Security level:
Crime in Germany is within the normal statistical values for Europe. This does not exclude the possibility of street theft (usually the perpetrators are foreign citizens) and fraud, criminal crime (pickpocketing, sporadic hooliganism against non-German speakers). In recent years, cases of attacks on foreigners have not been isolated, especially in the eastern part of the country. Likelihood of extremist manifestations during demonstrations and rallies, in which radical elements are also involved. In the context of the global terrorist threat, such manifestations are not excluded, in response to which preventive actions are taken by the competent services.

Healthcare:
The European Health Insurance Card enables all citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria with uninterrupted health insurance rights in the countries of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland to benefit from the right to emergency medical care. Information on the rights conferred by the EHIC, the countries for which it is valid and the procedure for issuing it can be obtained HERE.

Specifics of the local legislation:
Remember that in Germany you should comply with local acts and norms. You fall within their jurisdiction during your stay there. We recommend that you inform yourself about them in advance and comply with them. Penalties for breaking the law can be more stringent than those in Bulgaria for the same offences.

Customs requirements:
For information on customs requirements you can contact the Customs Agency at HERE.

Travellers to Germany are obliged to comply with the country's customs laws, and further information can also be obtained from the German Embassy in Sofia or from HERE.

Customs requirements for Germany can be downloaded from HERE.

Road traffic:
If you are travelling by car, you should take extra care when driving in urban conditions for cyclists who are very active in traffic. Pedestrians should respect the right of way of cyclists in the specially marked lanes of pedestrian crossings (usually marked in red). Do your best to familiarise yourself with local traffic rules. In many countries, heavy fines are imposed for traffic violations, which are paid to the offender, regardless of whether you are a local or a foreign citizen.

- manifestations of strike actions leading to difficulties in the organization of mass urban and intercity transport (aviation, railway and road transport);
- traffic situation (increased traffic for those returning to Germany en masse from summer vacation);

Detailed information on the new fines for traffic offences in Germany by drivers and cyclists can be found at HERE.

Practical advice:
If you are detained by the local authorities for any reason, require to get in touch with the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria. A consular officer will contact you as soon as possible.

We advise you to conclude a contract for health, tourist, travel or other insurance in advance.

In cases of death of Bulgarian citizens in Germany, the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria will provide you with assistance and assistance in settling the formalities.

You can receive direct financial assistance from the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria only if your relatives or close relatives deposit the amount you need in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ‘Financial and business activities’ Directorate.

In the event of theft of your identity documents, cash, travel tickets, etc., immediately notify the nearest police office in Germany in person and in writing and ask for a copy of the record establishing the event. Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria to take steps to obtain the necessary documents to continue your journey or return to your home country.

Local currency:
Euro (EUR)

Climatic characteristics:
Snоw avalanches are possible in the high mountain areas of the Alps. Sudden changes in the climatic situation (heavy rains, floods, storms) are possible.

Bulgarian citizens travel to Germany with a passport, identity card, Emergency Travel Document or seaman's passport of a crew member sailing on the Danube. When entering Germany, the requirements of a Schengen country apply.       

Since 1 January 2007, citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria may enter and reside on the territory of another EU Member State, including the Federal Republic of Germany, for up to 90 days without any conditions and formalities.

For stays longer than 90 days, administrative formalities require citizens to register with the relevant authorities, which issue a certificate of current registration containing the name and address of the registrant and the date of registration. Failure to comply with the registration requirement may result in administrative sanctions being imposed on the person concerned. A valid identity card or valid passport, confirmation of employment by the employer or proof of employment or proof of being self-employed, proof of enrollment in an accredited educational institution, and proof of comprehensive health insurance are required.

Consulate General - Munich

BULGARIAN IDENTITY DOCUMENTS

1. Issuance of a passport

Bulgarian citizens residing in the Federal Republic of Germany can apply for a passport. On the page http://consulatebg.eu/ you can get the information you need and print out an application form with a QR code and the so called ‘application form’. UIN-code (obtained after printing out the completed application) to make an online appointment for the day and time of submission of the application to the CO-Berlin.

Documents required:
  - Application for the issuance of an identity document — to be signed in person upon submission to an official of the Consular Office;
  - Previous passport, if the person has one;
  - Identity card;
  - Proof of address registration in the FRG.

When issuing a passport to persons under 18 years of age, a birth certificate must be presented. In this case, both parents must be present when the application is submitted, sign the application and present their identification documents.

The presence of only one parent is possible when:

1. A notarized power of attorney from the absent parent for the issue of the passport shall be submitted in the original and shall explicitly state that the application will be submitted to the CO-Berlin;
2. The other parent is deprived of parental rights, certified by a court decision that has entered into force;
3. A court decision has been submitted which explicitly states that a parent may apply for a child's passport without the consent of the other parent;
4. A document certifying that the second parent is deceased;
5. An act of a Bulgarian or foreign court, confirmed by a Bulgarian court, that the other parent is missing;
6. If the father is unknown.

