Alternatives to Temporary Protection: Types of Legal Residence for Foreigners and Refugees in Bulgaria in 2025–2026

In addition to temporary protection, in Bulgaria in 2025–2026, foreigners and refugees can apply for several main forms of long-term legal stay.

1. International protection (refugee status and humanitarian status)
"Refugee status" is granted through an individual procedure when a foreign citizen proves a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group. The application is submitted at the border or to the State Agency for Refugees, is accompanied by a mandatory interview and a substantive examination within 6 to 24 months.
Refugee status guarantees the unlimited right to reside and work, access to healthcare, education, free legal aid, social integration programs, a refugee identity document valid for 5 years and the possibility of family reunification.

"Humanitarian status" is granted to persons who do not meet the criteria for a classic refugee, but are threatened by serious danger as a result of war or violence in their country of origin. The procedure is analogous, but the rights are determined with restrictions on the term and scope of social support.

2. Long-term and permanent residence (VNZ/PMJ)
Temporary, long-term or permanent residence status is granted to highly qualified specialists ("Blue Card" EU), students, entrepreneurs, investors, family members, persons with independent income, researchers or upon employment. The main requirements are proven official employment, confirmation of income, health insurance, a clean criminal record and valid address registration.

- "Blue Card" EU allows work, residence and free movement within the member states of the Union.
- Study or student visas are provided upon enrollment in a higher education institution, proven financing and security of residence.
- Family reunification – possible for spouses, parents and children of persons with status in Bulgaria, upon proof of the relationship and living conditions.

3. Special regimes
"Political asylum" is a rarely granted form by direct decision of the president – for persons with special circumstances or serious political persecution.

Key differences and current requirements:
- Temporary protection is provided only to certain groups, for example, in the event of a mass arrival from Ukraine, with quick processing and limited support.
- International and humanitarian protection go through more detailed procedures, require evidence of threat, offer more lasting rights.
- When applying for VNZ/PMJ, valid grounds (work, education, family, business), documents, possible language tests and checks are needed.
According to the current information from state agencies and specialized sites, all regimes and conditions are valid at the end of October 2025.