How to Apply for Bulgarian Citizenship from Australia

A Bulgarian passport offers Australian citizens a powerful combination of practical advantages and emotional significance. As a full European Union member state, Bulgarian citizenship grants Australians unrestricted access to live, work, and study across 27 European countries—opening doors that extend far beyond Bulgaria’s picturesque Black Sea coastline and mountain ranges.

With increasingly flexible attitudes toward dual citizenship and a streamlined application process for those with Bulgarian ancestry, 2025 presents an ideal time for eligible Australians to explore this opportunity. Our detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know about securing your Bulgarian citizenship from Australia.

Eligibility for Bulgarian Citizenship

Bulgarian citizenship is available through several pathways, with descent being the most common route for the Australian-Bulgarian diaspora community:

1. Bulgarian Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis) – This is the primary pathway for Australians with Bulgarian ancestry. You may qualify if:
   • You have at least one Bulgarian parent, regardless of where you were born
   • You have Bulgarian grandparents or great-grandparents (up to third-degree relatives)
   • You can prove Bulgarian ethnic origin through documentary evidence
2. Bulgarian Citizenship by Birth – Persons born in Bulgarian territory automatically receive Bulgarian citizenship if at least one parent is a Bulgarian citizen.
3. Bulgarian Citizenship by Naturalisation – Available to those who have legally resided in Bulgaria for at least 5 years, or 3 years if married to a Bulgarian citizen.
4. Bulgarian Citizenship by Investment – Bulgaria offers a fast-track citizenship program through significant investment in the country, though this pathway has stricter requirements and higher costs.

○ Handy Tip: The descent pathway is generally the simplest and most straightforward option for Australians with Bulgarian heritage, requiring no residency period in Bulgaria.

Please note that we are not Migration Agents, nor giving any migration advice, and that we encourage you to contact your local Bulgarian embassy or consulate for more information.

Required Documents for Bulgarian Citizenship Applications

All official Australian documents must have an Apostille stamp affixed to them. This internationally recognised certification verifies that your documents are authentic and official.

Apostille stamps should be obtained before submitting your documents for translation, as the stamp itself must also be translated into Bulgarian.

○ Handy Tip: You can obtain an Apostille stamp by contacting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through their Notarial Services here. You can book an appointment or send your documents by post through the Australian Passport Office website here.

If your documents are in English, then they will all need to be translated by an official translator into Bulgarian. We can help translate your documents for you!

The specific documents required depend on your eligibility pathway, but typically include:

For Bulgarian Citizenship by Descent

1. Birth Certificate with Apostille Stamp Translated – Your original Australian birth certificate with an apostille stamp. Both the certificate and stamp must be translated into Bulgarian by a certified translator.
   ○ Handy Tip: This should be an official Birth Certificate from Births, Deaths, and Marriages in your state or territory, not a church-issued certificate.
2. Marriage Certificate with Apostille Stamp Translated (if applicable) – Your original Australian marriage certificate with an apostille stamp, translated into Bulgarian.
3. Proof of Bulgarian Ancestry – Documentation establishing your Bulgarian heritage, which may include:
   • Birth or marriage certificates of your Bulgarian parents/grandparents
   • Bulgarian identity documents of ancestors
   • Church records
   • Official Bulgarian archive records
   ○ Handy Tip: You must demonstrate an unbroken connection to your Bulgarian ancestor. This means providing documents that link each generation from you to your Bulgarian forebears.
4. Valid Identity Document – Such as your current Australian passport, driver’s licence, or ID card.
5. Completed Application Form – Available from the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice, this must be completed in Bulgarian.
   ○ Handy Tip: If you cannot complete this form in Bulgarian, we can translate it for you.
6. Declaration of Bulgarian Origin – A signed statement confirming your Bulgarian heritage.
7. Police Clearance Certificate – A Criminal Record Check, which is typically a National Police Certificate issued by the AFP (see link here) with Apostille certification, translated into Bulgarian by an official certified Bulgarian translator.
   ○ Handy Tip: The certificate should not be older than 6 months at the time of application.
8. Passport-sized Photographs – Recent colour photos meeting Bulgarian passport specifications.
9. Application Fee – Payment for processing your Bulgarian citizenship application.

