If one of the parents is a foreign national and the child has Bulgarian nationality Bulgarian legislation provides a possibility of obtaining permanent residence. This is particularly relevant where a child acquired Bulgarian citizenship by descent and the other parent is not Bulgarian.
Who can use this ground?
A foreign parent may obtain permanent residence if their child is Bulgarian and the parent:
- is legally resident in Bulgaria;
- has a valid residence permit status;
- actually contributes to the child’s maintenance;
- has lived in the country for at least three years.
The parents do not have to be formally married. Whether they are divorced or have never married, the foreign parent may live alongside their child in Bulgaria if the statutory requirements are met.
When does child maintenance count?
This ground is not limited to minor children.
Under Article 144 of Bulgaria’s Family Code, parents must maintain adult children who are in full-time education and cannot support themselves. This duty applies:
- Until the child reaches the age of 20 in secondary education;
- Up to the age of 25 in higher education.
Permanent residence may therefore be available not only to parents of minor Bulgarian children but also to parents of students under 25, subject to the statutory conditions.
What documents are needed?
An application for permanent residence under Article 25(1)(4) of the Foreigners Act the following documents are normally required:
- Applicationon the prescribed form.
- International passportvalid for at least three months.
- Copies of passport pagesshowing personal details and the most recent entry into Bulgaria.
- Evidence of financial resourcesFor example, a bank certificate.
- Housing documentsA property document or lease agreement in Bulgaria.
- Declaration of child maintenance“Декларация за издръжка”.
- Child birth certificateto prove the parent-child relationship.
- Evidence of the child’s citizenshipDocument on Bulgarian citizenship.
- Current residence permit cardand documents establishing three years of lawful residence.
- Confirmation of educationif the child is over 18: documents from the secondary school or higher-education institution.
When can you apply for permanent residence?
An application may be made once the foreign parent has lived lawfully in Bulgaria for at least three years and continues to meet Article 25(1)(4) of the Foreigners Act.
Apply in person to the Migration unit for your place of residence.
What are the advantages of permanent residence?
Permanent residence gives a foreign national the right:
- To live in Bulgaria indefinitely;
- work without additional work permits;
- carry on business;
- To enjoy most of the rights of permanent residents of the country;
- subsequently consider applying for Bulgarian citizenship on an applicable legal ground.
Conclusion
Permanent residence for the parent of a Bulgarian citizen child is an important family immigration ground under Article 25(1)(4) of the Foreigners Act, providing a stable long-term legal status in Bulgaria.
