Recently, Bulgaria has become one of the main destinations for Ukrainian refugees looking for a safe place to live. After the start of a full-scale war, many Ukrainians found themselves in difficult conditions and were forced to leave their homes in search of refuge in European countries. Bulgaria, as a member of the EU, offers temporary protection, which provides the possibility of legal residence, access to the labor market and social services. However, the registration of the relevant status has its own peculiarities, which should be taken into account in order to avoid possible problems and delays.
Who is entitled to temporary protection
According to European norms (EU Council Directive 2001/55/EC) and Bulgarian legislation, temporary protection is granted to Ukrainian citizens who are forced to leave Ukraine due to hostilities.
Upon arrival in Bulgaria, you should contact the Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bulgaria (MIA) in the city of Varna. You can submit an application in person, and it will be considered immediately on the spot.
Useful contacts in Varna:
– Migration Service (exact address will be provided upon arrival). – Ukrainian House in Varna (organizes consular services every Wednesday from 13:00 to 16:30). Phone: +359 878 773073 (Wednesday from 13:00 to 16:00). Information is also available on the Facebook page.
– Embassy of Ukraine in Bulgaria (can provide advice on the application process).
Issuing temporary protection in Bulgaria in 2025 has its own nuances, which should be known in advance. For Ukrainians planning to move, it is important to collect all the necessary documents and contact the relevant authorities as soon as possible.
What documents are needed
To apply, you must have:
– Passport of each family member.
– Child’s birth certificate.
– Documents confirming the reasons for the protection (if any).
Terms of consideration of the application
The decision to grant temporary protection is usually made within a few days. Since you only have three weeks of vacation, we advise you to start collecting documents in advance (in May-June) and get a preliminary consultation online to minimize the time spent on formalities in Bulgaria.
Medical insurance
It is also worth considering that after receiving the status, refugees have the opportunity to access social programs and the health care system of Bulgaria. They can also take out private health insurance. In addition, international and public organizations provide support in the integration process.
The situation with Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria is part of the broader context of the migration crisis in Europe. Although the country provides opportunities for legalization of stay, the future of these people depends on their ability to integrate into the local community, find work and provide stability for their families. Bulgaria continues to adapt its migration policy to meet new challenges, and Ukrainians seeking protection should be prepared for possible changes in the procedure and rules of stay.
