Bulgarian Passport Information - Everything You Need to Know

13 Questions to Help You Understand Everything You Need to Know About a Bulgarian Passport.

We, at High Net Worth Immigration, have compiled a list of the most frequent questions we receive about the bulgarian passport so you get a better understanding of it:

1. Is the Bulgarian passport biometric?

Yes. Any Bulgarian passport after March 29, 2010, is biometric. This means that they contain a chip with biometric data and are machine-readable. Security features include holographic images, micro-printing, UV-visible features, and watermarks. 

2. What does a Bulgarian passport look like?

The Bulgarian passport follows the standard EU design. It’s Burgundy-colored and has the Bulgarian Coat of Arms on the front cover. It says “European Union” and “Republic of Bulgaria” in both Bulgarian and English. It contains either 32 or 48 pages, all of which are decorated with pictures of famous Bulgarian landmarks and monuments. 

3. What are Bulgarian passport photo requirements?

Bulgarian passport photos must conform to the internationally-agreed Biometric Standard for passports. The Bulgarian passport requires 3 photos, sized 35mm x 45mm. The head size must be between 25 and 35mm. Photos must be taken against a 20% gray background. No hats, handkerchiefs, beards or mustaches are allowed in the photos. Wigs are only allowed if worn permanently. All photos must be taken on film in 600 DPI resolution, and printed on MATT paper that is between 0.12 and 0.20mm in weight. 

4. What is the validity of the Bulgarian passport?

The Bulgarian passport is valid for a period of 5 years.

5. Which countries can I travel to visa-free with a Bulgarian passport?

Bulgaria has visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival agreements with at least 160 countries. 

For a full list of eligible countries, their various visa distinctions, and the time allotted in each country per the visa, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria website.

6. Can I travel to the USA visa-free with a Bulgarian passport?

Unfortunately, a Bulgarian passport does not grant visa-free entry into the United States. Currently, the USA and Bulgaria do not have a Visa-waiver agreement established.  Any Bulgaria travelers planning on visiting the United States must first obtain a visa, either a non immigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

7. Can I travel to Canada visa-free with Bulgarian passport?

A Bulgarian passport grants travelers visa-free entry into Canada. Instead of a visa, all travelers need is an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). An eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to a traveler’s passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.  With a valid eTA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays (normally for up to six months at a time).

8. Can Bulgarian citizens work in Germany and the rest of the EU member states?

Yes. Bulgarians gained the right to work in any of the EU’s 27 member states on January 1, 2014. As a Bulgarian citizen, you can work in any of the EU member states including Germany, Austria, Belgium, Britain, France, Spain, Malta, Luxembourg, Italy, and Sweden.

9. Can a Bulgarian passport holder work in the UK?

Yes. Bulgarians gained the right to work in in the UK on January 1, 2014. Bulgarian passport holders are exempt from immigration control, can work in the UK without restrictions, and can present their passport or national identity card to satisfy a right to work check. However, this may or may not change as a result of Brexit. There are several options for those looking to confirm their work status in the UK in light of Brexit uncertainties. These include applying for a Registration Certificate, a Permanent Residence Certificate, or Citizenship via the UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur or Investor visa.

10. How can you get a Bulgarian passport via investment?

There are several different pathways to secure a Bulgarian passport by way of investment. The Bulgarian Program for Residency and Citizenship offers two different investment pathways via bond investments, as well as a brand-new Real Estate Investment in a mega-resort development project called Project St. Sofia. Each of these citizenship by investment opportunities require at least one year of Permanent Residency in Bulgaria before you can apply for a Bulgarian passport. The total time it takes to secure a passport depends on if you do the fast-track option (1 year of permanent residency), or standard route (5 years).

11. How to renew a Bulgarian passport in Bulgaria?

A Bulgarian passport needs to be renewed every 5 years. You must submit your application for renewal in person or via an authorized person after submitting a notarized power of attorney.

An application for a passport for minors and persons under legal disability must be submitted by parents, guardians or trustees. The application should be accompanied by:

• Supporting civil status documents confirming the application data
• Birth certificate for anyone under 18 years
• Previous passports (if any)
• Document for paid state fee 

12. How to renew Bulgarian passport abroad?

 If you live abroad and need to renew your Bulgarian passport, you can do so by visiting official Bulgarian embassies or consulates in your country of residence. You can also visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, and search under Consular Services for document information.

13. How to Obtain the Bulgarian Passport?

A: You can obtain Bulgarian passport via Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Program and enjoy the benefits that come with it – visa free travel, freedom to live, retire, work, study and run a business in Europe.

Ready to learn more about the Bulgarian Citizenship by Investment Program? 

Still have any questions? Write in the comments or Contact us today for full details on how you can obtain your Bulgarian passport by investment. Get started on your immigration progress and book a free consultation.

 Photo © Etudite na Sofia