For Bulgarian Citizenship by Naturalisation

If applying through naturalisation (after residing in Bulgaria), you’ll need additional documents:

1. Proof of Legal Residency – Evidence of your legal stay in Bulgaria for the required period.
2. Bulgarian Language Proficiency – Documentation showing your command of the Bulgarian language.
3. Financial Stability Proof – Evidence that you can support yourself financially in Bulgaria.
4. Medical Insurance Certificate – Proof of health insurance coverage in Bulgaria.

○ Handy Tip: All official Australian documents must be translated into Bulgarian by a certified translator. Our team at Balkan Translations specialises in NAATI-certified translations, ensuring your documents meet all requirements for a smooth application process.

Where to Apply for Bulgarian Citizenship in Australia

Bulgarian citizenship applications from Australia must be submitted through the Bulgarian Embassy in Canberra.

The application can be submitted in person or by post, with all required documents properly authenticated and translated.

○ Handy Tip: We recommend calling ahead to book an appointment if submitting in person, as this can significantly reduce waiting times.

Application Process Timeline

The Bulgarian citizenship application process typically follows these steps:

1. Document Collection and Authentication (1-2 months) – Gather all required documents and obtain Apostille stamps.
2. Document Translation (2-3 weeks) – Have all documents professionally translated into Bulgarian.
3. Application Submission – Submit your complete application package to the Bulgarian Embassy.
4. Application Processing (12-24 months) – Your application will be reviewed by the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice.
5. Decision and Certificate Issuance – Upon approval, you’ll receive your Bulgarian citizenship certificate.

○ Handy Tip: Keep digital and physical copies of all submitted documents for your records. This can be invaluable if follow-up questions arise during the processing period.

Benefits of Bulgarian Citizenship

Obtaining Bulgarian citizenship offers numerous advantages:

EU Freedom of Movement – As a Bulgarian citizen, you gain the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 European Union member states without visa restrictions.

Visa-Free Travel – A Bulgarian passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 144 countries and territories worldwide.

Property Ownership – Bulgarian citizens face no restrictions on purchasing property in Bulgaria, unlike non-EU citizens.

Cultural Connection – Formal recognition of your Bulgarian heritage strengthens your connection to Bulgaria’s rich history, traditions, and language.

Dual Citizenship Benefits – Australia permits dual citizenship, allowing you to enjoy the full rights and privileges of both Australian and Bulgarian citizenship simultaneously.

○ Handy Tip: As an EU citizen, you’ll also have access to subsidised healthcare throughout the European Union when travelling with a European Health Insurance Card.

How Balkan Translations Can Help

At Balkan Translations, we specialise in supporting your Bulgarian citizenship journey:

• NAATI-Certified Bulgarian Translations – All our translations meet the rigorous standards required by both Australian and Bulgarian authorities.
• Document Package Preparation – We can help prepare your entire documentation package, ensuring all translations maintain consistent terminology.
• Personalised Guidance – Our experienced team can provide insights on specific document requirements based on your unique situation.
• Digital Translation Services – Submit your documents electronically and receive professional translations without leaving your home.
• Говорим български!

Final Thoughts

The journey to Bulgarian citizenship represents both a practical opportunity and an emotional reconnection with your heritage. While the process requires careful attention to detail and patience, the rewards of EU citizenship make it worthwhile for eligible applicants.

For the most current application requirements and processing timeframes, we recommend contacting the Bulgarian Embassy in Canberra directly.

Need support with your Bulgarian citizenship application? Balkan Translations offers specialised translation services for Australians of Bulgarian heritage. Our experienced team ensures your documents are accurately translated and properly prepared, helping streamline your path to Bulgarian citizenship.

Please note that we are not Migration Agents nor do we provide migration advice. We recommend that you contact the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate for any clarifications or questions regarding your specific situation.