EU citizens may apply for Bulgarian residence and Bulgarian ID card with their national ID or passport. This is a simple administrative procedure which can be completed in only three working days and requires personal presence at the time of the application. This service is particularly attractive to British citizens who fear restrictions about their free movement in the European Union after the Brexit transitional period.

UK citizens can apply for Bulgarian residence as EU citizens till 31st of December 2020. Their family members can enjoy the relaxed EU family reunification procedures till 31st of December 2021. After the Brexit transitional period UK citizens will be required a D visa in order to apply for residency.

UK citizens and their family members will maintain their rights of residence under the legislation, applicable to the EU citizens if they are legally residing in Bulgaria at the time of Brexit or hold a valid Bulgarian residence card. They can use their residence for a period of up to one year after the end of the transition period or the expiry date of their residence card – whichever comes first. Within this period they should apply for renewal of their residency.

Requirements to obtain Bulgarian residence and Bulgarian ID card for EU citizens

Singing a rent contract for twelve months as evidence of accommodation in Bulgaria (full assistance is provided) or providing a property deed;

A valid European Health Insurance Card – EHIC . If you do not have a valid EHIC card you have to buy a local health insurance. The cost of the insurance is 75 Euros for 12 months.

Preparing the set of application documents.

The service is completed within three working days. You will submit your residence application by 12pm on Day 1, and you will be photographed by 2pm on Day 2. Your residence card will be issued on the next day. If you are not able to take the card personally, you may authorize us to take it on your behalf.

For more details to obtain a Bulgarian ID card, please feel free to contact us.

Benefits of obtaining a Bulgarian ID card and Bulgarian residence for European citizens

The Bulgarian residence permit and Bulgarian ID card are a precondition for family reunification for your non-EU family members to Bulgaria and the European Union.

Bulgarian legislation considers cohabiting couples as a family. Full assistance will be provided to obtain the status of cohabiting couple.

as a family. Full assistance will be provided to obtain the status of cohabiting couple. Obtaining a Bulgarian ID card is a precondition to be granted tax residence of Bulgaria. To obtain Bulgarian tax residency you are not required to stay for 183 days in Bulgaria. According to the Bulgarian legislation you can claim Bulgarian tax residency if 1. You reside in Bulgaria for not less than 183 days annually or 2. You prove that the center of your vital interests is in Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian residence and ID card will guarantee hassle-free visits to Bulgaria and other EU countries for British citizens after the Brexit.

The Bulgarian ID card is a precondition before you exchange your driving license for a Bulgarian driving licence. You can replace your driving license for a Bulgarian driving license 6 months after you got Bulgarian residency card.

Since 1st of August 2019 banks in Bulgaria refuse to open deposit bank accounts (accounts for the deposition of the founding capital of the company) unless the director and shareholder of the company is a resident of Bulgaria. Holding a Bulgarian ID card, you are considered a resident of Bulgaria and can set up a limited company easily.

How to bring my non-EU family to Bulgaria?

Considering family reunification in Bulgaria, the law distinguishes two regimes – general and special. The general regime applies to non-EU citizens who reside legally in Bulgaria. The special regime applies to EU citizens holders of Bulgarian residence and Bulgarian ID card.

Advantages of the special regime:

Family members of EU and UK citizens do not need to hold a valid long-term D visa in order to apply for Bulgarian residence (opposed to the general regime). The non-EU spouse or cohabiting partner can enter Bulgaria on a Bulgarian C visa or any Schengen country visa, and apply for Bulgarian residence straight away.

Bulgaria recognizes the cohabiting status of partnership. You are not required to be married to apply for family reunification in Bulgaria.

EU and UK citizens can apply for family reunification for their non-EU parents.

Non-EU spouse can apply for family reunification for her non-EU parents.

Documents Required for Family Reunification in Bulgaria

You have to provide only a marriage certificate for your spouse and birth certificates for your children. If you would like to bring your parents you have to provide your birth certificate to justify your relation. Your spouse has to provide her birth certificate for the family reunification procedures for her parents. There is no need of no criminal certificates or other formalities.

The certificates should be legalized in the country of issuance before presented to the Bulgarian authorities.

How to obtain tax residency in Bulgaria?

Under the Bulgarian legislation you may claim Bulgarian tax residency if 1. You reside in Bulgaria for not less than 183 days annually or if 2. You prove that the center of your vital interests is in Bulgaria. Under point 1, you will be considered tax resident of Bulgaria only in the year when you have resided for 183 days. On the other hand, you are not required to satisfy the residence requirement if you justify that the center of your vital interests is in Bulgaria. To determine the center of vital interests, the tax office will consider the location of your business, the country where you pay social contributions, residence permits, properties etc.

For more details about obtaining tax residency in Bulgaria, please feel free to contact us.

Expired Bulgarian ID card

If your Bulgarian residence card or Bulgarian ID card have expired our lawyers will assist you to obtain a new Bulgarian ID card.

Bulgarian residence for British citizens, EU residence for British citizens, What will happen to British nationals after Brexit?

Law for the Bulgarian ID card

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