How to Get Bulgarian Citizenship by Descent: The Ultimate Guide

What is Citizenship by Descent?

Citizenship by descent (CBD) or citizenship by origin are the same thing. Sometimes it is also called citizenship by ancestry. Any person who can prove that their bloodline connects them to a particular country can request that country to provide them with citizenship.

The only important thing here to notice is that, in most cases, you cannot go back as many generations as you like to prove a bloodline. Up to three generations are the most that some countries allow. Any country with a nationality law of jus sanguinis can give citizenship by descent. Now let’s move to the country whose CBD program we are going to discuss today – Bulgaria.

Why Bulgaria?

For starters, a Bulgarian passport is an excellent passport to own, allowing visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival access to 173 countries. So, if you are a citizen of a nation with a weaker passport, obtaining Bulgarian citizenship by descent should be a no-brainer.

Bulgaria is also one of the European Union member states, which means that by becoming a Bulgarian citizen, you will also become a citizen of the European Union, which offers tons of benefits on its own. Let’s look at some of the benefits of choosing to obtain Bulgarian citizenship.

Benefits of Bulgarian Citizenship By Descent

Bulgaria is an EU Member State

Bulgaria acquired its membership in the European Union on January 1st, 2007, alongside Romania. This means that by becoming a Bulgarian citizen, you will be able to live, study, or work anywhere in the EU.

You will also be able to benefit from the highly affordable education system and cheap tuition fees all over Europe. Bulgarian citizens also get to enjoy universal healthcare. Being a citizen of an EU member state, also mean lots of trade benefits and ease for business investors and entrepreneurs looking to benefit from the world’s largest single market.

Bulgaria Boasts a Rich History

Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe. If that wasn’t a fascinating fact as it is, the country has been a part of the Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and the Great Ottoman Empire throughout its history. During the 20th century, it was also part of the Soviet Union.

Strong Passport

Bulgaria is not bad at all when it comes to passport strength. Henley and Partners ranked the Bulgarian passport 17th on their official Passport Index ranking. As of 2022, citizens of Bulgaria can enjoy visa-on-arrival or visa-free access to 173 countries. Obtaining Bulgarian citizenship by descent will offer huge freedom of movement to citizens of countries like Russia, China, and Mexico.

Low Tax Rates

There’s no doubt that Bulgaria has one of the lowest tax rates among the European countries, but what makes it truly attractive is the simplicity of its tax regime. Bulgarian citizens pay a tax rate of flat 10% on their worldwide income unless they are non-residents. In which case they only pay taxes on their locally sourced income.

Bulgarian Citizenship By Descent

The Bulgarian Citizenship Act always had a clause regarding jus sanguinis providing citizenship by birthright, but as of March 2021, foreign nationals who can prove their Bulgarian origin up to three generations can request Bulgarian citizenship.

It means that if you can prove that you have a Bulgarian parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship. The foundation for Bulgarian citizenship by descent can be found in Section 15 of the Bulgarian Citizenship act.

A foreign citizen may acquire Bulgarian citizenship by naturalization if they meet one of the following requirements: 1. the person is of Bulgarian origin 2. the person has been (fully) adopted by a Bulgarian citizen 3. one of their (alive or deceased )parents is a Bulgarian citizen

Get Your Blood-Right

If you are positive about your Bulgarian bloodline and want to adopt a cheaper route to EU citizenship, obtaining Bulgarian citizenship by descent is perfect for you. Contact us, and we will help you navigate the complicated channels of Bulgarian bureaucracy so that you can call yourself a proud citizen of Bulgaria and the EU.