Types of Adoption in Bulgaria

Bulgarian law recognizes two types of adoption under the Family Code:

Full Adoption

• Creates a complete parent-child relationship between the adopter and the child
• The child’s legal ties to the biological family are fully severed
• The child receives the adopter’s family name and is treated as their biological child for all legal purposes
• Irrevocable once finalized by the court

Simple Adoption (Incomplete Adoption)

• Creates a legal relationship between the adopter and the child
• The child’s legal ties to the biological family are not fully severed
• Used less frequently, typically in step-parent adoptions or adoptions within the extended family
• Can be revoked under specific circumstances by court decision

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Adopt?

• Persons who are legally competent and at least 15 years older than the child
• Both individuals and married couples can adopt (same-sex couples cannot adopt under current Bulgarian law)
• In spousal adoption, both spouses must consent (unless the couple is separated)
• Step-parent adoption — a spouse can adopt their partner’s child
• Bulgarian citizens and foreign nationals may adopt, though different procedures apply

Who Can Be Adopted?

• Minors (under 18) whose parents have given consent or whose parents have been deprived of parental rights
• Children who are abandoned or whose parents are unknown
• Children registered in the national adoption register

The Domestic Adoption Process

Step 1: Application to the Social Assistance Directorate

Prospective adopters submit an application to the Regional Directorate for Social Assistance, which includes:

• Personal identification documents
• Medical certificates confirming physical and mental fitness
• Criminal record certificates
• Financial documentation proving ability to care for the child
• Psychological assessment

Step 2: Home Study and Approval

Social workers conduct a home study evaluating:

• Living conditions and housing suitability
• Family environment and stability
• Motivation for adoption
• Parenting capacity

If approved, the adopters are entered in the National Adoption Register.

Step 3: Matching

The Adoption Council at the Ministry of Justice matches approved adopters with eligible children. Matching considers:

• The child’s specific needs
• The adopters’ profile and preferences
• The best interests of the child

Step 4: Socialization Period

Before the court hearing, the child and prospective parents undergo a socialization period to build a relationship. This typically lasts several weeks.

Step 5: Court Proceeding

The adoption is finalized by the Regional Court in a closed hearing. The court verifies:

• All legal requirements are met
• Necessary consents have been given
• The adoption serves the child’s best interests

The court issues an adoption decree, and the civil registration is updated.

International Adoption

International adoption from Bulgaria is governed by the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. Key principles:

• International adoption is permitted only when domestic adoption is not possible
• Children must be registered in the national register for at least two years before being eligible for international adoption
• The adopters’ home country must also be a party to the Hague Convention
• The process is coordinated through the Ministry of Justice and accredited adoption agencies

Process for Foreign Adopters

1. Apply through an accredited adoption agency in your home country
2. Complete the home study and approval in your home country
3. Your file is transmitted to the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice
4. The Adoption Council proposes a match
5. Travel to Bulgaria for the socialization period
6. Court hearing and adoption decree
7. Obtain the child’s passport and travel documents

Timeline and Costs

Item	Details
Domestic adoption	1–3 years from application to finalization
International adoption	2–5 years depending on the home country and child’s profile
Court fee	Nominal (BGN 25)
Lawyer fee	BGN 1,000–3,000
Agency fees (international)	Vary by country and agency

Legal Assistance in Troyan

Adoption is a life-changing legal process that requires careful navigation of both Bulgarian and international law. Attorney Biser Dimov in Troyan assists families with domestic and international adoption procedures, from initial applications to court hearings. Contact us to begin the process.