Bulgaria Bulgarian Citizenship by Origin (Descent) — Citizenship Program

📋 Digital Nomad 🏠 Residency 🏆 Citizenship 🎓 Student

🏆 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 & COSTS

Application Fee $55

Passport Fee $30

📋 ELIGIBILITY & 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 & 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 & 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).

🔗 ALSO IN BULGARIA

Digital Nomad Visa (digital nomad visa)
Bulgaria Golden Visa (golden visa)

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