How to get a police certificate – Bulgaria

If you need to give your fingerprints for a police certificate, this isn’t the same as giving your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for an application.

Name of the document you need

Police Clearance Certificate (Svidetelstvo za sadimosti)

Police certificate and IRCC requirements

You must provide a police certificate when you apply for:

  • permanent residence
  • citizenship
  • some temporary residence programs

Check your application package or instructions for details.

How to apply

If you are a citizen of Bulgaria

Apply online via the portal for the Ministry of Justice (available in Bulgarian only)

  • You will need a qualified e-signature or an identification code from the National Insurance Institute or National Revenue Agency, and a bank card for payment.

If you are not a citizen of Bulgaria

Apply at the nearest Bulgarian Embassy or you can authorize a representative in Bulgaria, with a power of attorney or a certificate of inheritor, to apply on your behalf.

Information and documents you need

These items may differ depending on if you’re a citizen or not a citizen

  • Identity document(s)
  • Birth certificate
  • Applicable fees
  • Power of attorney or certificate of inheritor (when a certificate is requested for another person)
  • Legal proof of name change, if applicable

Contact information

Further information is available on the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice website (available in Bulgarian only).

Page details

2026-02-16