Understanding Document Legalisation: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Documents in Bulgaria and Bulgarian Documents Abroad

Private Clients

Legalising documents for international use can be complex, particularly when navigating the varying requirements across borders. Whether you’re a foreign national needing to use documents in Bulgaria, or a Bulgarian citizen or business seeking to present documents abroad, understanding the appropriate legalisation process is essential to avoid delays and ensure compliance.

This guide outlines the three main legalisation methods relevant to Bulgaria: bilateral agreements, the Hague Apostille system, and dual legalisation.

The Basis of Document Legalisation in Bulgaria

Legalisation confirms that a document is legally valid and recognised in another jurisdiction. Bulgaria recognises three legalisation routes, depending on its treaty arrangements with the document’s country of origin.

The Ministry of Justice of Bulgaria is the competent authority for issuing apostilles on court decisions and notarial acts. All foreign documents intended for official use in Bulgaria – such as academic, corporate, civil status, or legal documents – must follow the appropriate legalisation procedure.

Bilateral Agreements: The Simplest Route

Bulgaria has signed Mutual Legal Assistance Agreements (MLAAs) with around 20 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, France, and Austria. These treaties eliminate the need for apostilles or further legalisation. Documents from these countries need only be translated and certified by authorised agencies in Bulgaria.

This route is the fastest and most cost-effective but requires careful attention to treaty-specific requirements.

The Hague Apostille Convention

Bulgaria has been part of the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents since 2000. The Convention introduces the apostille – a certificate that verifies the origin and authenticity of a public document.

Over 120 countries participate in this system, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Australia, and Japan. Documents are apostilled in the issuing country by a designated authority, and then accepted in Bulgaria without further legalisation.

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Justice issues apostilles for Bulgarian court and notarial documents. Processing usually takes up to three working days, with urgent services available. Some countries, including the UK, now offer e-apostille services, using qualified electronic signatures for faster processing.

Dual Legalisation: For Non-Treaty Countries

If a country is not part of the Hague Convention and has no bilateral agreement with Bulgaria, dual legalisation is required. This involves two steps:

1. Legalisation by the issuing country’s relevant ministry or foreign office.
2. Further legalisation by the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in that country.

This applies to countries such as Bangladesh, Algeria, Qatar, Malaysia, UAE, Egypt, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria.

Certified Translation: A Common Requirement

Regardless of the legalisation route, documents must be translated into Bulgarian for use in Bulgaria by an authorised agency recognised by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The signature of the translator must be certified by a Bulgarian notary or Consular official. If you are translating documents outside of Bulgaria, please confirm that the translation agency you are using meets those requirements.

How NBLO Can Help

At New Balkans Law Office, we have extensive experience supporting clients through the document legalisation process, whether in Bulgaria or abroad. We offer tailored advice on apostille services, embassy legalisation, and treaty-based procedures.

For assistance, please contact us at [email protected] or call +359 (0) 2 996 3868.