Certificate of Bulgarian origin

The certificate of Bulgarian origin is issued by the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad (until 2022 the State Agency). Many people still see it as the first step towards Bulgarian citizenship, but since 15 March 2021 this is no longer the case.

fee: free; postage only
processing: 14 days; up to 30 days in the Register
validity: no expiry; no duplicates issued
relation: up to 3rd degree; for citizenship by origin

What it is needed for now

The certificate is used in procedures under the Foreigners Act, when a person of Bulgarian origin applies for:

permanent residence in Bulgaria;
long-term residence, including as a student;
a D visa (long stay).

And only if you cannot present a birth certificate proving the origin and the Migration Directorate cannot check it itself. Usually the Migration Directorate refers you to the Agency with a letter.

Who can get it

A person with at least one ascendant (parent, grandparent, etc.) who is Bulgarian. A declaration of Bulgarian national identity is attached to the application. Knowledge of Bulgarian is not required for the certificate.

How to apply

Check that you need it
The certificate is requested on instructions from the Migration Directorate or for a D visa. It is not needed for citizenship.
Fill in the application online
At aba.government.bg/application/declaration. Print it but do not sign it — you sign in front of an officer.
Submit the documents
In person at the Agency’s desk in Sofia, 2A Knyaz Alexander Dondukov Blvd, or through a representative with a notarised power of attorney. For a D visa the documents are certified at the consulate and sent to the Agency by post or courier.
Review
Within 14 days of registration. If something is missing you get 7 days to complete it, otherwise the case is closed. Doubtful documents are checked through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or by an expert.
Result
Within 7 days the certificate is sent directly to the Migration Directorate or the consulate — it is not handed to you. A refusal comes as a reasoned order. You can check the status on the Agency’s website.

Citizenship by origin: what changed

	Now (since 15.03.2021)	Before
Agency certificate	not required	mandatory
How origin is proven	official documents of relation up to the 3rd degree	with the certificate
Where to apply	Ministry of Justice or embassy, in person, with an interview	Ministry of Justice or embassy
If documents are insufficient	Advisory Council at the Agency, opinion within 2 months	—
Application fee	€153.39 (BGN 300)	—

Fee as listed by the Ministry of Justice; students under 26 pay €51.13.

The path to citizenship by origin

preparationDocuments of relationbirth records up to the ancestor
in personApplication to the Ministry or embassyinterview, fee
up to 2 monthsAdvisory Councilonly if documents are insufficient
up to 9 monthsProposal for a decreeby the Minister of Justice
Citizenship decree

For the citizenship application the Ministry of Justice also requires: a birth certificate, a criminal record certificate from your country of citizenship (marked as issued for the Bulgarian citizenship procedure), a medical certificate with an apostille, declarations, a CV and a photo. The full list is in the sources below.

Translations and legalisation

Foreign documents are translated into Bulgarian by a licensed translator, whose signature is notarised. Depending on the issuing country, legalisation or an apostille is required. Submit the originals and plain copies; originals are returned in person only.

Agency contacts

2A Knyaz Alexander Dondukov Blvd, 1000 Sofia. Tel. +359 2 935 0650, desk +359 2 935 0652, email [email protected]. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:30; the desk has shorter hours — check the contacts page.

Documents you need

Application (filled in online and signed in front of an officer)

Certified copy of an identity document showing citizenship and address

Letter from the Migration Directorate (not needed for a D visa)

Original documents on the Bulgarian ancestor — from a Bulgarian or foreign state authority or the Bulgarian Orthodox Church

Copy of your passport or residence permit

Declaration of Bulgarian national identity — notarised or signed in front of an officer

Personal data declaration

For a representative — notarised power of attorney and declaration of authenticity

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the certificate to apply for citizenship?

No. Since 15 March 2021 proof of origin is attached directly to the application at the Ministry of Justice — official documents showing a relation to a Bulgarian up to the third degree.

Does the certificate expire?

No, it has no expiry date. Duplicates are not issued, and the certificate is sent directly to the institution that requested it.

Can I submit by post or online?

The Agency’s rules allow post and the e-services portal, but the online form must be signed in front of an officer in Sofia. For a D visa the documents are posted through the consulate. Check with the Agency before sending.

Do I need to speak Bulgarian?

Not for the certificate. In the citizenship procedure, if the Minister asks the Advisory Council to check, it may take into account whether you use Bulgarian and how you identify yourself.

Who checks my origin if I lack documents?

In the citizenship procedure the Minister of Justice may ask for more documents or ask the Advisory Council at the Agency to check. The Council gives its opinion within 2 months.