Source explained
Constitution of Bulgaria
The useful meaning comes first. The Bulgarian or official original remains one click away for verification.
- Published by
- Народно събрание
Why it matters
What this source helps explain
Return and protection abroad
A Bulgarian citizen has the right to return to Bulgaria and is under Bulgarian protection while abroad.
Vote, petition and participate
Eligible adult citizens can vote in Bulgarian elections and referendums and send complaints, proposals or petitions to public bodies.
Stand for public office where the rules allow
Citizenship opens access to elected and certain public offices, but age, residence, incompatibility and sole-citizenship rules differ by office.
Equality and legal protection
The Constitution guarantees Bulgarian citizens equality before the law and legal protection when their rights or legitimate interests are violated.
Privacy, expression, assembly and association
For Bulgarian citizens, the Constitution protects liberty, private life, home and communications, conscience, speech, peaceful assembly and association, subject to lawful limits.
Work, education, health, property and culture
The Constitution gives Bulgarian citizens guarantees in these fields, but access, insurance, residence, qualification and funding rules still apply. Citizenship is not an automatic benefit entitlement.
Rights of foreigners lawfully in Bulgaria
Foreigners lawfully in Bulgaria generally have the constitutional rights and obligations granted by the Constitution, except rights for which the Constitution or a law requires Bulgarian citizenship.
Observe the law and others' rights
Citizens must observe the Constitution and laws and respect the rights and lawful interests of others.
04More notes supported by this source
Defence duty, without present peacetime conscription
Defence of the homeland remains a constitutional duty. Peacetime conscription was abolished from 1 January 2008; reserve and wartime law remain separate.
Taxes follow applicable facts, not the passport alone
The Constitution requires legally due taxes. Bulgarian tax residence is determined irrespective of citizenship, using residence and centre-of-interests tests.
Help in disasters under law
Citizens must assist the state and society during natural or other disasters under conditions set by law.
Learn how and where to vote
Check the CEC for dates, voter lists and polling abroad. Citizenship does not mean automatic online voting.