If the previous passport has been lost or stolen, a declaration under Article 17, paragraph 1 of the Regulations on the Issuance of Bulgarian Identity Documents, in which the circumstances of the loss or theft of the document should be described in detail, and the loss or theft of the document should be reported to the German police and the document issued by them (Anzeige) should be submitted.

The presence of only one parent is possible when:
1. A notarized original power of attorney from the absent parent for the issuance of the passport is presented, which explicitly states that the application will be submitted to the CC-Berlin;
2. The other parent is deprived of parental rights, certified by a final court decision;
3. A court decision has been submitted which expressly states that the parent may apply for the child's passport without the consent of the other parent;
4. A document certifying that the second parent is deceased;
5. A deed of a Bulgarian or foreign court, confirmed by a Bulgarian court, that the other parent is missing;
6. If the father is unknown.

If the previous passport is lost or stolen, the declaration under Art. 1 of the Regulations on the Issuance of Bulgarian Identity Documents, in which the circumstances of the loss or theft of the document should be described in detail, and the loss or theft of the document should be reported to the German police and the document issued by them (Anzeige) should be submitted.

In the event of a change of name, unique civil number, sex, nationality, or in the event of significant and permanent changes in the person's image, the person is obliged to submit an application for new Bulgarian identity documents within 30 days. When applying for a new passport following a change of name after a civil marriage, a Bulgarian certificate of civil marriage in original and photocopy must also be submitted. In this case it is obligatory to apply for a new identity card.  

2. Issuing of an identity card

Bulgarian citizens residing in the Federal Republic of Germany can apply for an identity card. On the page http://consulatebg.eu/  you can get the information you need and print out an application form with a QR code and the so called ‘application form’. UIN-code (obtained after printing the completed application) to make an online appointment for the day and time to submit the application to the CO.

Documents required:
  - Application for the issuance of an identity document — to be signed in person upon submission to an official of the Consular Office;
  - Previous passport, if the person has one;
  - Identity card;
  - Proof of address registration in the FRG.

Receipt of issued Bulgarian identity documents:

The deadline for obtaining Bulgarian identity documents under the Bulgarian Identity Documents Act is up to 90 days. The new documents must be received in person at the Consular Office or, exceptionally, by an authorised person whose details are entered in the application form. Upon receipt of the new passport/identity card issued, the previous passport/identity card should be returned to the Consular Office. A person who needs to present visas or border stamps affixed to the passport may retain it after the expiry date by presenting it to the Consular Office and submitting a request form. The person is obliged to return the document within 3 months after the stated need has ceased. Obtaining a new passport can also be done in Bulgaria through an authorized person — with a notarized power of attorney or by a person whose details are entered in the application. The authorized person should obtain the issued identity document from the Bulgarian Identity Documents Directorate, Sofia, Bulgaria. Sofia, 48 Knyaginya Maria Louisa Blvd. after presenting your identity document and returning the previous passport.

Verification of whether the passport has been received at the CO-Munich can be made using the person's Unique Civil Number (UCN) at the following link http://consulatebg.eu/status.

The new passport can also be delivered to CO-Munich via a licensed courier company (DHL)with which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has an agreement. For this purpose, an additional payment of EUR 45.33 must be made to the following DHL bank account:

In EURO

Beneficiary: DHL EXPRESS BULGARIA EOOD
Beneficiary’s IBAN: No BG88TTBB94001526716237
Beneficiary’s Bank: SOCIETE GENERALE EXPRESSBANK
BIC/SWIFT Code: TTBBBG22
Beneficiary’s Bank Address: 73, Al. Stambolijski Blvd., Sofia 1000, Bulgaria

In the ‘Reason for payment’ column in the payment order the following must be filled: BDS Berlin and the full Latin name of the person for whom the new identity document is requested. The original payment order must be submitted to the Consular Office.

The service for delivery of Bulgarian identity documents includes only the expedited transport of the parcel from the MFA to the mission, but not the expedited issuance of the identity document or delivery to your home address.

3. Issuance of an Emergency Travel Document to a newborn child

An Emergency Travel Document of a newborn child, of which at least one parent is a Bulgarian citizen, before the child has received a Bulgarian birth certificate, is issued on an exceptional basis and only for the period necessary for the child's travel to Bulgaria in order to finalize the registration procedure.

On the page http://consulatebg.eu/ you can get the information you need and print out an application form with a QR code and the so called ‘application form’. UIN-code (obtained after printing out the completed application), make an online appointment for the day and time of submission of the application at the Consular Office of CG-Munich.

