenship, his/her descendants will acquire citizenship in turn, without the need for an interview.

Answer 2: THE MIGRANT LOST BULGARIAN CITIZENSHIP.

In this case, a former citizen who has lost his/her citizenship must first apply for a “residence permit” (D visa). This D visa is obtained for a total of 3 times, one year each. After 3 years, an “application for citizenship” is made and after the application process, the person is interviewed and if the result is positive, he/she gains citizenship. About a year ago, appointments for the interview were made for a year later (for example, for an application made in June 2021, the interview was scheduled for June 2022). In recent months, however, this has changed and everyone who comes to Sofia for an interview is accepted on the same day or the next day. This advantageous change in practice has shortened the process for us by one year.

At this point, it is important to emphasize and insist on the following. If the person who emigrated has lost Bulgarian citizenship and this person is not alive, it is not possible for the descendants to obtain citizenship. Our request from you, dear citizens, is that you do not trust the people and institutions who say that this is possible and demand money from you. We strongly recommend that you at least make contracts with these people that protect your rights.

You can contact our law office for detailed information.