Lichna karta - Bulgarian Residence Permit

A lichna karta (Лична карта) is the Bulgarian national identity card. It is a card-sized document that serves as a primary form of identification within Bulgaria and the European Union. It also serves as proof of citizenship and can be used for various administrative and legal purposes within Bulgaria. The card contains the holder's name, a photograph, personal identification number, and other identifying information. The lichna card is issued by the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior and is mandatory for all Bulgarian citizens over the age of 14.

In general, a lichna card is essential for living in Bulgaria and accessing the many benefits and services that the country has to offer. Holding a lichna card is important for anyone relocating to Bulgaria for the following reasons:

• Legal identification: The lichna card serves as a legal form of identification that can be useful in various situations, such as opening a bank account, obtaining a driver's license, and voting in local elections.
• Access to government services: Many government services in Bulgaria, such as healthcare and social security, require valid identification in the form of a lichna card.
• Travel: The lichna card is a valid travel document within the European Union, particularly after the Schengen Agreement was applied to Bulgaria, allowing holders of this card to travel to other EU countries without a passport.
• Employment: Some employers in Bulgaria may require a valid lichna card in order to be able to employ you.
• Permanent residency: For those planning to reside in Bulgaria for an extended period (over 3 months), a lichna card will establish residency and facilitate obtaining other forms of documentation such as a driver's license or a residence permit.

People who want to relocate to Bulgaria can obtain a lichna card by following a protocol process similar to that of Bulgarian citizens, with a few additional requirements:

• Schedule an appointment: Schedule an appointment at a local office of the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior.
• Gather required documents: Collect the necessary documents, which may include:
  * A valid passport.
  * Bulgarian citizenship certificate (if applicable).
  * Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria.
  * Proof of sufficient funds.
  * Health insurance.
  * Criminal record clearance certificate from the relocater’s home country, translated into Bulgarian and notarized.
  * Proof of legal status in Bulgaria, such as a residence permit or long-term visa.
  * Recent passport-sized photo.
  * Bank account and proof of funds.
• Attend appointment: Attend the appointment and provide the required documents, including the completed application form and the application fee.
• Receiving your lichna karta: Once the application has been processed, the lichna card will be issued to the applicant.

Please note that the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a lichna carta in Bulgaria may vary depending on individual circumstances. You can of course contact your country's embassy or consulate in Bulgaria for more information.

There may be a number of reasons why the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior might reject an application for a person or family who wish to relocate to Bulgaria. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Lack of proper documentation: Failure to provide all required documents, or if documents are incomplete, incorrect, or forged - will likely result in the application being rejected.
• Incomplete application: Failing to fill out the application form correctly or not providing all required information may also lead to the application being rejected.
• Legal status: In the absence of a valid residence permit or other legal status in Bulgaria, you may not be eligible for a lichna card.
• Criminal record: A person who desires to relocate but has a criminal record or who is wanted by law enforcement in Bulgaria or their country of origin, will most likely have their lichna card application rejected.
• National security: If the Bulgarian authorities believe that granting a lichna card would pose a threat to national security, the application may be rejected.

It is important to note that each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and there may be other reasons for an application to be rejected. If an application is rejected, there may be a right to appeal the decision or to reapply at a later date.

There is also a temporary lichna card that can be issued in certain circumstances. The temporary lichna card is valid for up to six months and can be used for identification purposes and some administrative transactions. A temporary lichna card can be issued in cases where the person wishing to relocate to Bulgaria needs a local form of identification, but has not yet received their permanent card. This could happen, for example, if the permanent card was lost or stolen, or if the person recently received Bulgarian citizenship and is waiting for their permanent card to be issued.

To obtain a temporary lichna card, the person relocating to Bulgaria must provide the same documents and information as for a permanent card, but specify that it is an application for a temporary card. The application process is similar to that of a permanent card, including the payment of a fee. It is important to note that a temporary lichna card is not a substitute for a permanent card and may not be accepted everywhere.

The connection between a Bulgarian lichna card and real estate in Bulgaria

As mentioned, a Bulgarian lichna card refers to the personal identity card issued in Bulgaria. For entrepreneurs or entities interested in real estate investments, obtaining a Bulgarian lichna card can be very beneficial in terms of their operational capabilities in Bulgaria and abroad:

1. Identification for legal purposes: The lichna card card serves as the primary identification document in Bulgaria. For real estate investors conducting transactions or seeking to establish legal entities in Bulgaria, a local ID simplifies bureaucratic processes and ensures compliance with local regulations.
2. Residency and citizenship: For real estate investors in Bulgaria who are interested in long-term residency or citizenship, holding a lichna card card is often a prerequisite. The lichna card indicates legal residence and can be a step towards applying for permanent residency or citizenship.
3. Access to services: Many administrative and financial services in Bulgaria require proof of identity using a lichna card, including opening bank accounts, signing contracts (including real estate transactions), and accessing healthcare services.
4. Investment opportunities: With a Bulgarian residency or citizenship, your investment opportunities are wider, compared to non-residents or foreigners, including participation in local real estate markets - which may have specific regulations or benefits for residents.
5. Travel within the European Union: As a member of the European Union, Bulgarian residency grants the right to travel freely within the Schengen Area and other EU countries. This fact carries immense value for real estate developers and investors who value mobility within Europe.
6. Taxation: While the lichna card itself does not directly affect taxation, it can be linked to tax residency, which determines the tax obligations of individuals. Bulgaria's tax policy, including incentives for foreign investors, may be more accessible by proving local residency.

We will guide you and assist you throughout the process of applying for and receiving a Lichna karta: Understanding the requirements for obtaining a lichna card in Bulgaria, assisting in preparing the application and ensuring that all required documents are included, language assistance and document translation.

Our accumulated experience in obtaining a lichna card includes providing unique solutions to the various challenges expats face on their journey to relocate, especially when applying for a lichna card in Bulgaria. Our goal is to make your lichna card application process smooth and successful by guiding you and using our expertise throughout the process.

Let's start with an online consultation session: