Bulgarian Passports Now Valid for 10 Years

Starting in 2025, Bulgarian citizens can obtain passports with a validity of up to 10 years, doubling the previous standard of 5 years. The change brings Bulgaria in line with most EU member states and simplifies long-term travel and administrative processes for citizens.

Extended Validity Period

Under the new regulations, Bulgarian citizens aged 18 and above may now choose between:

• a 5-year passport, or

• a 10-year passport, which will be recognized equally within the European Union and worldwide.

The extended validity applies only to adult applicants, while minors will continue to receive passports valid for 5 years or less, depending on their age.

Updated Passport Fees

According to the Ministry of Interior, the new 10-year passport will cost €28, while the 5-year passport will be priced at €26.

Fees for other travel documents have also been updated:

• Temporary passports for one-time travel now cost up to €278, primarily for cases involving permanent departure from Bulgaria.

• The fee for a driver’s license has been slightly adjusted to €13.80 for individuals aged 18–58.

Benefits for Citizens

The 10-year passport validity offers several advantages:

• Fewer renewals, saving both time and administrative fees;

• Greater convenience for frequent travelers and expatriates;

• Alignment with EU standards, enhancing Bulgaria’s consistency with other member states’ practices.

The new measure is particularly beneficial for Bulgarian citizens living abroad, who previously had to renew passports every five years at embassies or consulates.

Implementation

The updated passport validity came into effect following amendments to the Bulgarian Personal Documents Act, approved in 2025. The Ministry of Interior has already begun issuing passports under the new terms.

Citizens can apply at local police directorates, regional offices, or Bulgarian diplomatic missions abroad. All 10-year passports will continue to include biometric data and advanced security features consistent with EU standards.

This development further enhances the overall value and attractiveness of the Bulgaria Golden Visa program.