Documents required:
  - Application for an identity document - to be signed in person by the child's parents upon submission to a Consular Officer.
  - Multilingual birth certificate of the child;
  - Address registration of the child's parents in the Federal Republic of Germany;
  - A declaration from the mother and father that they will use the Emergency Travel Document once to travel to Bulgaria to complete the child registration procedure.
  - Identity card/passport of the mother and father.

The appearance of only one parent is possible when:
  - A notarized power of attorney from the absent parent to issue the Emergency Travel Document shall be submitted in original;
  - A document certifying that the second parent is deceased;
  - If the father is unknown.

4. Issuance of an Emergency Travel Document

Bulgarian citizens residing in the Federal Republic of Germany who do not possess valid identity documents may apply for an Emergency Travel Document, the validity period of which shall be in accordance with the time required for their return to the Republic of Bulgaria, in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On the page http://consulatebg.eu/ you can get the information you need and print out an application form with a QR code and the so called ‘application form’. UIN-code (obtained after printing out the completed application) to make an online appointment for the day and time of submission of the application in CG-Munich.

A declaration under Article 17, paragraph 1 of the Regulations on the Issuance of Bulgarian Identity Documents, which shall describe in detail the circumstances — date and place of the loss or theft of the document.

Documents required:

1. Application for the issuance of an identity document — to be signed in person upon submission to an official of the Consular Office;
2. Identity card and/or passport — if expired or damaged;
3. In case your identity card and/or passport is lost or stolen — a document from the German police (Anzeige);
4. Birth Certificate;
5. Proof of address registration in the Federal Republic of Germany, if the person is registered in Germany.

When issuing an Emergency Travel Document to persons under 18 years of age, a birth certificate must be presented. In this case, both parents must be present when the application is submitted, sign the application and present their identification documents.

The presence of only one parent is possible when:

1. A notarized power of attorney from the absent parent to issue the passport shall be submitted in original;
2. The other parent is deprived of parental rights, certified by a court decision;
3. A court decision has been submitted which explicitly states that a parent may apply for a child's passport without the consent of the other parent;
4. A document certifying that the second parent is deceased;
5. An act of a Bulgarian or foreign court, confirmed by a Bulgarian court, that the other parent is missing;
6. If the father is unknown.

The  deadline for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to agree on the request for an Emergency Travel Document is up to 3 working days. If the applicant fails to appear to obtain the Emergency Travel Document within 3 months of being notified, the application for the Emergency Travel Document shall be cancelled and a new application shall be made.

Obtaining of an Emergency Travel Document: The Emergency Travel Document shall be obtained in person at the consular post or, exceptionally, by an authorised person whose details are entered in the application form. An Emergency Travel Document for under-aged persons is obtained by one of the two parents. 

Fee for issuance of an Emergency Travel Document: The fee for an Emergency Travel Document is EUR 50. If applicants wish to obtain the Emergency Travel Document during the working day, a 100% increase in the state fee is payable. The Emergency Travel Document should be returned to the relevant police station in Bulgaria when submitting the documents for the issue of an identity card or passport, but no later than 3 months after its expiry date.

Passport issuance fees:

1. First passport for persons up to 14 years of age - EUR 26;
2. Subsequent passport of persons up to 14 years of age - EUR 31;
3. Passport of persons up to 14 years of age with permanently reduced working capacity or type and degree of disability of 50 per cent or more - EUR 22;
4. Subsequent passport of persons 14-58 years of age - EUR 41;
5. Passport of persons 14-58 years of age with permanently reduced working capacity or type and degree of disability of 50 per cent or more - EUR 22;
6. Subsequent passport of persons 58-70 years of age - EUR 31;
7. Passport of persons 58-70 years of age with permanently reduced working capacity or type and degree of disability of 50 per cent or more - EUR 22;
8. Passport for persons over 70 years of age - EUR 26;
9. Passport of persons over 70 years of age with permanently reduced working capacity or type and degree of 50 per cent or more - EUR 22.

Identity card issuance fees:

1. First identity card for persons 14-16 years of age - EUR 20;
2. Identity card for persons 14-16 years of age with a permanently reduced capacity for work or a type and degree of disability of 50 per cent or more - EUR 21 (official documents proving reduced capacity for work must be presented);
3. Subsequent identity card for persons 14-18 years of age - EUR 27;
4. Identity card for persons 18-58 years of age - EUR 30;
5. Identity card for persons 18-58 years of age with a permanently reduced capacity for work or a type and degree of disability of 50 per cent or more - EUR 21;
6. Identity card for persons 58-70 years of age - EUR 26;
7. Identity card for persons 58-70 years of age with a permanently reduced capacity for work or a type and degree of disability of 50 per cent or more - EUR 21;
8. Identity card for persons over 70 years of age - EUR 20;

5. Notarial certifications

Certification of date, content and signature of a private document

Pursuant to Article 84 of the Notaries and Notarial Activities Act, consular officials in Bulgarian diplomatic and consular missions abroad may certify:

• the date, content and signatures of private documents when they are drawn up in Bulgarian and are not subject to registration, and when they are presented by foreigners — if they are intended to produce their effect on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria,
• the accuracy of copies and extracts of documents submitted by Bulgarian citizens.

