Moving back to Bulgaria: what to arrange

Coming back after years abroad involves several institutions: the municipality, the National Revenue Agency, the National Social Security Institute, the health insurance fund and schools. Most things are arranged in Bulgaria, but some documents are easier to get before you leave — afterwards you will have to request them from a distance. Below is a short list with links to the detailed guides.

Before you leave

• Form U1 (periods counted for unemployment benefit) — from the employment service of the country where you worked. You need it if you will claim unemployment benefit in Bulgaria. Details: unemployment benefit after returning.
• Proof of health insurance abroad for the whole period — so that your NRA record shows no gaps.
• School records for your children — certificates of completed years and grades, with an apostille or legalisation depending on the country. See apostille, legalisation and certified translations.
• Diplomas — originals and transcripts; recognition is covered in recognition of diplomas.
• Your contribution record from the foreign pension institution — you will need it when you retire. See contributions and pensions after working abroad.

Address and identity documents

• Register your current address with the municipality where you will live, and change your permanent address if needed. Details: permanent and current address.
• Check the expiry of your ID card and passport. Renewing in Bulgaria is faster and cheaper than abroad. See passport and ID card.
• Births and marriages abroad must be registered in Bulgaria, otherwise children have no personal number (EGN) and your documents will not match. See registering a birth and registering a marriage.

Health insurance and a GP

• If you were insured in another EU country, give the NRA a document covering the period — otherwise contributions will be claimed for it.
• If you used the exemption from contributions while living outside the EU, submit an application for returning to the NRA. Your rights are restored after 6 months of contributions, or at once if you pay a one-off 12 contributions.
• If you are not working, you pay the contribution yourself — €24.81 a month from 1 August 2026. Children under 18 and full-time students under 26 are insured by the state.
• Once your rights are in order, choose a GP by filling in a registration form at the practice you choose.
• Details: health insurance while living abroad.

Work, benefits and pension

• If you have no job, register with the labour office and apply for benefit with form U1. Deadlines and amounts: unemployment benefit after returning.
• Periods worked in EU countries are added to your Bulgarian record, and each country pays its share of the pension. See contributions and pensions.

Tax

Once back, you are most likely tax resident in Bulgaria and declare your worldwide income here — including rent or a pension from abroad. The year of the move is often split. See taxes and double taxation and annual tax return.

Children and school

• Contact the school as early as possible — some schools have limited places.
• Years completed abroad are recognised so that your child can continue in the right year. You need the certificates from the foreign school. Details: recognition of diplomas and education.
• If your child attended a Bulgarian Sunday school, its certificate may help. See “Native Language and Culture Abroad”.

Car and driving licence

• Bringing a car and personal belongings, registration and duties: importing a car and personal belongings.
• An EU licence is valid in Bulgaria; a licence from outside the EU may have to be exchanged. See driving licence.

Banks and money

• Bulgaria has been in the euro area since 1 January 2026 — lev accounts have been converted. See the euro in Bulgaria.
• Do not close your account abroad straight away: a final salary, tax refunds or a pension may still be paid into it.