Long-term residence permits for Russian citizens are re-issued with unusually short validity periods
One year extensions until now
Sergey, a Russian pensioner who has been living near Burgas for more than four years now, had just renewed his long-term residence permit. He knew that next year, he should be eligible for permanent residence permit, so this was the last extension of its current status. Next year, he would be getting a five year permanent residence card – the last step before he could apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
For years, the routine had been almost reassuringly predictable. Each time he submitted the paperwork, he got an extension for another twelve months. A quiet confirmation that life, at least in this sunny corner of Bulgaria, continued to remain stable.
Much shorter extensions lately (are Russians singled out?)
But this time was different. Sergey held the new document in his hands and stared at it a little longer than usual. The familiar year-long validity was gone. In its place, a short extension – only two months. How could that be? Two months. Nothing more. That would mean that Sergey would already start preparing for the next extension? Was this a mistake? Or a plan to force Sergey to give up on living in Bulgaria and leave?
The reality is that Sergey is not the only Russian citizen, facing this problem. For the past, maybe six months, more and more Russian and Belorussian citizens are reporting similar issues. All they get their long-term residence permits prolonged for ridiculously short terms. Many of them are even married to Bulgarian citizens and are having Bulgarian children. But who cares… Instead of the usual 12 months, most of them get four or even two months extensions. So is this legal? And why are the Bulgarian authorities doing it?
So why are Russian nationals being granted such short residence permit extensions these days?
We believe the reason is quite simple. In line with broader EU policy shifts regarding Russia, Bulgaria is also seeking to reduce what is perceived as “Russian influence” in the country. The recent change of government, however, is seen by some as bringing a less hawkish stance toward Russia, so there is hope that things may change in the future, to the benefit of law-abiding Russian citizens living peacefully in Bulgaria.
For the time being, however, many Russian and Belarusian citizens face a more restrictive administrative approach, reflected in shorter residence permit extensions and increased uncertainty around renewal procedures. Luckily, we can help many of these people get what they are entitled to.
Is it legal to extend long-term residence permits for such short periods?
Let’s see what the Bulgarian law says about the validity of the long-term residence permits. According to art. 23, par. 1, p. 2 of the Bulgarian Foreigners Law:
Foreign nationals may reside in the Republic of Bulgaria: on a long-term basis – with a permitted stay of up to one year, except in the cases provided for in this law;
So according to the Foreigners Law, the long -term residence permit can be issued for any period up to one year. In other words, theoretically, it can be even issued for 15 days only. But why 15 days? Because, according to art. 14, par. 2 of the Regulations to the Bulgarian Foreigners Law, the foreigner should apply for renewal at least 14 days before the residence permit expires.
The application referred to in paragraph 1 must be submitted no later than 14 days before the expiration of the foreign national’s authorised period of stay in the Republic of Bulgaria.
But isn’t all this ridiculous? 15 days? Two months? How can all this be happening in an EU country? And what will happen when next time the long-term residence permit is prolonged for one month or for even shorter period?
What can be done to prevent the authorities these discriminatory practices?
The first step is to request a written explanation from the Bulgarian Migration Directorate. If residence permits are being extended for only two or three months instead of the usual twelve, the authorities should explain the legal and factual reasons for determining such a short validity period.
At the same time, affected residents should consider submitting requests under Bulgaria’s Law on Access to Public Information, asking whether any internal instructions or policies exist regarding the duration of residence permit extensions, particularly for Russian and Belarusian nationals. If no such instructions exist, it raises the question of why a seemingly uniform practice has emerged.
Finally, if a significant number of similar cases can be documented, the practice itself may be challenged before the Bulgarian courts. A consistent pattern of issuing unusually short extensions without clear legal grounds or individual reasoning would deserve careful judicial scrutiny.
And last, but not least, we all have to remember what the Bulgarian Constitution says:
All citizens are equal before the law. No restrictions on rights or privileges based on race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, origin, religion, education, beliefs, political affiliation, personal or social status, or financial status shall be permitted.
art. 6, par. 2 of the Bulgarian Constitution
Foreigners residing in the Republic of Bulgaria have all the rights and obligations under this Constitution, with the exception of those rights and obligations for which the Constitution and the laws require Bulgarian citizenship.
art. 26, par. 2 of the Bulgarian Constitution
Can you do it all yourself?
Let’s be honest – this is not something you can easily handle on your own. If your Bulgarian long-term residence permit is being extended for increasingly shorter periods, challenging it without legal help is very difficult.
Being informed and getting professional legal support is key if you want to defend your rights effectively. And you have little choice, if you want to continue your residence in Bulgaria.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Great article as always dear Alex, thank you very much for your ongoing professional advice and support