The consular officers at the Consular Office of CG-Munich do not draft powers of attorney, declarations and the like.

Pursuant to Article 5 ‘Consular Functions’ of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 (ratified by Decree No 947 of the Council of State of the People's Republic of Bulgaria of 1989 — SG No. 42 of1989; in force for the People’s Republic of Bulgaria since 10 August 1989; promulgated SG 42 of 25 May 1990, amended SG 29 of 12 April 2016) ‘consular functions consist of: .... (f) performing the functions of a notary public... provided that this is not contrary to the laws and regulations of the host State.’

The consular officers of the Consular Office with the CG-Munich have no authority to notarize the authenticity of copies and extracts of documents, as well as the date and signatures of private documents, when they are intended to produce their effect on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany.

If the foreign citizen does not speak Bulgarian, an interpreter shall be appointed, who shall sign a declaration of the authenticity of the translation and his signature shall be certified at the expense of the client.

When certifying the date, content and signature of a private document, the persons whose signatures are to be certified must appear in person before the consular officer and sign the document before him.

Services are provided upon presentation of valid original identification documents (passport or identity card). The presentation of a Bulgarian driving licence is not allowed.

In the absence of a valid identity document, the person shall certify his identity with two witnesses — Bulgarian citizens with established identity. (Incapacitated persons, persons illiterate in Bulgarian, relatives of the person, persons for whose benefit any disposition is contained in the power of attorney, etc.)

Documents subject to registration, such as contracts for the transfer of ownership, including immovable and movable property, contracts for the sale of shares, declarations of partition, declarations of renunciation of property rights, declarations of renunciation of the right of use, declarations of renunciation of inheritance, applications for the cancellation of mortgages, etc., cannot be certified at the Consular Office.

In case of transfer of immovable property or establishment of rights in rem over immovable property, the power of attorney should be submitted to the Consular Office in two identical copies. In this case, both the signature and the content of the document shall be certified. Two copies of the declaration under Article 264, paragraph 1 of the Tax and Social Security Procedure Code (DOPK) and a declaration under Article 25, paragraph 8 of the Notaries and Notary Activities Act (ZNND). Declaration Article 264, paragraph 1 of the Tax and Social Security Procedure Code (DOPK) and a declaration under Article 25, paragraph 8 of the Notaries and Notary Activities Act (ZNND).

In the case of transfer of a motor vehicle, two copies of a Declaration under Article 264, paragraph 2 of the Tax and Social Security Procedure Code (DOPK) as well as a declaration under Article 25, paragraph 8 of the Notaries and Notary Activities Act (ZNND), shall also be certified. Sample text of a power of attorney for transfer and driving of a motor vehicle, a declaration under Article 264, paragraph 2 of the Tax and Social Security Procedure Code (DOPK) and a declaration under Article 25, paragraph 8 of the Notaries and Notary Activities Act (ZNND).

When certifying a declaration for a child's travel outside the borders of the Republic of Bulgaria, the child's birth certificate must also be submitted.

Fees:

1. Certification of signature and content:

1.  Certification of transcript — first page EUR 10 and EUR 5 for each subsequent page.
2. Translation certification — EUR 15 (regular service) and EUR 30 (express service).

6. Bulgarian citizenship

Through the Consular Office documents can be submitted to the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Bulgaria for:

• acquisition of Bulgarian citizenship
• establishing the existence of Bulgarian citizenship
• restoration of Bulgarian citizenship
• exemption from Bulgarian citizenship

The procedures for release, acquisition, restoration and establishment of Bulgarian citizenship are described on the website of the Ministry of Justice (http://www.justice.government.bg/76/).

Please note that the Ministry of Justice accepts originals of documents and foreign documents must be accompanied by an Apostille and a translation into Bulgarian by a sworn translator.

Only complete applications are accepted, and an interview is scheduled upon submission, which is an integral part of the procedure for acquiring Bulgarian citizenship.

7. Criminal record certificate

The Consular Office accepts applications for criminal record certificates of Bulgarian citizens and foreigners who have resided on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Documents required:

1. Application for issuing of a criminal record certificate
2. Valid ID (identity card/passport) in original;

Criminal record certificates shall be issued by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Bulgaria and shall be valid for a period of six months from the date of issue.

