Bulgarian Citizenship Statistics
Last Updated on April 1, 2025 by Bulgarian Citizenship Team
Since the amendments to the Bulgarian Citizenship Act in 2022, which introduced strict deadlines for processing applications, it is now common to see cases where applications submitted in 2023 are finalized faster than those submitted in earlier years, such as 2020, which may still be pending. These changes were long awaited and aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of public services related to the granting of Bulgarian citizenship.
In addition to procedural reforms, Bulgaria is also moving toward more transparent and consistent requirements for applicants. However, it is important to note that citizenship remains a matter of national sovereignty and policy—it cannot be treated in the same way as other administrative services. Because citizenship grants legal, cultural, and political belonging, applications may still be denied even after the first stage of approval.
The Current Trend
The current trend shows a growing number of positively processed applications. The statistics provided reflect only those individuals who have successfully completed both stages of the process:
- Stage 1 – Approval by the Ministry of Justice
- Stage 2 – Presidential decree (issued by the Vice President)
While the annual number of decrees issued averages over 11,000, the real number of applicants is significantly higher. Many candidates who have passed Stage 1 are still awaiting the final decree, a process that may take longer depending on the case.
This is good news for Bulgaria Golden Visa applicants, who can now rely on a more straightforward path to citizenship—with clear rules and fewer surprises. Considering the numbers above, it is fair to say that accommodating 100 to 200 Golden Visa applicants annually would not strain the system or undermine the integrity of the process.
Unfortunately, the Bulgarian government does not publish official data regarding the applicants’ countries of origin or the specific grounds on which citizenship was granted.
If you applied for Bulgarian citizenship before the 2022 amendments and were refused, now may be the ideal time to reapply.
The updated legal framework provides a more structured and transparent process, and your application is likely to be reviewed more efficiently. If you were previously refused due to procedural or documentation issues rather than eligibility itself, a new application under the current rules could significantly increase your chances of success.
