Legal aid

Renewal of residence permits of foreign and EU nationals and driving licenses issued by Bulgaria in the context of the COVID-19 state of emergency and emergency epidemic situation

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, from 13 March 2020 to 13 May 2020 the Bulgarian parliament declared a state of emergency in the country. After May 13, 2020 the state of emergency was replaced by an emergency epidemic situation that continues to this day.

You may face some legal challenges when you arrive in Bulgaria and seek international protection. Here's how to choose a lawyer who can help you.

Where to find a lawyer?

There are different non-governmental organizations in Bulgaria that can provide you with free legal aid. If things are not working well with your lawyer, you have the right to dismiss your lawyer and have another one appointed. To do so, give a written notice to the lawyer and the court.

Find a legal aid organization here:

Legal Services

About hate crimes

A hate crime is a crime committed against someone because of their ethnic origin, nationality, race, religion, sexuality or political beliefs.

A hate crime is a criminal offence in Bulgaria, and perpetrators receive stricter punishments than those who commit a regular crime. Punishment includes imprisonment from 1 to 4 years, a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 leva, and a public announcement of the crime in the local newspaper or municipality website.