Path to citizenship
- Apply180-365 days
- Citizenshipgranted
Overview
- Country
- Bulgaria
- Program
- Bulgarian Citizenship by Origin (Descent)
- Local name
- Българско гражданство по произход
- Type
- Citizenship by Descent
- Status
- Active
- Processing time
- 180-365 days
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
- Visa-free countries
- 178 destinations
- Passport rank
- #11 (Henley Index)
Bulgarian citizenship for persons of Bulgarian origin — defined as having at least one ascendant (parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent) who was Bulgarian. No language test required. Accelerated 9-month processing. Dual citizenship explicitly permitted for origin-based applicants.
Fees and costs
- Application fee
- $55
- Passport fee
- $30
Eligibility and requirements
- Police clearance required
- Medical exam not required
- Interview required
- Oath required
Ancestry requirements
- Generational limit
- 3 generation(s)
- Ancestor citizenship
- Not required
Family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Spouse
- Not included
- Max child age
- 18
Passport and mobility
- Passport rank
- #11 (Henley Index)
- Visa-free access
- 178 countries
- Passport validity
- 10 years
- EU citizenship
- Yes
- Schengen access
- Yes
- US E-2 treaty
- Yes — eligible for US investor visa
Physical presence
- Must visit country
- Yes
How to apply
- Method
- Both
- Apply from abroad
- Yes
- Application type
- Open
- Official website
- www.justice.government.bg
- Legal basis
- Bulgarian Citizenship Act (Закон за българското гражданство), Article 15
Notes and caveats
Bulgaria joined Schengen (air/sea borders March 2024, land borders January 2025). "Bulgarian origin" under Article 15 means having at least one ascendant who was Bulgarian — this is broader than strict citizenship lineage and can include ethnic/national identity. Interview at Ministry of Justice can be conducted in English or with translator. Accelerated 9-month processing vs standard 12 months for other naturalization. Passports now valid 10 years (up from 5, effective 2025).