Are you a Ukrainian citizen who was forced to leave your homeland in search of a safe place? Many are now considering this option; to stay legally in the EU, settle down with children and receive housing and support. Nevertheless, many are frightened by unfamiliar procedures and bureaucracy.
We at BolgarskiyDom are experts in the real estate market and laws of Bulgaria. We have created a step by step guide to the purchase of property in Bulgaria — based on current laws, government data and the experiences of our clients. It contains not only formalities, but also useful life hacks: how to avoid mistakes, where to look for housing and how to make the most of the rights granted to you.
Since 2022, Bulgaria has become a reliable haven of safety for more than 200,000 citizens of Ukraine. And recently, the country extended its temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2026.
Take advantage of this opportunity — begin a new life in this beautiful country!
Here's what we’ll cover in this article:
- What is temporary protection? (who is eligible, legal basis)
- Who is eligible? (categories of recipients and nuances)
- Conditions of entry (what documents are needed to cross the border)
- How to apply for protection? (step-by-step instructions, documents, addresses)
- Rights and opportunities (housing, work, medicine, education, social assistance)
- Where and how to live? (free and paid housing, prices, regions)
- Financial assistance (benefits, payments, conditions of receipt)
- Medical care (insurance, services, restrictions)
- Employment (where to look for work and who is easier to find)
- Education for children (schools, kindergartens, language adaptation)
- Frequently asked questions (frequent cases, life hacks, misconceptions)
- Useful contacts and links (portals, hotlines, embassies)
- Conclusion (how to proceed + support from BolgarskiyDom)
Get a practical guide that will save you time and stress. And a valuable bonus – you will understand who to contact in order to quickly settle into a new place.
What is temporary protection in Bulgaria and who is it primarily for?
Temporary protection is a special legal mechanism that allows Ukrainians and their families to quickly obtain legal stay in the country, without the standard complex asylum procedure. Bulgaria introduced it in 2022 and has now extended it until March 4, 2026. This means that thousands of Ukrainians can live and work here, benefiting from social and medical support.
Why is this important?
- Registration in minutes
Unlike refugee status, which requires individual verification, a temporary protection card is issued almost instantly. - Minimum documents
You show a valid or expired passport, and in difficult cases - any other document that confirms your identity. - Broad rights
Access to education, medicine, social assistance, and most importantly, official employment and the opportunity to stay in Bulgaria until March 2026.
Almost all Ukrainians who arrived in Bulgaria after February 24, 2022 have the right to apply for this status.
Who can receive temporary protection?
The main categories of people who are eligible are:
- Citizens of Ukraine who lived on its territory until February 24, 2022, and their immediate family members (spouse, cohabitant, children, parents).
- People of other citizenships or stateless who were under protection in Ukraine until February 24, 2022.
- Foreigners who left the conflict zone in Ukraine, arrived in Bulgaria and wish to receive temporary protection.
If you are not sure whether you meet these criteria, check with the migration service or seek a free consultation. Most often, only those who left Ukraine long before the war or cannot confirm that they suffered due to hostilities are denied.
What if you don't meet these criteria?
In this case, you can apply for refugee status, which requires individual consideration. It takes longer to consider, but under certain circumstances it is a way out of the situation.
Conditions of entry into Bulgaria for Ukrainians
Thanks to the visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU, Ukrainian citizens can cross the Bulgarian border without a visa, based on the following documents:
- Biometric passport (regular or expired, sometimes entry is allowed either way).
- Internal Ukrainian passport — if you don’t have a passport.
- Birth certificate (for children).
Bulgarian border guards often accept Ukrainian citizens even in the absence of a complete set of papers. They may clarify the details verbally and allow entry for humanitarian reasons.
Entry with pets is allowed according to a simplified scheme: at the border you will be asked to fill out a short form about the pet. If you don't have a chip and a veterinary passport, you will still be allowed through.
You have 90 days of visa-free stay, but for further residence and assistance, apply for temporary protection. This is done on the territory of Bulgaria.
Step-by-step instructions: how to apply for temporary protection
You can officially obtain a temporary protection card during one visit to the migration service employees. The process is transparent and free. Follow this plan:
Arrival in Bulgaria
Get to the country in any convenient way. If you do not have a passport, take any other identification documents. Children travel on a birth certificate. The main thing is to legally pass the checkpoint so that border police officers record your entry.
Contact the registration point
Apply for temporary protection at the nearest department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or at specially organized centers. They can be found:
- Right at the border (registration immediately upon entry).
- In large cities (Sofia, Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv) – at the regional police department.
- At the reception centers of the Refugee Agency (Sofia, Banya village, Harmanli).
You can check the addresses on the portal ukraine.gov.bg/ru.
Provide documents
- International passport (even expired) or internal passport.
- Application (filled out on site).
- Photos and biometric data (will be taken by employees).
- If you have children, indicate them in the same form and attach a birth certificate.
If you re-register, please present your old registration card.
Obtain an Alien Registration Card
In a few minutes you will be given a plastic card with your photo, foreigner’s personal number and expiration date. This is a document of temporary protection. It gives the right to use medical care, social support, work and study.
