How to Obtain Temporary Protection in Bulgaria in 2024–2025
If you plan to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days, I highly recommend applying for Temporary Protection Status, which has been extended for Ukrainian citizens until March 4, 2025. This status provides several important benefits, including the right to reside legally, work, and reunite with your family.
Key Benefits of Temporary Protection:
- Legal Residency
You are legally entitled to stay in Bulgaria throughout the duration of your status. This gives you much-needed stability and peace of mind beyond the basic 90-day limit. - Family Reunification
You can invite your close family members—spouse, children, or parents—to join you in Bulgaria for joint residency. - Right to Work
Temporary Protection allows you to work legally in Bulgaria without any additional permits. This provides you with the opportunity to earn a legal income and support your family. - Free Healthcare & Insurance
Children and pensioners are eligible for free medical services and health insurance. - Access to Education
Your children can attend public schools and kindergartens free of charge.
How to Apply
You can apply for Temporary Protection at the nearest police station based on your place of residence. For example, if you’re staying at the Fort Noks complex in Sunny Beach, there’s a nearby police department where you can submit your documents with ease.
How to Extend Your Status
If you already have active status and need to extend it, this can be done at a special police station located in the village of Banya, Nova Zagora, approximately 180 km from Sunny Beach. The extension process is fast—only about 15 minutes—and completely free of charge.
Useful Tip
You can extend your status without personal presence, as long as you have your passport and the expired protection card. This saves you unnecessary trips and simplifies the process significantly.
Getting your Temporary Protection status is a vital step for legal, safe, and comfortable integration into life in Bulgaria.
Temporary Protection vs. Residency Permit (ВНП)
The choice is actually simple—it depends on your long-term goals in Bulgaria.
- Temporary Protection for Ukrainians in 2024 ensures the right to stay in Bulgaria until March 4, 2025, and grants access to residence, employment, and basic social services without extra procedures.
- Residency Permit (ВНП), also known as a long-term residence permit, is a more permanent solution. Unlike Temporary Protection, it requires official registration, various fees, and is typically issued for one or more years with the option to renew.
Estimated Costs for a Residency Permit
- Administrative Fees
- Registration fee: €110–€250 depending on the category (business, employment, education)
- Application submission: around €50
- Health Insurance
- Mandatory annual insurance: approximately €100–€300
- Document Translation & Legalization
- Translation and notarization: €50–€200 depending on the number of documents
- Legal Assistance (optional)
- If you choose to hire a lawyer, the fee may range from €500 to €1000
The total estimated cost for a one-year residency permit typically ranges from €700 to €1800, depending on the type of residency and services used.
What’s Included and Not Included
Residency Permit (ВНП):
✅ Right to long-term residence
✅ Legal employment
✅ Access to social services
✅ Ability to purchase property and start a business
❌ No automatic access to full social security (additional insurance required)
❌ No automatic citizenship or permanent status after expiration
Temporary Protection:
✅ Right to temporary residence
✅ Access to the labor market, healthcare, and education
✅ Humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees
❌ No long-term residence or business rights after expiration
Temporary Protection and Real Estate Investment
If you’re not just staying in Bulgaria but also considering investing in property, Temporary Protection allows you to remain in the country legally and with greater stability.
You’re welcome to join our Real Estate Info Tour, where we offer:
- Guided viewings of selected properties
- Comfortable accommodation
- Full consultation and support
Don’t wait—take the first step toward your future property today! Leave your contact information, and we’ll send you the details of our Info Tour.
—
Jennifer Collins
Licensed Real Estate Agent
Trusted guidance. Local expertise. Your home in Bulgaria starts here.
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