What Is an EGN?

The EGN (Единен граждански номер — Unified Civil Number) is a unique 10-digit personal identification number assigned to every Bulgarian citizen at birth. For foreigners residing in Bulgaria, an equivalent number is issued to enable interaction with Bulgarian institutions, healthcare, banking, and tax systems.

Types of Personal Numbers for Foreigners

LNCh (Личен номер на чужденец)

The LNCh (Personal Number of a Foreigner) is the primary identification number for foreigners with:

• Long-term or permanent residence permits
• EU citizen registration certificates
• Refugee or humanitarian protection status

The LNCh functions identically to the EGN for most purposes.

EGN for Foreigners

In certain cases, foreigners may receive an actual EGN rather than an LNCh:

• Bulgarian citizens who were born abroad and did not receive an EGN at birth
• Foreigners who acquire Bulgarian citizenship
• Specific administrative situations determined by the authorities

When Do You Need a Personal Number?

A personal identification number is required for:

• Residence registration — registering your address in Bulgaria
• Employment — your employer needs it for social security and tax filings
• Opening a bank account — most banks require it for resident accounts
• Healthcare — accessing the Bulgarian health insurance system
• Tax registration — filing tax returns and paying taxes
• Property ownership — registering property in your name
• Vehicle registration — registering a car in Bulgaria
• Enrolling children in school — public school registration requires it
• Utility contracts — signing contracts for electricity, water, internet

How to Obtain an LNCh/Personal Number

For EU/EEA Citizens

1. Register your EU right of residence at the Migration Directorate (Ministry of Interior)
2. Submit your passport or national ID card
3. Provide proof of employment, self-employment, or sufficient resources in Bulgaria
4. Provide health insurance coverage
5. The LNCh is assigned as part of the registration certificate issuance

The process typically takes 1–2 weeks.

For Non-EU Citizens

1. Apply for a residence permit at the Migration Directorate
2. Submit all required documents (visa, proof of purpose of stay, financial means, health insurance, address registration)
3. The LNCh is assigned when the residence permit is issued
4. The permit card contains your LNCh

For Company Managers/Owners

Foreign company managers who need to be registered in the Trade Register may obtain a personal number through:

• The Migration Directorate if applying for residence
• The National Revenue Agency which can issue a service number (Служебен номер) for tax purposes without requiring residence

Required Documents

Common documents needed for obtaining a personal number:

• Valid passport with visa (if applicable)
• Application form completed in Bulgarian
• Address registration — proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
• Health insurance — Bulgarian or EU health insurance card
• Proof of purpose — employment contract, company registration, enrollment letter
• Passport-size photos (for the residence permit card)
• Application fee — varies by permit type

The Service Number Alternative

If you do not reside in Bulgaria but need to interact with the tax system (for example, as a company owner or property owner), the National Revenue Agency can issue a service number (Служебен номер). This number allows you to:

• File tax returns
• Register as a company manager
• Pay taxes and social contributions

It does not replace a full LNCh for other purposes like healthcare or banking.

Practical Tips

• Start the process early — delays are common, especially at busy Migration Directorate offices
• Bring certified translations of all foreign documents
• Keep copies of all submitted documents
• Check your number once issued — verify it appears correctly in all systems

Get Assistance in Troyan

Obtaining a personal identification number involves navigating Bulgarian bureaucracy, which can be challenging for foreigners. Attorney Biser Dimov in Troyan assists foreign clients with the application process, document preparation, and dealings with the Migration Directorate and other authorities. Contact us for support.