Which Countries Can Bulgarian Citizens Travel To?
As EU citizens, Bulgarians travel freely to every European Union country and visa-free to many others. Here is what Bulgarian citizenship means for travel.
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After the Cold War the world became global and liberal ideas came to dominate it. Many innovations entered people’s lives, and in an abstract sense the world became a space without borders. One of the leading ideas of this period is the freedom to travel. This Western idea grew out of the free movement of goods and of people, and it helped the world become truly global. If you want to settle permanently or be fully recognised as a Bulgarian citizen, you can easily start your Bulgarian citizenship application through bulgaristanvatandas.com. A few conditions must be met beforehand for our service to run smoothly.
Freedom to Travel
The children of people who emigrated to Turkey with their families and have since passed away have the right to become Bulgarian citizens through their father. If the father has died, his spouse and children may still be entitled to citizenship provided they meet the required criteria. In such cases a number of procedures must be completed. Bulgarian citizens can easily pass on Bulgarian citizenship to their children.
Where the Idea Comes From
The idea of freedom to travel first appeared in European countries and took shape within liberal thought. It made a major contribution to the creation and development of the European Union as we know it today, and to the modern shape of the world. Its role in political and economic development cannot be denied. The opportunity to travel has also allowed people of different nations to meet and get to know each other, which has helped reduce conflict around the world. The states that contributed most to this idea are the member states of the European Union. Because the Republic of Bulgaria is a member of the EU, Bulgarian citizens can easily travel to any European country they wish.
Bulgaria and the Opportunity to Travel
Bulgaria is a cosmopolitan state in the Balkans, home to people of many different origins, and it is a European state. As a result, Bulgaria has signed travel agreements with many other countries. As an EU member state, Bulgaria allows, and is required to allow, its citizens to travel freely.
Bulgarian Citizens and Travel
Bulgaria is a member state of the EU and fully integrated into the Union; since 1 January 2025 it has also been a full member of the Schengen area. Through a series of agreements and commitments, the Bulgarian state guarantees its citizens the right to travel. A Bulgarian citizen can therefore travel to European countries such as:
- Germany
- Austria
- Belgium
- the Netherlands
- France
- Poland
- Denmark
- Czechia
- Finland
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Portugal
- Estonia
Bulgarian citizens can also travel to the countries with which the Bulgarian government has signed agreements.
Bulgaria and Visas
Bulgarian citizens can travel to European Union countries without a visa, because Bulgaria is an EU member state; within the Union a valid ID card is enough. Travel to the countries with which the Bulgarian government has signed agreements is also visa-free. A visa is required for the remaining countries.
Criteria for Children and Spouses to Become Bulgarian Citizens
When the father, as head of the family, has passed away, the criteria for his children and spouse to become Bulgarian citizens can be listed as follows:
- The children must have been born in Bulgaria.
- A civil registry extract proving their birth in Bulgaria is required.
- A certificate of residence proving that the children lived in Bulgaria before emigrating is required.
- If the spouse was previously a Bulgarian citizen, they can obtain Bulgarian citizenship through the deceased spouse.
- If the spouse was never a Bulgarian citizen, it is not possible to obtain Bulgarian citizenship through the deceased spouse.
A spouse and children who complete these procedures can regain the right to Bulgarian citizenship after the death of the spouse.
Can Children Born in Turkey Become Citizens?
Children born in Turkey to people who emigrated from Bulgaria can become citizens, even if the emigrant has passed away. The applicable procedures are followed, and if the emigrant’s citizenship of the Republic of Bulgaria is still valid, the children also acquire the right to citizenship.
For more information, read our article How to apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
Bulgarian Citizenship Through Family
If any member of the family is a Bulgarian citizen, this also affects the children’s right to Bulgarian citizenship. People over 18 can apply directly, while those under 18 can apply through their parents.
We work with an expert team that has all the skills required for each of our services. We have specialists and the necessary connections both in Turkey and in Bulgaria, because relations with foreign states require expertise and advice.
If you would like to read our other articles, click here.
Our Services for Emigrants
We continue to serve emigrant citizens through bulgaristanvatandas.com. Citizens who want to regain their Bulgarian citizenship can visit our office and receive advice. We handle all visa procedures for people with emigrant status and carefully assist them in obtaining residence permits. We offer insurance services for working people, help emigrants who want to marry prepare the documents required for marriage, and help residence permit holders extend their permits.
