Yes, non-Bulgarian family members of Bulgarian citizens can reside in Bulgaria, but they must undergo a family reunification process. In practice, this means obtaining a Type D visa for family reunification and subsequently applying for a residence permit in Bulgaria. For spouses, children, or parents of Bulgarian citizens, the law provides a facilitated path to residency (and eventually to permanent residence or citizenship, in some cases).
Family members of Bulgarian citizens are afforded certain privileges under Bulgarian immigration law, but they are not automatically granted residency (especially if they are non-EU nationals). The key categories considered are spouses of Bulgarian citizens, minor children of Bulgarian citizens, and sometimes dependent parents of Bulgarian citizens. The process and rights can differ slightly based on whether the family member is an EU citizen or a non-EU citizen:
- If the family member is an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen: They can enter Bulgaria freely and reside under EU free movement rules (in fact, if the Bulgarian citizen has been living in another EU country and returns, EU law may apply). They would need to register as an EU resident in Bulgaria (similar to any EU national) and show proof of the family relationship. This is straightforward, and no visa is required.
- If the family member is a non-EU citizen: They must follow a national family reunification procedure. First, the non-EU family member should typically apply for a Type D long-stay visa for “family reunification with a Bulgarian citizen.” This is done at the Bulgarian embassy in the country where they reside. Suppose the couple was married outside of Bulgaria. In that case, the marriage certificate must be officially recognized in Bulgaria (i.e., transcribed and registered in the Bulgarian civil register) before the visa process can proceed. Once the D visa is issued, the family member travels to Bulgaria and, within 3 months of entry, applies at the Migration Directorate for a residence permit as a family member.
- Spouses: The non-EU spouse will receive a residence card (typically an “extended” residence permit valid for 1 year, renewable annually) after submitting their application and documents (passport, D visa, marriage certificate, proof of address in BG, health insurance, financial means, etc.). Bulgarian authorities may sometimes verify the marriage’s authenticity. Notably, some sources indicate that the foreign spouse should have been married to the Bulgarian for over 3 years to qualify under this category. In practice, this requirement might be tied to obtaining permanent residence more easily or citizenship. However, newly married couples can still apply – they get a temporary permit and must renew. After 5 years of continuous residence in Bulgaria based on marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for permanent residence (home-affairs.ec.europa.eu). Additionally, once the foreign spouse has been a permanent resident for three years, they become eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship (provided the marriage remains intact for at least three years) – a faster route compared to the standard five years of permanent residency required for others.
- Children: A minor child (under 18) of a Bulgarian citizen (if the child is not already a Bulgarian citizen by birth) can also get a residence permit. Unmarried minor children of Bulgarian citizens are actually immediately eligible for permanent residence under the law (home-affairs.ec.europa.eu), reflecting the principle of family unity. In practice, one would still apply for a D visa for the child and then a residence card, but the status granted could be more secure. Such children could also be fast-tracked to citizenship in many cases since Bulgaria grants citizenship by descent.
- Parents: If a Bulgarian citizen is an adult and can financially support their non-EU parent, that parent may apply for a D visa as a dependent parent of a Bulgarian citizen. Bulgarian law allows parents of Bulgarian citizens to obtain permanent residence after 3 years of continuous residence in Bulgaria, provided they have provided “due legally established support” to the Bulgarian (this usually means the Bulgarian child signs an affidavit of support), home-affairs.ec.europa.eu. Initially, the parent would obtain a temporary residence permit, renewable annually, and then, after three years, they can apply for a permanent residence permit.
In all cases, the family member must enter Bulgaria legally (with the appropriate visa if required) and apply for the residence permit in-country. For spouses and children, the initial residence permit is often processed quite quickly (sometimes in a few days for EU family, a few weeks for non-EU family). Family members of Bulgarian citizens have the right to work in Bulgaria without a work permit once they have their residence card, because they qualify as family members of an EU citizen (in their home country) under national law (home-affairs.ec.europa.eu). This means, for example, a foreign spouse with a Bulgarian residence card can take up employment in Bulgaria without needing a separate work authorization.
It’s important to note that these rules are intended to facilitate genuine families. Suppose the Bulgarian citizen and their non-EU spouse divorce or the conditions change. In that case, the non-EU spouse’s residence rights might be affected (they would eventually need another basis to stay if not a permanent resident yet). If a Bulgarian citizen passes away or leaves Bulgaria, the law may allow a family member to retain residency under certain conditions, but these are case-by-case.
In summary, yes, family members (including spouses, children, and parents) of Bulgarian citizens are eligible to live in Bulgaria. The non-Bulgarian family member should obtain a long-stay visa D and then apply for a residence permit. After several years, they can obtain permanent residence and even pursue citizenship. Bulgaria’s laws provide a relatively welcoming approach to keeping families together, though there are procedural steps to follow.
More Information:
- EU Immigration Portal – Family Reunification (Bulgaria): Outlines conditions for non-EU family members, noting that a Bulgarian residence permit (valid ≥1 year) is needed by the sponsor to apply, which in the case of a Bulgarian citizen is inherent, and that family members must obtain a D visa and then a residence permit – Web: home-affairs.ec.europa.eu and home-affairs.ec.europa.eu.
- Bulgarian Ministry of Interior – Family Members Procedure: (Bulgarian source) Explains the application to the Migration Directorate for family reunification, listing required documents (e.g., marriage certificate, proof of finances, accommodation, no criminal record, etc.) – Web: home-affairs.ec.europa.eu.
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Legal Disclaimer: The information in this article (part of the Stay in Bulgaria FAQ series—EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, UK nationals, third-country nationals, citizens of developing countries, digital nomads, and family members of Bulgarian citizens) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and procedures (including Schengen/90-day rules, Type D visas, residence permits, and related EU/Bulgarian regulations) are subject to frequent changes; therefore, content may be incomplete or out of date. External links are provided for convenience; we are not responsible for their content. For advice tailored to your situation, consult the Migration Directorate (Ministry of Interior), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or a licensed immigration attorney. Last updated: September 2025.
