Original document : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-bulgaria
Change description : 2020-09-11 14:48:00: Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021. [Brexit]
Showing diff : 2020-01-23 14:39:08 +00:00..2020-09-11 17:31:59 +00:00
Guidance
Official information for UK nationals moving to or living in Bulgaria, including guidance on Brexit, residency, healthcarehealthcare, passports and passports.the Withdrawal Agreement.
TheYou UKshould isfollow leavingthe advice of the EU.Bulgarian ThisGovernment pageand tellsyour youlocal howauthority. toYou preparecan foralso Brexitread andour willBulgaria betravel updatedadvice iffor anythingour changes.latest guidance.
You should:
The British Embassy regularly holds events across Bulgaria for UK nationals. Attend one of our citizen outreach meetings to keep up to date on working and living in BulgariaBulgaria.
YouThe Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights. It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this time you can also:continue to live, work and study in the EU broadly as you did before 31 January 2020.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations. Read this guidance page for more information.
In the meantime, make sure you are registered as a resident in Bulgaria. We will update this guidance as soon as more information becomes available.
You should also read our guidance on living in Europe
See our travel advice for entry requirements for Bulgaria.
ReadIf ouryou guidanceare resident in Bulgaria before the transition period ends on moving31 orDecember retiring2020 abroad.
you will be able to stay.
If you arearrive stayingduring the transition period and plan to stay for more than 3 months, you must apply to your nearest police department for residency.
You will need to provide documentation proving that:
or
You will also need to show your passport.
You must check with Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior or with your nearest police department what further documentation you may need to apply for residency.
Once you have been resident in Bulgaria for 5 years, you can apply to Migration Directorate for a permanent residency certificate.
See the Ministry of Interior’s Migration Directorate website for how to get long-term and permanent residence permits or contact your local migration office or call +359 (2) 982 4808, email: migration@mvr.bg.
If you are resident in Bulgaria before the end of the implementation period on 31 December 2020 you will be able to stay.
If there are changes to residency registration processesprocesses, after Brexit, we will update this guidance as soon as information is available.
Read the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior’s guidance on residency andfor BrexitUK nationals in Bulgaria.
Read our guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
Once you have held a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria for 5 years, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
If you apply for Bulgarian citizenship after 31 January 2020, you may have to renounce your UK citizenship, based on your personal circumstances (e.g. if you are not married to a Bulgarian citizen).
For your Bulgarian citizenship application, you may need to order a birth, marriage or death certificate from the UK. You may also need a UK criminal records certificate in the UK.
You may also be required to have these and other UK documents officially translated and legalised (apostilled).
If you applyare forliving Bulgarianin citizenshipBulgaria afteror move there permanently before 31 JanuaryDecember 2020, youyou’ll may have tolife-long renouncehealthcare yourrights UKin citizenship,Bulgaria basedas onyou yourdo personalnow, circumstancesprovided (e.g.you ifremain youresident.
Read areour notguidance marriedon towho acan Bulgarianaccess citizen).healthcare in Bulgaria and how to register.
If you live in Bulgaria and receive an exportable UK pension, contribution-based Employment Support Allowance or another exportable benefit, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for a certificate of entitlement known as an S1 certificate. To apply, call +44 (0)191 218 1999. When you get your form, register with your Regional Health Insurance Fund office before registering with a GP.
If you are resident in Bulgaria, you must not use your EHIC from the UK to access healthcare in Bulgaria.
When you travel from Bulgaria for a temporary stay in another European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you can use an EHIC to access state-provided healthcare in that country. During that short stay:
If you are a student, read the NHS guidance on healthcare and studying abroad.
You can find English-speaking doctors in Bulgaria.
You should also check your prescriptions are legal in Bulgaria.
There will be no changes to your healthcare access before 31 December 2020. You can also continue to use your EHIC, as you did before, during this time.
IfYou youshould also read guidance on:
The thererules permanentlyon beforetravel will stay the same until the transition period ends on 31 December 2020,2020. you’llDuring havethis life-longtime healthcareyou rightscan continue to travel to countries in Bulgariathe asSchengen youarea door now,elsewhere providedin youthe remainEU resident.
ReadCheck ouryour travelpassport adviceis forvalid Bulgariabefore andyou signbook upyour fortrip. up-to-dateYour informationpassport onshould localbe lawsvalid andfor customs,the safetyproposed andduration emergencies.of your stay.
You can apply for your British passport from Bulgaria.
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip.
From Your1 January 2021, you must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport shouldto betravel validto formost thecountries proposedin durationEurope of(not yourincluding stay;Ireland). youThis dorequirement does not needapply anyif additionalyou periodare entering or transiting to Bulgaria, and you are in scope of validitythe Withdrawal Agreement.
