You can stay in Bulgaria if you have been granted temporary protection status. In the country such a document is called "Registration card of a foreigner who has been granted temporary protection".

The temporary protection status grants Ukrainian citizens the right to reside in Bulgaria for up to one year, followed by an extension of their stay. Currently, the EU Council has extended temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine until 03/04/2025

When can you apply for temporary protection?

You can apply for temporary protection immediately upon your arrival in Bulgaria, given that this happened on or after February 24, 2022 year. When applying for temporary protection, you also apply for a temporary residence permit. Applications can be submitted for both individuals and families. 

Is there an application fee?

There is no application fee.  

Where can I apply for temporary protection?

Applications can be submitted online through the Refuge Service's website or at one of the service centers, depending on your area of residence.

What documents must be submitted together with the application for temporary protection and residence permit?

Ukrainian citizens have the right to look for refuge as refugees in Bulgaria even without a valid passport.

What rights will you have after the application is approved?

After registering in Bulgaria and receiving a temporary protection card you will immediately and in accordance with the law receive the following rights:

• Right to remain in Bulgaria for the period of temporary protection

• The right to work in Bulgaria without other permits

• Right to access training, if necessary

• The right to access appropriate housing and premises if necessary

• Right to social assistance

• The right to emergency medical care. Representatives of vulnerable groups (for example children under the age of 18, unaccompanied children, pregnant women, single parents with minors, the elderly and persons living with disabilities, serious health conditions, mental disorders, victims of violence) have the same right to full medical care as Bulgarian citizens.

• The right to free education for children under the age of 18.

• The right to attend the kindergartens unpaid for children under 6 years of age. For more information on where and how to apply for school and/or kindergarten enrollment, visit the website

• Right to return to the country of origin. 

To learn more about your legal status, follow the link. 

All temporary permits for citizens of Ukraine that expire can be extended after submitting an appropriate application, this is a standard procedure. Persons who are unable to submit such an application can contact the Department of civil registration and migration for more information, depending on their individual preferences.