Bulgarian Citizenship by Marriage

Foreign nationals who marry Bulgarian citizens can become citizens of Bulgaria through the “Bulgarian Citizenship by Marriage” process. The foreign spouse must fulfill specific requirements, such as being married to a Bulgarian citizen for at least three years, residing lawfully in Bulgaria for at least three years, and speaking the language fluently, in order to get citizenship by marriage. The Bulgarian Ministry of Justice receives applications for citizenship through marriage, and decisions are normally rendered within six months of the application’s receipt. It’s crucial to remember that obtaining Bulgarian citizenship through marriage does not grant automatic permission to live or work permanently in Bulgaria.

Who Can Get Bulgarian Citizenship by Marriage?

If a foreign national meets the prerequisites and marries a citizen of Bulgaria, they are eligible to petition for citizenship in Bulgaria through marriage.

1. The foreign spouse must have been wed for at least three years to a Bulgarian national
2. The foreign spouse must have lived in Bulgaria lawfully for at least three years, including the year before the citizenship application was submitted
3.  The foreign spouse must be fluent in Bulgarian, and this will be assessed through a test
4.  The foreign spouse needs to be law-abiding

If the foreign spouse meets all of these criteria, they can apply for Bulgarian Citizenship by Marriage through the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice. The application will be reviewed, and a decision will be made within 6 months of receipt. It’s important to note that acquiring Bulgarian citizenship through marriage does not automatically grant the right to permanent residence or work in Bulgaria. These rights must be obtained separately through the relevant authorities.

What is the Process?

The actions below are usually required to get Bulgarian citizenship through marriage:

1. The foreign spouse must acquire all necessary documentation, including their marriage certificate, proof of legal residency in Bulgaria, proof of their fluency in Bulgarian, and a certificate stating that they have no criminal records
2. Application to Obtain Bulgarian Citizenship by Marriage: The foreign spouse must submit their application, along with the necessary supporting documentation, to the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice
3. Attend an interview: The foreign spouse may be requested to appear for an interview at the Ministry of Justice following the submission of the application in order to verify the information presented
4. Await the outcome: The Ministry of Justice will decide whether or not to grant Bulgarian Citizenship by Marriage after reviewing the application and conducting the interview (if necessary). Normally, the decision process takes six months

The foreign spouse will be given Bulgarian citizenship if the application is accepted, which will provide them with the same rights as Bulgarian citizens, including the ability to reside, work, and study there. It’s crucial to remember that obtaining Bulgarian citizenship through marriage does not grant automatic permission to live or work permanently in Bulgaria. These rights must be acquired independently from one another by the appropriate authorities.