Bulgaria Passport

Bulgarian Passport – A Gateway to the European Union

The Bulgarian passport is an internationally recognized travel and identification document issued to citizens of Bulgaria. As a member of the European Union (EU), Bulgaria provides its citizens with the rights and privileges that come with EU citizenship, making the Bulgarian passport highly desirable for travel, work, and residence across Europe.

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Key Features of the Bulgarian Passport

• Burgundy red cover with the inscription “European Union / Republic of Bulgaria / Passport”
• Biometric passport (e-passport) with embedded chip
• Contains personal data, signature, and photograph
• Issued in Bulgarian, English, and French
• Complies with ICAO standards

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Benefits of the Bulgarian Passport

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries, including:
  • All EU and Schengen states
  • United Kingdom
  • Japan, South Korea, Brazil
  • Visa waiver for Canada, Australia, and more (some restrictions apply)
• Freedom of movement within the EU for work, study, and residence
• Access to consular assistance from any EU member state if abroad
• Eligible for dual citizenship (Bulgaria allows dual nationality in many cases)

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Who Can Apply for a Bulgarian Passport?

You must be a Bulgarian citizen by birth, descent, or naturalization. Eligibility is based on:

• Birth in Bulgaria
• At least one Bulgarian parent
• Citizenship granted through naturalization or investment
• Restoration of Bulgarian citizenship (for former citizens)

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Types of Bulgarian Passports

• Regular Passport – For everyday citizens (valid for 5 or 10 years depending on age)
• Service Passport – For government employees on official duty
• Diplomatic Passport – For diplomats and high-ranking officials
• Temporary Passport – For emergency travel

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Passport Validity

• 10 years for adults over 18
• 5 years for minors aged 14–18
• 5 years or less for children under 14
• 1-year emergency passports for special circumstances

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Application Process

1. Prepare Required Documents
   • Valid Bulgarian ID card or birth certificate
   • Previous passport (if renewing)
   • Citizenship certificate (if applicable)
   • Parental consent for minors
   • Biometric photo taken at the passport office
2. Visit an Authorized Office
   • Apply in person at a Bulgarian Ministry of Interior regional office
   • Abroad: Apply at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate
3. Pay the Applicable Fees
   • Standard passport issuance fee varies based on age and processing speed
   • Expedited services available
4. Biometric Data Collection
   • Fingerprints, digital photo, and signature are recorded
5. Passport Delivery
   • Standard: 30 working days
   • Expedited: 3–10 working days

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Passport Fees (Approximate)

• Adult passport (10-year validity): ~BGN 40–50
• Children’s passports: Lower fees
• Express or fast-track service: Additional cost (~BGN 75–100)

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Lost or Stolen Passport

If your Bulgarian passport is lost or stolen:

• Report it to the police immediately
• Apply for a replacement at the nearest passport office or Bulgarian embassy
• Submit a police report and identity verification documents

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Bulgarian Passport Strength (2025 Ranking)

As of 2025, the Bulgarian passport ranks among the top 20 most powerful globally, offering strong international mobility and EU benefits.

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Dual Citizenship and Bulgarian Passport

Bulgaria permits dual citizenship in many cases. Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, and several other countries may retain their original nationality when acquiring Bulgarian citizenship. This makes the Bulgarian passport particularly attractive for investors and descendants of Bulgarians living abroad.

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Conclusion

The Bulgarian passport is more than just a travel document—it’s your access to the European Union, global mobility, and enhanced opportunities for living, working, and studying abroad. Whether you’re a Bulgarian citizen by birth or through naturalization, holding a Bulgarian passport opens doors around the world.

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Need more information?
Visit the official Bulgarian government site: www.mvr.bg or contact your local embassy or regional police office.