The Bulgarian government has decided to extend the temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees

Bulgaria became one of the countries that accepted a large number of Ukrainian refugees after the start of the full-scale war. Thousands of Ukrainians found temporary shelter there, were able to legalize their stay and receive support from the state. However, the issue of temporary protection status, its extension and re-registration is extremely important for those who are in Bulgaria or plan to move there. That is why the decision of the Bulgarian government to extend the temporary protection for Ukrainians became a key event for many immigrants.

The Bulgarian government decided to extend the status of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees. Changes to Resolution No. 144, this status is extended until March 4, 2026. The validity period of already issued registration cards has also been extended until April 30, 2025. If an application for the issuance of a new card is not submitted by this time, it will be recognized as invalid, and the status of its owner will change to “foreigner with an unrenewed temporary protection card”.

Where to issue or extend temporary protection

Until April 30, 2025, re-registration and issuance of new registration cards will be carried out both in the territorial divisions of the State Agency for Refugees (SAR) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and in regional offices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. After this date, the card will be issued only in the territorial units of the SAR under the Ministry of Justice.

The procedure of registration or extension of status requires personal presence. Documents cannot be submitted through a proxy – the applicant must apply independently.

Those who arrive in Bulgaria for the first time and wish to receive temporary protection can apply to the territorial units of the SAR under the Council of Ministers or to the regional offices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Documents can also be submitted at the registration and reception centers in Sofia, the village of Banya or the city of Harmanly.

What documents are required

To re-register:

• A completed application for renewal of the registration card containing the current address of residence (the application form will be provided by an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or SAR under the Ministry of Justice);
• Identity document (passport or other official document);
• Registration card issued earlier. It must be handed over to an official for cancellation and further destruction.

For new registration:

• Provision of personal data;
• Completing the photographing procedure;
• Obtaining a registration card.

What gives temporary protection in Bulgaria

Having received temporary protection, Ukrainians can legally stay in the country, work officially, and their children get access to education. There are also opportunities for professional training and adaptation in the labor market.

The state provides support in finding housing and social assistance. An important aspect is medical care: Ukrainians have the right to emergency medical care, and children, people with disabilities, and the elderly have the right to full medical care. Women aged 18-63 and men under 65 receive health insurance for 90 days.

The new decision of the Bulgarian government was an important step in supporting Ukrainian refugees, providing them with stability and opportunities for integration into society.