If you have an electronic signature, you could submit an electronic application to https://cs.mjs.bg/

8. Civil status

• If it is necessary to register in the Republic of Bulgaria the occurrences abroad

civil events ‘birth’, ‘marriage’ and ‘death’ with subjects Bulgarian citizens get acquainted with the information published on https://www.mfa.bg/bg/uslugi-patuvania/konsulski-uslugi/zad-granica/grajdansko-sastoianie

• Multilingual transcript extracts or complete

transcripts of acts based on the National Electronic Register of Civil Status Acts (NERC) for civil events that occurred after 31 December 1999 can be issued in the Embassy.

Documents required:

1. an application form signed by interested persons
2. valid ID or passport (original)

The following persons have the right to request and receive civil status documents:

— birth certificate - the person to whom the birth certificate relates, his parents or legal representatives;

— for a civil marriage certificate - the parties to the certificate;

— death certificate - the heirs of the deceased person.

Extracts may also be issued to third parties expressly authorised by the persons entitled to receive them.

• Duplicate certificates of

births occurring after 01 January 2000 can be issued at the Consular Office

• Certificates may not be issued at the Consular Office on the basis of

the population register (marital status, marriage abroad to a foreigner, etc.) - the competent authority is the municipality of permanent address in Bulgaria.

• The conclusion of a marriage at the Consular Office between Bulgarian citizens

is carried out in accordance with paragraph 4 of Article 6 ‘Conclusion of marriage’ of the Code of Private International Law, according to which: A marriage between Bulgarian citizens abroad may be contracted before a Bulgarian diplomatic or consular representative if the law of the host country allows it.

Pursuant to paragraph 4 of Article 13 ‘Conclusion of Marriage’ of the Introductory Provisions to the German Civil Procedure Code (Einführungsgesetz zum Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuche; BGBEG), a marriage may only be concluded in the country in the form prescribed by this act. According to Article 13, paragraph 1 BGBEG, the conditions for the marriage are determined for each of the parties by ‘the law of the country to which he belongs’, but where there is no prerequisite for the application of foreign law, German law applies according to paragraph 2 if at least one of the parties ‘has his habitual residence in the country’ (paragraph 1).

The Consular Officer’s judgment as to the availability of a marriage at the Consular Office is based on an assessment of a number of factors, including compliance with regular opening hours, other official commitments, planned events at the reception facilities of the mission, staffing of the mission, the need to engage additional personnel, security issues at the mission, the number of potential participants in the ceremony, etc. 

Documents required:

1. Application of a general nature by those desiring to marry, with the date on which

they wish the marriage ceremony to take place, details regarding change of surname after marriage, marriage contract, etc.;

1. Declarations that there are no impediments to marriage under Chapter Two of the Family Code;
2. Birth certificates and copies thereof;
3. Certificates of marital status issued by the municipalities of your permanent address in Bulgaria;
4. Medical certificates from qualified physicians certifying that those wishing to marry do not suffer from any of the diseases defined in ‘Instruction No 1 on the procedure for medical examination of those entering into marriage’. The certificates must be certified by the Gesungheitsamt, be finally certified by an Apostille and be accompanied by translations into Bulgarian by sworn translators.

Notes: The signatures of the translators shall be subject to subsequent certification by the Consular Office. For the requirements for the medical certificate, see in more detail:

• Instruction No 1 on the procedure for the medical examination of those entering into marriage issued by the Ministry of Public Health
• Decision No 124 of May 2012 of the Commission for Protection against Discrimination 

1. Identity documents of those wishing to marry and copies;

Identity documents of the two witnesses and copies thereof.

After submitting your application to the Consular Office, you should receive your new identity document within 3 months. /Fast service within 4 weeks — a consular officer will provide you with detailed information on the spot at a Consular Office when you apply for Bulgarian identity documents/.

Documents required for the issuance of an Emergency Travel Document in case of a lost/stolen Bulgarian identity document:
1. Completed application for Bulgarian ID documents and printed from the online platform: http://www.consulatebg.eu
2. A REPORT FROM THE GERMAN POLICE certifying the absence of the identity document.
3. A copy of the lost Bulgarian identity document or Bulgarian birth certificate.
In the absence of both of the previous documents, the identity shall be certified by two witnesses, Bulgarian citizens, with valid identity documents, by completing and signing a declaration before the consular officer.

Documents required for issuance of an Emergency Travel Document in case of expired or damaged Bulgarian identity document:
1 Completed Bulgarian ID application form and printed from the online platform: http://www.consulatebg.eu
2. Bulgarian identity document with expired or damaged Bulgarian identity document.