Renewal of status
Current protection has been extended until March 4, 2026. However, if you have already issued it earlier, you need to re-register until April 30, 2025, otherwise the card will become invalid. The renewal procedure is the same: visit the department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the office of the Refugee Agency, take photographs and receive a new card.
IMPORTANT!
The registration procedure is free for Ukrainians. If you encounter refusal or feel language barriers, ask for a Russian-speaking employee. If necessary, you can contact specialists BolgarskiyDom and we will suggest verified contacts of lawyers.
What rights does temporary protection provide?
With the Alien Registration Card you get almost all the key rights you need to live a normal life in Bulgaria:
You legally remain in Bulgaria for the entire period of temporary protection, without a visa and without an additional residence permit.
Status holders can enter into an employment contract or open their own business (with any permits). This is especially important for those who want a stable income.
You have the right to apply to social security authorities for benefits, as well as receive financial support.
Emergency assistance is available free of charge. For vulnerable groups (children, pregnant women, the elderly), medical expenses are covered.
Ukrainian children go to Bulgarian schools and kindergartens with the same rights as local residents.
If part of the family remains outside of Bulgaria, they can also come and apply for status.
The card gives you the right to leave and return freely (within the validity period). If you leave for a short time, your status will not be canceled.
In essence, temporary protection replaces a standard residence permit for the period of its validity. For many people looking for a safe place and perspective, this is a great find.
Housing in Bulgaria: free and paid options
Government programs and volunteer support
For Ukrainian citizens arriving for humanitarian reasons, Bulgaria has opened an accommodation program in which hotels and centers accommodate refugees using subsidies. This program has been going on for several years. The state compensates hotels for part of their expenses so that people can stay for free at least for the first months.
There are also volunteer initiatives. For example, On ukraine.gov.bg/ru you can find shelter with Bulgarian families or hostels. If your budget is limited, you should start with these resources.
Rental housing: long-term solutions
Many people want to settle down permanently, so renting an apartment or a house is definitely an option. What to pay attention to:
- Standard rental period - from 1 year.
- Deposit of security deposit — 1–2 months of payment in advance. The money will be returned upon departure if there is no damage.
- Furniture: 90% of the apartments are already furnished, you don’t have to buy everything separately.
- Public utilities are usually paid separately: water supply, electricity, internet.
- Documents: Be sure to sign the lease agreement and make an acceptance certificate. To register the address, the landlord will submit information to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
COUNCIL: Before signing a lease, be sure to inspect the property and record all defects so that you do not have to pay for someone else’s damage. And do not pay money for the reservation before actually viewing the apartment.
If you plan to stay in Bulgaria, BolgarskiyDom is ready to provide professional assistance in selecting real estate for purchase. We know local market realities, work only with reliable, verified owners and help to avoid legal pitfalls when preparing documents.
Which cities are better to choose?
- Sofia is a capital with an abundance of vacancies, chain supermarkets and developed infrastructure.
- Varna And Burgas — sea cities with a mild climate, tourist jobs.
- Plovdiv - a cultural center, slightly cheaper than Sofia.
- Resort areas (Golden Sands, Sunny Beach) - seasonal work, but a little hectic in the summer.
To quickly find suitable options and avoid dealing with scammers, contact specialists BulgarianDom — we will suggest not only profitable locations, but also possible discounts on purchases.
Financial and social assistance
One-time payment
Ukrainians with temporary protection can apply for one-time assistance (375 leva). To do this, you need to contact the social assistance department (Directorate “Social Support”) at your place of actual residence and fill out an application. The money is transferred to a Bulgarian bank account.
Program 40 leva per day
In the first months of the war, a daily payment was provided for food and accommodation (40 leva per day), but only to those who registered with the employment service. In 2023, the program was extended several times, while the conditions changed and the amount was reduced. Check with local social security authorities or ukraine.gov.bg/ru.
Regular benefits
The Bulgarian social system offers monthly support to low-income families. If your income is below the established norm, you can contact the social service:
- Write a statement.
- Present a temporary protection card and income documents.
The approved amount depends on the specific situation of the family. To receive a disability pension, you need to undergo a local medical and social examination (TESC). Disability status established in Ukraine does not automatically provide benefits in Bulgaria.
NOTE:
Even a little social support at first helps you adapt. Don’t hesitate to ask for detailed advice from social security employees if anything is unclear.
Medical care and insurance
Emergency assistance
Ambulance number – 112. In case of an acute threat to life and health, assistance is provided free of charge. Hospitalization in emergency situations is covered by the state budget if you are registered under temporary protection.
Insurance contributions from the state
- For adult women under 63 years of age and men under 65 years of age, the state pays for health insurance for the first 90 days of stay with temporary protection.
- For children, pregnant women, pensioners, people with disabilities – all medical care is available free of charge for the entire period of status.
After 90 days, able-bodied individuals must either get a job (the employer will pay contributions) or pay for health insurance themselves.
