Pre Brexit Residency Card Renewal

@JimJ

The last account I heard about the interview (oral part) was that the candidate introduced themselves in Bulgarian and had a basic conversation, but when they started to struggle the interviewer switched to English to ask further questions about bulgarian history and geography etc. They passed.

So who knows...

@JimJ
The last account I heard about the interview (oral part) was that the candidate introduced themselves in Bulgarian and had a basic conversation, but when they started to struggle the interviewer switched to English to ask further questions about bulgarian history and geography etc. They passed.
So who knows... - @Zooldrool

I'm sorry to hear that: IMHO it makes no sense to grant ANY citizenship to someone who can't/won't make the effort to speak and read the language of the country in question to a good standard. Sadly, such things are rather more lax here in Bulgaria than they are in many other European countries. Even the lackadaisical UK has a fairly high bar to clear on that score, although with far too many exemptions for my taste...

@Dani Lilian

Hi Dani, I'm just about to renew my residency card, too. I've been trying to get a straight answer about proof of address.

I messaged a lawyer who said that proof of address was not necessary--which seemed very dubious to me.

But I gather you're saying that a notary can actually provide you with an address?

@Dani Lilian
Hi Dani, I'm just about to renew my residency card, too. I've been trying to get a straight answer about proof of address.
I messaged a lawyer who said that proof of address was not necessary--which seemed very dubious to me.

But I gather you're saying that a notary can actually provide you with an address? - @alexandralody

How did you give proof of address with your first one?

Surely a letter from the bank or a bill with your address would do?

@Dani Lilian
Hi Dani, I'm just about to renew my residency card, too. I've been trying to get a straight answer about proof of address.
I messaged a lawyer who said that proof of address was not necessary--which seemed very dubious to me.

But I gather you're saying that a notary can actually provide you with an address? - @alexandralody

What seems to be said is that the person helping with the registration is prepared to make a bogus declaration in front of a notary that the applicant lives at her(?) address. These things do have a habit of coming back to bite you, so I'd be pretty wary....if it comes to light, there could be all sorts of repercussions.

@GuestPoster272

It may depend on where you live (which oblast), but in Plovdiv you need:

1. If you own your flat or house - the deed (notarialen akt)
2. If you rent, the landlord should either come with you to the Migration dept. and signs a special form (presenting his own ownership document), or visit a notary and sign the form there. The rental contract is irrelevant.
3. 
   
4. And yes, they ask for proof of address even if you've been here for > 5 years and getting permanent residence.

@sogy

Unfortunately she won't see your excellent reply. The "Guest Poster" name means they've left the forum.

@janemulberry

I Copied and pasted this, as I'd posted it on another post today, but it's the latest...

Didn't have time to go in October / November, so paid three visits to the migration office over the past week...

"As Gwyn says, you should have a ten year card by now, if not, you should certainly get one this time around.

I, literally, have just come back from the third visit to Varna Immigration Office.

I originally, got my first long-term residency card in Veliko Tarnovo, at the KAT Office, in October 2020.

Interestingly, when they issued it, the card was only valid until January 2025, some 4 years and 3 months - I was not able to question this at the time of issue.  Fast forward to January 2025 and armed with my about to expire card, my passport, marriage certificate (my wife is Bulgarian married May 2021) , notarised deeds of the property I own, I went to the Varna Immigration Office.  They couldn't understand either, why my original card had been issued for the 4 years and 3 months, but said I have to complete five actual years in Bulgaria, before they'll give me a ten year card. As my existing card was about to expire, they could issue me with a card to see me through to the five years.

I also needed to sign and have translated in front of a notary and have notarised, a document saying I can finance myself, without the help of the state (which I can). Also required was a document from the NRA showing I'm fully registered and up to date with payments for the health service. This all meant a lot of tooing and froing from notaries and NRA office. However, we completed everything required, handed it in and upon collection of my temporary fill in card, found they'd issued another five year card.  This, of course, they are obligated to do, as to issue anything less, would be against the rules that apply to me.

Fast forward December 2025 (we didn't have time to go in October / November)....

First visit....   Show passport and ID card. Get given form to complete in both English and Bulgarian in Cyrillics - must be both languages.

Form was pretty straightforward, but must be accurate and no mistakes.

Then had to notarise the deeds (as before) of the property I own.

Did not need marriage certificate this time, nor did I need to sign finance statement, nor did I need the medical service evidence.

Took form back next day with notarized deeds, handed them in and was instructed to go to another office to pay a tax (about 17 Leva from memory) back to the main office again, with the tax receipt.

Told to return in three working days, when they will have processed the application.

Went there today and, indeed, they'd processed the application. Hand in passport and ID again and then get handed another form, that was entirely in Bulgarian, that my wife completed for me - pretty much repetitive stuff as the original form.  Handed that form back and they sign and stamp it, give it back to you, to take to the office across the road, to pay the tax for the card issuance - this time 18 Leva (30 days service) plus 5 Leva admin tax - 23 Leva total.  Back to main office, get to desk, sign goes up "on lunch break, back in 5 mins" haha...  Wait twenty mins, new woman occupies desk. Takes forms and tax receipt. No need for photos or fingerprints, as they already have those, so told to come back end of January, when the new 10 year, Permanent Residency card will be ready. Walk out feeling happy and satisfied with achieving our goal."

I'm so glad it finally worked out as it should , despite all the bureaucratic issues along the way!