Documents required for issuance of an Emergency Travel Document to a child born in Germany who has not been issued a Bulgarian birth certificate:
1. Multilingual birth certificate extract, Formule A (original and photocopy) — issued by the municipality of address in Germany.
2. You can find a completed application form for Bulgarian ID documents and print it out at: http://www.consulatebg.eu
3. A photo-copy of valid identity documents of both parents and the original of the said documents.
4. Presence of the child and both parents on the day of application, with valid identification.

The appearance of only one parent is possible when:
- an original notarised power of attorney from the absent parent for the issue of the Emergency Travel Document;
- a document certifying that the second parent is deceased;
- if the father is unknown.

Fee for issuance of an Emergency Travel Document.
- express order - EUR 100; receipt within 4 hours on the day of application;
- fast order - EUR 75; receipt the next day of application;
- regular order - EUR 50; receipt three days after application.
Biometric photo/on site at the Consular Office/.
Certificate of address registration in the federal states of Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg.
                                                 
When visiting the Consular Office, all documents required for the provision of the requested consular service must be presented. The fee for consular services is paid at a Consular Office at a POS terminal. 

Receipt of issued Bulgarian identity documents:

The deadline for obtaining Bulgarian identity documents under the Bulgarian Identity Documents Act is up to 90 days. The new documents must be received in person at the consular post or, exceptionally, by an authorised person whose details are entered in the application form. Upon receipt of the new passport/identity card issued, the previous passport/identity card should be returned to the Consular Office. A person who needs to present visas or border stamps affixed to the passport may retain it after the expiry date by presenting it to the Consular Office and submitting a request form. The person is obliged to return the document within 3 months after the stated need has ceased. Obtaining a new passport can also be done in Bulgaria through an authorized person - with a notarized power of attorney or by a person whose details are entered in the application. The authorized person should obtain the issued identity document from the Bulgarian Identity Documents Directorate, Sofia, Bulgaria. Sofia, 48 Knyaginya Maria Louisa Blvd. after presenting your identity document and returning the previous passport.

Verification of whether the passport has been received at the CO-Berlin can be made using the person's Unique Civil Number (UCN) at the following link http://consulatebg.eu/status

The new passport can also be delivered to CO-Berlin via a licensed courier company (DHL) with which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has an agreement. For this purpose, an additional payment of EUR 45.33 must be made to the following DHL bank account

In EURO
Beneficiary: DHL EXPRESS BULGARIA EOOD
Beneficiary's IBAN: № BG88TTBB94001526716237
Beneficiary's Bank: SOCIETE GENERALE EXPRESSBANK
BIC/SWIFT Code: TTBBBG22
Beneficiary's Bank Address: 73, Al. Stambolijski Blvd., Sofia 1000, Bulgaria

In the ‘Reason for payment’ column in the payment order the following must be filled: BDS Berlin and the full Latin name of the person for whom the new identity document is requested. The original payment order must be submitted to the Consular Office.

The service for delivery of Bulgarian identity documents includes only the expedited transport of the parcel from the MFA to the mission, but not the expedited issuance of the identity document or delivery to your home address.

Passport issuance fees:
- First passport of persons up to 14 years of age - EUR 26;
- Subsequent passport of persons up to 14 years of age - EUR 31;
- Passport of persons up to 14 years of age with permanently reduced working capacity or type and degree of disability of 50 per cent or more - EUR 22;
- Passport of persons 14-58 years of age - EUR 41;
- Passport of persons 14-58 years of age with permanently reduced working capacity or type and degree of disability of 50 per cent or more - EUR 22;
- Passport for persons 58-70 years of age - EUR 31;
- Passport for persons 58-70 years of age with a permanently reduced working capacity or a type and degree of disability of 50 per cent or more - EUR 22;
- Passport for persons over 70 years of age - EUR 26;
- Passport for persons over 70 years of age with a permanently reduced working capacity or a type and degree of disability of 50 per cent or more - EUR 22.

Fees for issuing of a new identity card:
- First identity card for persons 14-16 years of age - EUR 20;
- Identity card for persons 14-16 years of age with permanently reduced working capacity or type and degree of disability of 50 per cent or more - EUR 21 (official documents proving reduced working capacity must be presented);
- Subsequent identity card for persons 14-18 years of age - EUR 27;
- Identity card for persons 18-58 years of age - EUR 30;
- Identity card for persons 18-58 years of age with a permanently reduced capacity for work or a type and degree of disability of 50 per cent or more - EUR 21;
- Identity card for persons 58-70 years of age - EUR 26;
- Identity card for persons 58-70 years of age with a permanently reduced capacity for work or a type and degree of disability of 50 per cent or more - EUR 21;
- Identity card for persons over 70 years of age - EUR 20.

