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BulgariaResidence permit / permanent residence

Family member card in Bulgaria

The programme allows family members of EU citizens, including third-country nationals, to obtain a residence document in Bulgaria. The card confirms the legal status of a family member and serves as the ground for residence. It is issued for a set period and may be renewed. Issuing the document is governed by Bulgarian legislation on the conditions of entry, residence and departure of citizens of EU member states. Official documents issued by the authorities of EU member states are recognised without further legalisation.

Source: Ministry of the Interior, Migration Directorate — Издаване на документи на граждани на ЕС и на членовете на техните семейства

Who may apply

Various categories of family member may obtain the document. The procedure depends on the type of relationship and on the status of the main applicant (the EU citizen).

Family members of EU citizens

  • The spouse of an EU citizen
  • A person in a registered partnership with an EU citizen
  • A dependent child of an EU citizen
  • Dependent parents or grandparents of an EU citizen

Other scenarios

  • Family members of third-country nationals who have obtained the right of residence in the EU
  • People who have survived the spouse who was an EU citizen, if the marriage was valid
  • Minor children before they reach majority
  • Family members not listed in the direct categories, where dependency exists

When the programme is not a fit

You are an EU citizen

Use the programme for obtaining a residence certificate for EU citizens

You are a third-country national with no family ties to an EU citizen

Apply for a visa or a residence permit under the general procedure

You want to obtain permanent residence straight away

First obtain the residence card, and then, after five years of lawful residence, apply for permanent residence

What it costs

Family member card (standard processing, 30 days)18 BGN
Family member card (accelerated processing, 3 working days)36 BGN

Paid separately

  • Notarial certification of documents — Part of the applicant's costs, where proof of a document's authenticity is required

Documents to gather

Prepare originals or certified copies of the documents, depending on the requirements.

  • A valid passport or national identity card of the applicant
  • A marriage certificate or a document registering the partnership (for spouses and partners)
  • A birth certificate (for children)
  • A document establishing paternity or adoption (where applicable)
  • Proof that the EU citizen lives in Bulgaria (a certificate of registration of residence)
  • A document showing payment of the state fee (a receipt)
  • Documents confirming financial dependency (where applicable, for parents)
  • Documents confirming that you live together (a tenancy agreement, utility bills)

How the process runs

The process involves several stages of checks before the document is issued.

  1. 1

    Filing the application and receiving the temporary certificate

    On the day of filing

    The applicant attends the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior (or a local unit) with the complete set of documents. An officer accepts the application on the standard form and issues a temporary residence certificate. This certificate confirms lawful status and is valid until the card is received.

  2. 2

    Checking that the documents are complete and accurate

    Up to 14 days

    A specialist of the Migration Directorate checks that all the documents are present, correctly completed and in line with the requirements of the legislation. If shortcomings are found, the applicant is notified in writing stating which documents have to be supplied.

  3. 3

    Request for further information (if required)

    14 days to reply

    If the checks reveal circumstances that need clarification, the Migration Directorate sends a written request. The applicant is entitled to provide further explanations and documents within the set period.

  4. 4

    Production and handover of the family member card

    3 days (accelerated) or 30 days (standard)

    Once the checks are complete, and according to the processing option chosen, the Migration Directorate produces the plastic residence card. The applicant is notified in writing and collects the card in person at the designated collection point. If accelerated processing was requested, the document is ready within three working days.

Who you can bring with you

The law defines a broad circle of family members entitled to reside in Bulgaria as family members of an EU citizen.

Spouse or registered partner of an EU citizen
Has to be in a valid marriage or registered partnership recognised in Bulgaria or in an EU member state. The relationship has to be confirmed by official documents.
Dependent child of an EU citizen
Covers children under 21, or older where financial dependency is proven. It applies to the children of the main applicant and of their spouse.
Dependent relative in the ascending line of an EU citizen
Parents and grandparents of EU citizens who receive financial support. Economic dependency on the EU citizen has to be proven.
A person living in a de facto partnership with an EU citizen
Documentary proof of living together is required, including a joint account, a tenancy agreement and statements from third parties. Lawful status does not require the partnership to be registered.

Renewal and the grace period

The residence card is valid for five years. A month before it expires the applicant may file a new application to renew it. If the EU citizen and their family have lived lawfully in Bulgaria continuously for five years on the basis of a residence card, they may apply for a permanent residence certificate. Such a certificate is valid for ten years and provides additional guarantees of rights and freedoms.

What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship

Route to permanent residence

An EU citizen and a member of their family who have lived in Bulgaria lawfully for five years on a prodalzhitelno prebivavane certificate receive a permanent residence certificate.

Frequently asked questions about Family member card

Do documents issued by the authorities of other EU member states need to be legalised?
No. Official documents issued by the authorities of EU member states and covered by Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 are exempt from the requirement of an apostille and of further legalisation. They may be submitted as originals or certified copies without any additional procedures.
Is the family member's residence card valid outside Bulgaria?
The residence card allows the family member to live and work in Bulgaria. Travel to other countries requires a valid passport. In EU member states the family member may rely on a residence certificate recognised in the EU. A visa may be required for third countries.
What happens if the EU citizen leaves Bulgaria or their status changes?
If the EU citizen on whose basis the family member card was issued ends their stay in Bulgaria, this may affect the renewal of the card. If the marriage or partnership is dissolved, the family member may retain their rights in certain circumstances (for example where there are children in common). You should contact the Migration Directorate to clarify your rights.
Can a family member work in Bulgaria on the basis of this card?
Yes. The family member card gives the right to live and work in Bulgaria on equal terms with EU citizens. No additional work permits are required. The family member may work as an employee or as a self-employed person.

Other ways to move to Bulgaria

Every route in one list — migration programmes: Bulgaria.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.