Bulgaria to Allow Citizenship for 5-Year Legal Stay

Bulgarian Parliament has adopted at first reading amendments to the Foreigners Act. Photo by BGNES

Five-year legal stay in Bulgaria is the basic criteria for foreigners who want to receive a Bulgarian citizenship, state the amendments to the Foreigners Act, adopted at first reading in the parliament.

The candidates have to prove that they have enough resources, as well as a health insurance, so that they do not become a burden to a EU member state. After obtaining a citizenship, their status is permanent, as long as they do not violate the principles, laid down by European directives.

The amendments also define the reasons for a potential withdrawal of the citizenship. It is valid for five years and when it expires, it could be automatically renewed after a submitted application.

The European definition of family reunion has also been introduced, as well as requirements for providing a simplified procedure for entry and residence of the members of the citizen's family.

The bill envisions texts, defining the type of people, coming from non-EU member states and eligible for long-term stay in Bulgaria for educational purposes.

Directive 2009/50/ЕО, regarding the "blue card" permits, will be partially applied. It allows highly qualified workers from non-EU countries to stay in Bulgaria together with their families and practice their profession on the country's territory.