Notarial certifications:
Certification of date, content and signature of a private document According to Article 84 of the Notaries and Notarial Activities Act, consular officials in Bulgarian diplomatic and consular missions abroad may certify:
- the date, content and signatures of private documents when they are drawn up in Bulgarian and are not subject to registration, and when they are presented by foreigners — if they are intended to produce their effect on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria,
- the accuracy of copies and extracts of documents presented by Bulgarian citizens.
Consular officials at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Berlin do not draft powers of attorney, declarations and the like.

Pursuant to Article 5 ‘Consular Functions’ of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 (ratified by Decree No 947 of the Council of State of the People's Republic of Bulgaria of 1989 — SG No. 42 of1989; in force for the People’s Republic of Bulgaria since 10 August 1989; promulgated SG 42 of 25 May 1990, amended SG 29 of 12 April 2016) ‘consular functions consist of: .... (f) performing the functions of a notary public... provided that this is not contrary to the laws and regulations of the host State.’

The consular officials at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Berlin have no authority to notarize the authenticity of copies and extracts of documents, as well as the date and signatures of private documents when they are intended to produce their effect on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany.

If the foreign citizen does not speak Bulgarian, an interpreter shall be appointed, who shall sign a declaration of the authenticity of the translation and his signature shall be certified at the expense of the client.

When certifying the date, content and signature of a private document, the persons whose signatures are to be certified must appear in person before the consular officer and sign the document before him.

Services are provided upon presentation of valid original identification documents (passport or identity card). The presentation of a Bulgarian driving licence is not allowed.

In the absence of a valid identity document, the person shall certify his/her identity with two witnesses - Bulgarian citizens with established identity.(Witnesses may not be incapacitated, illiterate in Bulgarian, relatives of the person, persons in whose favour any disposition is contained in the power of attorney, etc.)

Documents subject to registration, such as contracts for the transfer of ownership, including immovable and movable property, contracts for the sale of shares, declarations of partition, declarations of renunciation of property rights, declarations of renunciation of the right of use, declarations of renunciation of inheritance, applications for the cancellation of mortgages, etc., cannot be certified at the Consular Office.

In case of transfer of immovable property or establishment of rights in rem over immovable property, the power of attorney should be submitted to the Consular Office in two identical copies. In this case, both the signature and the content of the document shall be certified. Two copies of the declaration under Article 264, paragraph 1 of the Tax and Social Security Procedure Code (DOPK) and a declaration under Article 25, paragraph 8 of the Notaries and Notary Activities Act (ZNND). Declaration Article 264, paragraph 1 of the Tax and Social Security Procedure Code (DOPK) and a declaration under Article 25, paragraph 8 of the Notaries and Notary Activities Act (ZNND).

In the case of transfer of a motor vehicle, two copies of a Declaration under Article 264, paragraph 2 of the Tax and Social Security Procedure Code (DOPK) as well as a declaration under Article 25, paragraph 8 of the Notaries and Notary Activities Act (ZNND), shall also be certified. Sample text of a power of attorney for transfer and driving of a motor vehicle, a declaration under Article 264, paragraph 2 of the Tax and Social Security Procedure Code (DOPK) and a declaration under Article 25, paragraph 8 of the Notaries and Notary Activities Act (ZNND).

When certifying a declaration for a child's travel outside the borders of the Republic of Bulgaria, the child's birth certificate must also be submitted.

In the FRG, ‘notarisation of signature’ and ‘notarisation of signature and content’ differ substantially.

In the case of a ‘notarisation of signature’ (Beglaubigung der Echtheit der Unterschrift), German notaries only certify the identity and the handwritten signature before them, and only carry out an eligibility check. (The text may be in Bulgarian).

Except upon explicit request, German notaries do not  generally consult the person whose signature is being authenticated when authenticating a signature. (It should be borne in mind that a significantly higher fee is payable for the requested consultation than for notarization of a signature.)

In the case of notarial certification, which corresponds to the Bulgarian concept of ‘notarial certification of signature and content’(Notarielle Beurkundung), in addition to certifying only the identity and the handwritten signature placed before them, German notaries check the conformity of the text with the actual will of the authorizing party, explaining to him the legal consequences of the act. In this case, notaries are obliged to read aloud and make sure that the prepared text corresponds to the actual will of the authorising party. In case of agreement, the principal and the notary sign the document (the power of attorney) together, and the notary enters the act in his notarial register.

The inconsistency between the requirements of the Civil Procedure Code of the Republic of Bulgaria and the legal norms of other countries (in this case — the German law) is overcome by the provision of Article 61 of the Code of Private International Law, according to which it is sufficient to comply with the conditions for the validity of the transaction in the country of its place of performance. The power of attorney is a unilateral transaction and therefore if the foreign notary has only certified the signature of the authorising person according to the rules of his national law, this power of attorney will be effective in the Republic of Bulgaria.

See Judgment No 101/05 April 2011 in Case No 829/2009 SCC, CG, IV d.o. http://www.vks.bg/pregled-akt?type=ot-spisak&id=BCDAD2B498BC7A9AC2257869004BF562.