Registration with a family doctor
To use routine medical care, choose a GP (general practitioner) - a family doctor at the nearest clinic. Typically required:
- Your temporary protection card
- Document with address registration (if requested)
The family doctor refers you for specific tests and examinations. If you are in a vulnerable category, the costs are covered by the government.
Limitations
- Planned operations and expensive treatment are usually partially paid for.
- Not all medications are free; many are paid for by the patient himself.
However, for most primary and emergency cases the same rules apply as for Bulgarian citizens.
Employment: how Ukrainians can find a job?
The main advantage of temporary protection is the official right to work. Get a job under an employment contract or open your own company without additional permission.
Where to look for vacancies?
- State Employment Service. Contact your local labor office and they will tell you about current vacancies. However, do not confuse this with unemployment benefits - refugees are not given benefits if they do not have experience in the Bulgarian social insurance system.
- Job search sites: Jobs.bg, Jooble, LinkedIn, where they increasingly publish offers for Russian- or Ukrainian-speaking employees.
- Recruiting agencies. Some specialize in helping Ukrainians.
- Friends and local chats. Often, jobs are found thanks to recommendations from fellow countrymen.
Which areas are easier to get a job in?
- Service sector: hotels, restaurants, shops, beauty salons.
- Tourism: especially on the coast, in season.
- Production: in factories, factories.
- IT and freelancing: If you know English, you can work remotely or find an employer who does not require the Bulgarian language.
IN DEMAND: tourism, services, logistics, IT, production.
If you master Bulgarian, your prospects expand: you can undergo vocational training and obtain a license for certain specialties. All this is real as long as your temporary protection is in effect.
Education for children: schools and kindergartens
Ukrainian children with temporary protection have the right to study for free in Bulgarian public schools and go to municipal kindergartens. In Bulgaria:
- Preschool education usually starts at the age of 3, but preparatory groups are required at the age of 4. Kindergartens are public and free.
- School is compulsory from 7 to 16 years old. Students are enrolled in the nearest educational institution at their place of residence.
- Language courses. Free Bulgarian lessons are often organized for children. They quickly adapt to a new language.
COUNCIL: When registering your child, bring your registration card and birth document with you. If you have time, get a vaccination card - this is sometimes asked in kindergartens. But in many places they accept you first, and vaccinations and other things are clarified later.
Answers to popular questions
The status has been automatically extended until March 4, 2026. But Bulgaria practices re-registration to keep your card up to date. If you received it before 2025, keep an eye on the deadlines: you usually need to submit an application and have your photo taken again. Before April 30, 2025, be sure to renew your card at your local office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Refugee Agency.
Yes, but it makes little sense. Temporary protection gives access to all key rights. Refugee status takes a long time to be considered, and you decide for yourself whether you need to change the scheme. It is generally accepted that it is easier to use temporary protection, and later, if you want, switch to a residence permit or other long-term options.
Yes, as a tourist – maximum 90 days within six months. But you can officially live and work only in Bulgaria, since the status is valid here. If you decide to move to Germany or Poland, you will have to re-apply for protection there.
No. Bulgarian citizenship requires long-term residence on the basis of a residence permit/permanent residence permit, knowledge of the language and the completion of a number of formalities. The Temporary Protection Card does not provide a direct route to an EU passport.
Contact the Ukrainian Embassy in Sofia (Boryana St., 29). There they will extend or issue a new document, and also enter it into the children’s passport. In the absence of documents, the registration of temporary protection in itself is not cancelled, but you will not be able to travel outside of Bulgaria without a valid passport.
Yes, most foreigners must declare a place of residence. If you live in a hotel under a government program, the administration will arrange everything. When renting housing, you need to fill out a notification together with the owner at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
NOTE: The temporary protection card is not canceled for short trips.
Useful contacts and links
To make onboarding as easy as possible, save these numbers and sites:
- Bulgarian government hotline: +359 2948 24 04 (general questions for refugees, open 24 hours a day)
- Embassy of Ukraine in Bulgaria (Sofia) — phone: +359 2 818 68 28, hotline: +359 878 015 102
- Official portal: ukraine.gov.bg/ru (registration, medicine, housing, instructions)
- Facebook groups “Helping refugees in Bulgaria” (search for free housing, advice, consultations)
- 112 — emergency ambulance
IMPORTANT: Save this list to your phone – it will come in handy at any time.
If you require in-depth legal advice or additional social support, please contact your local social services office. A complete list of addresses and contacts is available on the official portal ukraine.gov.bg.
Conclusion
Bulgaria remains one of the safest countries where Ukrainians feel safe, can work, receive social benefits, and take their children to schools and kindergartens. Temporary protection has been extended until 2026 - this period is enough for many to adapt, get comfortable and decide whether to stay here further or look towards other options (residence permit, business immigration, citizenship).
If you need comfortable inexpensive housing — BolgarskiyDom provides professional support. We will help you find reliable, verified objects, prepare documents without errors and consequences, and of course, save your time and nerves.
Don’t be left alone with difficulties – trust professionals who have already helped hundreds of families.
Take a confident step towards a new life! We wish you safety, tranquility and new opportunities in Bulgaria! With love and care, the BolgarskiyDom team
