---
title: "Bulgarian Citizenship Fees: Cost Items and Payment Procedure"
url: https://yeniversiyon.pages.dev/en/fees-and-payment-procedures-for-bulgarian-citizenship/
lang: en
published: 2025-10-14
updated: 2026-10-02
description: "What do Bulgarian citizenship fees consist of? State fees, translation, apostille and consulting items explained. Get a free preliminary assessment."
source: BulgaristanVatandas.com (https://bulgaristanvatandas.com)
---
# Bulgarian Citizenship Fees: Cost Items and Payment Procedure
**The cost of Bulgarian citizenship has three main parts: state fees paid to the Bulgarian authorities, document costs (civil registry extracts, apostille, sworn Bulgarian translation) and optional consulting. Bulgaria adopted the euro in 2026, so official fees are now set in euros. Amounts differ by route and file, so we do not give a fixed figure.**
"How much does citizenship cost?" is a common question and the honest answer is "it depends on the items". This article explains what you pay, when and to whom. Current official amounts should be checked in the official announcements valid on the day you apply. In our free preliminary assessment we also prepare a cost plan for your file.
## Why no fixed figure?
There are several reasons. First, the route changes the fees and the number of documents. Second, Bulgaria has used the euro since 1 January 2026, so old lev amounts are no longer a valid reference. Third, fees are updated from time to time. Do not trust old amounts you see online. Budgeting on an unofficial figure leads to surprises later.
## State fees
State fees are charged directly by the Bulgarian authorities. The main items are:
- **Application fee:** Paid for the processing of the application. The amount may vary by type of application.
- **Issuing the citizenship certificate:** After a positive decision, a fee is paid for the certificate. A payment receipt is requested at the appointment in Sofia.
- **ID and passport fees:** These are separate from the citizenship fee and arise after citizenship is granted. See [how to get a Bulgarian passport](/en/how-to-get-a-bulgarian-passport/).
The amount and the account to pay into are given in the institution's instructions. Pay only through the official channel it shows.
## Document costs
For many applicants this is the largest group of costs, because the number of documents and the volume of translation vary from file to file:
| Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Civil registry extract, birth and marriage certificates | Obtained from the civil registry in your country; ask the authority about its fee |
| Apostille | Certification for international validity, issued by the competent authority in your country |
| Sworn Bulgarian translation | Charged per page for each document |
| Criminal record certificate | Must be recent and carry an apostille |
| Certificate of Bulgarian origin | Needed on the origin route; the fee is set by the authority |
| Postage and courier | Sending documents to Bulgaria or the consulate |
If documents expire, you may have to obtain them again, which means extra cost. Prepare documents close to the date of filing. For the apostille and extracts see our [guide](/en/civil-registry-extract-and-apostille-guide/), and for translation our [translation service](/en/services/translation/).
## Consulting fee
You can file the application yourself. If you use consulting, you pay a service fee for document review, preparation, translation coordination, filing and follow-up. It depends on the scope of the service and the complexity of the file. Some files need only a document check; others need extra work such as correcting records.
**Free preliminary assessment:** Send us your documents through the [free document review](/en/document-review/). We clarify in advance which route you can use, which documents are missing and what the cost items are. You know the service fee in writing before work starts.
## How does the payment procedure work?
1. **Get the official instruction.** The institution tells you which fee goes to which account with which reference.
2. **Pay only through the official channel.** Bank transfer, consulate or the method the institution shows. Payments to unofficial accounts may be treated as invalid.
3. **Keep the receipt.** Archive the original and a photo. It may be requested when the certificate is delivered.
4. **Write the reference correctly.** Name, surname and file number should be complete on the receipt.
5. **Pay the full amount.** A partial payment delays the process.
## How should you plan your budget?
Payments are spread through the process rather than made at once:
1. **Preparation:** Obtaining documents, apostille and sworn translation. This is when most spending happens.
2. **Filing:** The application fee and postage or courier. If you use a consulate, include travel.
3. **Waiting:** If extra documents are requested, a new apostille and translation may be needed. A small reserve helps.
4. **Result:** Issuing the certificate, then ID and passport fees.
Because the process can last 1.5 to 3 years, spread your payments across that time and remember that expired documents may need renewal.
## Fees in family applications
If several family members apply, each person's file and fees are separate. Shared documents, such as ancestors' records, can be the same. Preparing them correctly once saves time and money. For children the method differs; see [birth registration and Bulgarian citizenship for children](/en/birth-registration-bulgarian-citizenship-for-children/).
## Common payment mistakes
- Paying an unofficial account or person
- Losing the receipt
- Using old amounts or lev figures
- Not matching the payment with the file number
- Paying someone who promises to "speed things up". No person can speed up the institutions' review.
## How to keep costs down
- Make sure documents are complete before filing; repeated translation and apostille are the costliest mistakes.
- Ask which document is really requested; do not collect unnecessary ones.
- If several family members apply, plan the shared documents together.
- Know the timing. [How long Bulgarian citizenship takes](/en/evaluation-process-and-timelines-for-bulgarian-citizenship/) helps you plan document validity.
## Frequently asked questions
How many euros does Bulgarian citizenship cost?
The total depends on the route, the number of documents and the scope of consulting. Official fees are set in euros. We can clarify the items for your file in the free preliminary assessment.
Will I pay in leva?
No. Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026. Do not calculate with old lev amounts.
Is the state fee the same as the consulting fee?
No. The state fee goes to the Bulgarian authorities. The consulting fee is for the service you receive and is optional.
Do I pay everything before applying?
No. Fees are paid at the relevant stage on the institution's instruction. Document costs arise during preparation.
Is the preliminary assessment paid?
No, the document review is free. Send your documents and we tell you which route and cost items apply.