Bulgaria Merit CitizenshipEU citizenship for special merit in the public, economic, scientific, cultural or sporting sphere.
Legal Basis
Article 16 of the Bulgarian Citizenship Act allows naturalisation when Bulgaria has an interest in it or the applicant has special merits in the public, economic, scientific, technological, cultural or sporting sphere. The minister responsible for the field starts the procedure and the citizenship decree is issued by the Vice President.
There is no residence or language requirement and dual citizenship is permitted. The Vice President’s office has been vacant since January 2026, with elections on 25 October 2026, so decisions may take longer than usual.
Who May Qualify
- Economic contribution – Economic or advisory contributions that benefit Bulgaria.
- Science & research – Internationally recognised researchers and academics.
- Culture & arts – Artists and performers of international standing.
- Sport – Elite athletes, often to represent the national team.
Advantages
- EU citizenship with no residence requirement
- No Bulgarian language or history test
- Dual citizenship permitted
- Faster than standard naturalisation
Requirements
- Article 16, Bulgarian Citizenship Act
- No language test
- Dual citizenship permitted
Key Facts
- Decided by: President of Bulgaria, via the Ministry of Justice
- Processing time: 6 months
- Residence: No residence requirement
- Family: Spouse and children – assessed case by case
About Bulgaria
Bulgaria lies on the Black Sea, bordering Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece and Türkiye. It is a member of the EU and NATO and joined the Schengen Area in 2025.
Bulgaria offers a flat 10% income and corporate tax, a thriving IT and outsourcing sector, and a low cost of living.
- EU and NATO member, part of Schengen
- Flat 10% personal and corporate tax
- Strong IT and outsourcing sector
- Black Sea coast and mountain resorts
Citizenship by merit is discretionary: there is no fixed price or investment threshold, and every case is decided individually. See all citizenship by merit countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fixed price for the Bulgaria Citizenship by Special Merit?
No. Citizenship by merit is granted at the government’s discretion, case by case, and there is no published price or investment threshold. Your advisor assesses your profile and achievements before any application is prepared.
How long does the Bulgaria Citizenship by Special Merit take?
Processing typically takes 2–6 months from submission of a complete application. Your advisor gives you a personal timeline after the pre-eligibility review.
Can I include my family in the application?
Family members who can be included: Spouse and children – assessed case by case. Your advisor checks each dependant’s eligibility before you apply.
Do I need to visit or live in Bulgaria?
No residence requirement. Rules change from time to time, so your advisor confirms the current requirement in writing.
Source: Bulgarian Citizenship Act, Article 16.
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