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport beyondover this.10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
You’llYou will need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.
TheAs rulesa onnon-EEA travelnational, different border checks will stayapply thewhen sametravelling untilto theother endEU ofor theSchengen implementationarea periodcountries. onYou 31may Decemberneed 2020.to Duringshow thisa timereturn or onward ticket and that you canhave continueenough money for your stay. You may also have to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped for visits to these countries.
From 1 January 2021, you will be able to travel to other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days in theany Schengen180-day areaperiod without a visa for purposes such as tourism. This is a rolling 180-day period.
To stay for longer, to work or elsewherestudy, inor for business travel, you will need to meet the EUentry withrequirements set out by the country to which you are travelling. This could mean applying for a visa or work permit. You may also need to get a visa if your UKvisit passport.would take you over the 90 days in 180 days limit.
WePeriods willof updatestay theseauthorised pagesunder witha detailsvisa ofor anypermit changeswill not count against the 90-day limit. Travel to the UK and the Ireland will not change.
Different rules aswill soonapply asto informationEU iscountries available.that Youare shouldnot signpart upof forthe updatesSchengen Area. Check each country’s travel advice pageto thisfor guidance.information on entry requirements.
ReadYou ourwill guidancebe able to use your UK driving licence until the transition period ends on what31 youDecember need2020 toor driveuntil abroadyour andlicence roadexpires, travelwhichever incomes Bulgaria.first.
If you are resident in Bulgaria, you should exchange your UK licence for a Bulgarian driving licencelicence. However, withinyou must wait to do so until at least six months after firstyou registeringregister withfor Bulgarian authorities.residency.
To exchange your UK driving licence for a local one, contact the traffic police department at your nearest Regional Police Department.
You can still use your Bulgarian licence in the UK for short visits or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test if you return to live in the UK.
Read ourthe guidanceBulgarian Ministry of Interior’s on how to exchange your licence (in Bulgarian).
Read more about driving licence renewal and exchange and taking a vehicle out of the UK.
YouRead willour beguidance able to use your UK driving licence until the end of the implementation period on 31what Decemberyou 2020need orto untildrive yourabroad licenceand expires,road whichevertravel comesin first.
Read the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior’s on how to exchange your licence after BrexitBulgaria.
Read our guidance on working in anotheran EU country.
Some jobs may require a UK criminal records check, known as a DBS check.
You can get a Bulgarian criminal records certificate from the Judicial Records Register from any Bulgarian Regional Court (Районен съд) or from the Ministry of Justice. You can see details and download application forms at the Ministry of Justice website (in Bulgarian language only).
If you are resident in Bulgaria afteron Brexit
Youror before 31 December 2020, your right to work will not change as long as you remain resident in Bulgaria.
For information on education, read studying in the European Union after Brexit.
The
RecognitionIf decisionsyou madehave onalready qualificationsbeen obtainedrecognised inby thean UK or the EU beforecountry theas endholding ofvalid theprofessional implementationqualifications, periodthis onwill 31remain December 2020 are not affected.valid.
If you have not had your professional qualifications recognised, you willcan have until the end of the implementation period to submit an application under the current rules.rules until 31 December 2020.
YouThe canUK readhas oura guidancedouble ontaxation taxagreement ifwith Bulgaria to ensure you leavedo not pay tax on the UKsame toincome livein abroadboth andcountries. Ask the relevant tax onauthority your UKquestions incomeabout ifdouble youtaxation live abroad.relief.
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In Bulgaria, you should expect to pay personal income tax and home owners’ tax. Additional taxes exist, including a vehicle tax and a fee for rubbish collection. See National Revenue Agency.
We recommend you get professional advice on paying tax in Bulgaria.
You may be able to pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
If you are employed or self-employed in the EU or EEA and you have a UK-issued A1/E101 form, you will remain subject to UK legislation until the end date on the form.
Brexit will not change existing double-taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Bulgaria. You should send your taxpayer questions about double taxation relief to the relevant tax authority.
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving[moving or retiring abroad. See State Pension if you retire abroad and new State Pension.abroad](https://www.gov.uk/moving-or-retiring-abroad.
ThereIf willyou beretire noin changesBulgaria, beforeyou 31can Decemberclaim 2020your to the rules on claiming the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerlandnew asState a result of the UK leaving the EU.Pension.
If you have not worked in Bulgaria, you should claim your UK State Pension by contacting the International Pension Centre.
If you have worked in several EU countries, see State Pensions abroad.
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service you need to respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
You can continue to receive your UK State Pension if you live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you can still claim your UK State Pension.