Fees:

1. Certification of signature and content:

2. Certification of transcript - first page EUR 10 and EUR 5 for each subsequent page.

3. Translation certification - EUR 15 (regular service) and EUR 30 (express service).

3. Bulgarian citizenship:
   Through the Consular Office documents can be submitted to the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Bulgaria for:
   - acquisition of Bulgarian citizenship;
   - establishment of Bulgarian citizenship;
   - restoration of Bulgarian citizenship;
   - exemption from Bulgarian citizenship.

The procedures for release, acquisition, restoration and establishment of Bulgarian citizenship are described on the website of the Ministry of Justice (http://www.justice.government.bg/76/).

Please note that the Ministry of Justice accepts originals of documents and foreign documents must be accompanied by an Apostille and a translation into Bulgarian by a sworn translator. Only complete files are accepted, and an interview appointment is scheduled upon submission, which is an integral part of the procedure for acquiring Bulgarian citizenship.

4. Criminal record certificate:

The Consular Office accepts applications for criminal record certificates of Bulgarian citizens and foreigners who have resided on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Documents required:
- Application for criminal record certificates;
- Valid identity document (identity card/passport) in original;
- Criminal record certificates are issued by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Bulgaria and are valid for six months from the date of issue.

If you have an electronic signature, you could submit an electronic application to https://cs.mjs.bg/

5. Civil status:

If you need to register in the Republic of Bulgaria civil events ‘birth’, ‘marriage’ and ‘death’ with Bulgarian citizens, please consult the information published on https://www.mfa.bg/bg/uslugi-patuvania/konsulski-uslugi/zad-granica/grajdansko-sastoianie
The Embassy can issue multilingual transcript-extractions or full transcripts based on the National Electronic Register of Civil Status (NERCS) for civil events occurring after 31 December 1999.

Documents required:

- a model application from interested parties ;

- valid ID or passport (original).

The following persons have the right to request and receive civil status documents:
- for a birth certificate - the person to whom the birth certificate refers, his parents or legal representatives;
- for a civil marriage certificate - the parties to the certificate;
- for a death certificate - the heirs of the deceased person.

Extracts may also be issued to third parties expressly authorised by the persons entitled to receive them.
Duplicates of birth certificates, civil marriage certificates, which were issued after 01 January 2000, can be issued at the Consular Office. Certificates cannot be issued at the Consular Office on the basis of the population register (marital status, marriage abroad with a foreigner, etc.) — the competent authority is the municipality of permanent address in Bulgaria.
The conclusion of a marriage in the Consular Office between Bulgarian citizens is carried out in accordance with paragraph 4 of Article 6 ‘Conclusion of Marriage’ of the Code of Private International Law, according to which: A marriage between Bulgarian citizens abroad may be contracted before a Bulgarian diplomatic or consular representative if the law of the host country allows it.

Pursuant to paragraph 4 of Article 13 ‘Conclusion of Marriage’ of the Introductory Provisions to the German Civil Procedure Code (Einführungsgesetz zum Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuche; BGBEG), a marriage may only be concluded in the country in the form prescribed by this act. According to Article 13, paragraph 1 BGBEG, the conditions for the marriage are determined for each of the parties by ‘the law of the country to which he belongs’, but where there is no prerequisite for the application of foreign law, German law applies according to paragraph 2 if at least one of the parties ‘has his habitual residence in the country’ (paragraph 1).

The Consular Officer’s judgment as to the availability of a marriage at the Consular Office is based on an assessment of a number of factors, including compliance with regular opening hours, other official commitments, planned events at the reception facilities of the mission, staffing of the mission, the need to engage additional personnel, security issues at the mission, the number of potential participants in the ceremony, etc. 

Documents required:
- A general application from those wishing to marry, stating the date on which they wish the marriage to take place, details of any change of surname after marriage, marriage contract, etc.
- Declarations that there are no obstacles to marriage under Chapter 2 of the Family Code;
- Birth certificates and copies thereof;
- Certificates of marital status issued by the municipalities of residence in Bulgaria;
- Medical certificates from qualified doctors certifying that those wishing to marry do not suffer from any of the diseases referred to in ‘Instruction No 1 on the procedure for medical examination of persons entering into marriage’. The certificates must be certified by the Gesungheitsamt, be finally certified by an Apostille and be accompanied by translations into Bulgarian by sworn translators.

Notes: The signatures of the translators shall be subject to subsequent certification by the Consular Office. For the requirements for the medical certificate, see in more detail:
Instruction No 1 on the procedure for medical certification of marriage entrants, issued by the Ministry of Public Health Decision No 124 of May 2012 of the Commission for Protection against Discrimination.