Get Birth Certificates in Bulgaria

A birth certificate (акт за раждане / akt za razhdane) in Bulgaria is an essential civil document required for obtaining an identity card (лична карта), enrolling in school, applying for a passport, and accessing government services. This guide explains how to get birth certificates in Bulgaria, with details for Sofia and Plovdiv.

How Birth Registration Works in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, birth registration is handled by the Civil Registration and Administrative Services department (GRАО) at the local municipality (obshtina). Births must be declared within seven days of delivery for births in hospitals. When a baby is born in a hospital, the hospital issues a birth notification (съобщение за раждане), which is used to register the birth at the municipal GRАО office.

Bulgaria has been developing its e-government services through the e-Government portal (egov.bg). Some civil registration services, including requests for certified copies of civil acts, are available online through this platform. The birth is registered in the national civil registry maintained by the GRАО department.

Documents Required for Birth Certificate in Bulgaria

Hospital birth notification (съобщение за раждане)
Both parents’ Bulgarian identity cards (лична карта) or passports
Parents’ marriage certificate (акт за граждански брак), if married
For unmarried parents: declaration of paternity (декларация за признаване на бащинство) can be made at the municipal office at the time of registration

For foreign nationals, additional documents may be required. Contact the local municipality for specific requirements.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Sofia

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and the country’s largest city. Civil registration in Sofia is handled by the GRÃO department of Sofia Municipality (Столична община). Sofia is divided into 24 districts (райони), each with its own administrative office. Birth registration must be done at the office in the district where the birth occurred.

Major maternity hospitals in Sofia such as the Maichin Dom (Mother’s Home) hospital and private facilities issue hospital birth notifications that initiate the registration process. Sofia municipal offices handle large volumes of registrations and are generally efficient. Some civil registration services in Sofia are also accessible through Bulgaria’s e-government platform.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Plovdiv

Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Civil registration in Plovdiv is handled by the Plovdiv Municipality’s GRÃO department. The process follows the same national procedures as in Sofia.

After the birth in a Plovdiv hospital, parents receive the birth notification and visit the local municipal office to register the birth and obtain the акт за раждане. Plovdiv’s civil registration services are organized across the city’s six districts. Processing times are similar to those in Sofia when documents are complete.

Birth Registration for Foreign Nationals in Bulgaria

Foreign nationals who give birth in Bulgaria must register the birth at the local municipality. They should also contact their home country’s embassy or consulate in Sofia to register the birth and obtain the home country birth certificate. Sofia hosts embassies from many countries offering this service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Bulgaria?

The акт за раждане is typically issued on the same day as the registration at the municipal office when all documents are in order. Additional certified copies can be obtained the same day or within a few working days.

Can I get a Bulgarian birth certificate online?

Bulgaria’s e-Government portal (egov.bg) offers some civil registration services online, including requests for certified copies of civil acts. Check the current available services on the portal for the latest options.

How long is a Bulgarian birth certificate valid?

A Bulgarian birth certificate (акт за раждане) has no expiry date. However, some institutions or foreign authorities may require a recently issued certified copy. These can be obtained from the municipality that registered the original birth.

Can a Bulgarian birth certificate be apostilled?

Yes. Bulgaria is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Bulgarian birth certificates can be apostilled by the Ministry of Justice (Министерство на правосъдието) for use in other Hague Convention member countries.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Bulgaria is managed by the local municipality’s GRÃO department. Whether in Sofia or Plovdiv, registering within seven days with the hospital birth notification and parental documents ensures a smooth and prompt process. Bulgaria’s e-government services are also making it increasingly convenient to access civil documents online. A Bulgarian birth certificate is your child’s most important legal document and the foundation of their identity in Bulgaria.