If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 you will get your UK State Pension uprated every year for as long as you continue to live there. This will happen even if you start claiming your pension on or after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions explained in the new State Pension guidance.
If you are living in Bulgaria by 31 December 2020, you will be able to count future social security contributions towards meeting the qualifying conditions for your UK State Pension.
If you work and pay social security contributions in Bulgaria, you will still be able to add your UK social security contributions towards your Bulgarian pension. This will happen even if you claim your pension after the31 endDecember of2020.
Read theour implementationguidance period.on benefits and pensions in the EU.
ThereYou will beneed no changes before 31 December 2020 to tell the rules on claiming UK benefitsgovernment inoffices thethat EU,deal EEAwith oryour Switzerlandbenefits, aspension aand resulttax ofif theyou UKare leavingmoving theor EU.retiring abroad.
You may still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you live in Bulgaria. You should:
If you are abroad for more than 4 weeks, many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid.
You may be eligible to claim some Bulgarian social security benefits. You can get information about local Bulgarian benefits and pensions from the National Social Security Institute.
You can request proof of the time you’ve worked in the UK from HMRC if you are asked for this.
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming UK benefits in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020, you will continue to receive any UK benefits you already receive. This will continue for as long as you live there and meet all other eligibility requirements.
If you work and pay social security contributions in Bulgaria, your UK social security contributions will be taken into account when applying for Bulgaria contributions-based benefits. This will happen even if you claim contributions-based benefits after the31 endDecember of2020.
Read theour implementationguidance period.on benefits and pensions in the EU.
You cannot vote in local municipal elections in Bulgaria or European Parliament elections.
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
If you are resident in Bulgaria, you can vote in local municipal and European Parliamentary Elections.
After Brexit, you will no longer be eligible to vote in local and European Parliamentary elections.
If your child is born in Bulgaria, you will need to register a birth abroad.
If one of your loved ones dies in Bulgaria you can:
Find out how you can get married abroad.
Find out about notarial and documentary services for UK nationals in Bulgaria.
You can read our guidance on:
Current pet travel rules will stay the same during the implementation period until 31 December 2020.
If you’re travelling with your pet for the first time you must visit your vet to get a pet passport.
Read guidance on bringing your pet travelto the UK.
As well as the European emergency number 112, Bulgaria also has:
You can also look at emergency numbers in Bulgaria.
If you’re the victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis abroad, contact your nearest British embassy or consulate.
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, tax, access to services and bringing family members.
Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Bulgarian authorities. The FCOFCDO will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021.
Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension updating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
EU Exit updates: new information added to the following sections: "Passports and travel after the UK leaves the EU"; "Pensions after the UK leaves the EU" and "Returning to the UK"
EU Exit update: Updated information in visas and residency, working, passports and travel, driving, healthcare and voting.
Updated "Applying for Bulgarian citizenship" section: permanent residence required for 5 years in order to apply.
We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
EU Exit update: updated information in the visas and residency section
EU Exit update: updated information on access to healthcare
EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving
EU Exit update: Added further information to residency, healthcare and driving sections, including links to external websites.
Information about citizens outreach meetings added.
EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section
Updated March 2018
Updated in March 2018.
Updated January 2018
The article now contains further detailed information on living in Bulgaria and reflects developments in light of the EU referendum.
Information added on changes to EHIC rules and health cover for early retirees.
First published.
2024-10-29 10:12
The EU has delayed the introduction of its new Entry Exit Scheme (EES) with no new introduced date yet confirmed.
2024-08-02 09:51
Information on EES travel was added
2024-05-22 12:56
Information on travel documents for UK citizens in light of Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen.
2023-08-31 12:17
Changes made to the ‘Exchanging your UK, Gibraltar, Jersey or Guernsey driving licence’ section. Due to changes in Bulgarian legislation, UK nationals can now exchange their driving licences without providing a Certificate of Secondary Education.
2023-07-24 13:00
Information reviewed and updated. July 2023.
2022-01-01 07:00
Visas and residency guidance updated, following the 31 December 2021 residency deadline for people with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
2021-03-04 11:36
Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines
2021-01-25 16:06
Information added on driving licence validity and rules on buying property
2020-09-11 14:48
Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021.
2020-01-23 14:10
Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension updating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
2019-09-23 16:50
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
2019-09-03 17:04
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
2019-04-15 15:59
EU Exit updates: new information added to the following sections: “Passports and travel after the UK leaves the EU”; “Pensions after the UK leaves the EU” and “Returning to the UK”
2019-04-11 16:14
EU Exit update: Updated information in visas and residency, working, passports and travel, driving, healthcare and voting.