What is a permanent address?
The permanent address is the address in a settlement that the person chooses to be entered in the population register of Bulgaria. It is the official address of the person and is entered in the identity card, passport and all official documents of the citizen. Each person can have only one permanent address, which must always be on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Importance of permanent address:
The permanent address serves as the official address for correspondence with state authorities and local government bodies. It also determines the rights of the citizen to vote in local elections, receive administrative services in the respective regional city, as well as the rights to register in the health system, issue an identity card, passport and other official documents. The permanent address is also used for tax collection and other administrative actions.
What is a current address?
The current address is the address where the person actually lives at the moment. This address is a place of residence, which can be temporary or permanent, regardless of whether it is the same as the permanent address. Each person has only one current address, but it may change more often than the permanent address.
Meaning of the current address:This address is required for:
- Enrolling a child in kindergarten or school
- Receiving social benefits and services
- Health care and registration with a personal doctor
- Local elections, if it meets the criteria for a constituency
- Administrative actions in the absence of a permanent address in the country (for example, for emigrants)
The difference between permanent and current address
| Characteristics | Permanent address | Current address |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The address in the population register, entered in official documents | The address where the person currently lives |
| Number | Only one permanent address | Only one current address |
| Location | Always in Bulgaria | It could be in Bulgaria or abroad. |
| Entry in documents | Yes, it fits on the ID card | Does not fit on the ID card |
| Correspondence | For official correspondence with state authorities | For current administrative actions |
| Change frequency | It is changed less often, an official procedure is needed | Can be changed more often if necessary |
| Change deadline | Needs to be changed when changing residence | Must be changed within 30 days upon change of residence |
It is important to know that the permanent address and the current address may coincide - for example, if you are the owner of the home in which you live permanently.
Procedure for registration at a permanent address
Required documents
The following documents are required for registration at a permanent address:
- Identity card of the holder or legal representative, as well as other family members who are registering
- Civil status documents – birth certificate; marriage certificate; divorce or death certificate for spouse, if necessary
- Application for permanent address according to form RGS-2
- Documents certifying the right to use the dwelling:
- Copy of notarial deed (if owned)
- Rental agreement (for rented accommodation)
- Another document proving the right to use the home
- Declaration from the owner (if you are not the owner of the dwelling) – submitted in person or with a notarized signature. The declaration must be signed by the owner with a notarized declaration under Art. 92, para. 3 of the Civil Registration Act
Where to submit the application
The application for registration at a permanent address is submitted to the Civil Registration and Administrative Services Department (GRAO) of the Bansko Municipality. The application can be submitted in person or through an authorized person with a notarized power of attorney.
Steps of the procedure
- Visit to the GRAO – Municipal Administration – Bansko, in the GRAO department
- Filling out an application for registration – according to form RGS-2
- Submission of documents – ID card, ownership/rental document and declaration from the owner (if necessary)
- Payment of administrative fee – the fee due (usually around 5-6 leva)
- Obtaining a certificate for permanent address
Deadlines
To issue the certificate:
- Standard service: 3-5 business days
- Express service: 2 business days (usually with a higher fee)
- Express service: 1-3 business hours (with high fee)
Registration procedure at current address
Required documents
Fewer documents are required for registration at a current address than for a permanent address:
- Identity card of the holder
- Property ownership document or Rental Agreement – when renting a home
- Declaration under Art. 92, para. 3 of the Land Registry Act – signed by the owner with notarized signatures, if not submitted personally by him/her
- Address card – filled out according to the template
It is important to note that when registering at a current address, a birth certificate or other civil status documents are not required, as is the case with a permanent address.
Where to submit the application
The address card for changing the current address is submitted to the municipality, district, town hall or settlement where the person lives. In Bansko, this is the GRAO of the Municipal Administration - Bansko.
Deadlines
To issue the certificate:
- Regular service: 1-3 days
- Fast service: 1-2 business days
- Express service: 1 business day
The address card is processed immediately for updating the National Population Database.
Administrative fees for Bansko
| Type of service | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Registration by permanent address | about 5-6 leva |
| Permanent address certificate | 2.50 – 10 leva |
| Proof of current address | 3 – 10 leva |
Special cases and notes
In case of de facto marital cohabitation
If the person lives in a de facto marital cohabitation, the owner may submit a declaration under Art. 92, para. 6 of the Housing Act instead of Art. 92, para. 3. This means that the owner declares that he lives with the relevant person at the same address.
Limit on number of registered persons
It is important to know that the total number of persons registered at the same address cannot exceed twice the number of persons who can usually occupy the respective dwelling.
When renting a home
When registering a current address in a rental property, it matters whether you are making it a permanent or temporary address. Registering the tenant at a current address does not change the ownership of the property and does not give the tenant rights over it beyond those agreed upon in the rental agreement.
For foreigners
Foreigners who have a long-term or permanent residence permit in Bulgaria can also register at a permanent and current address in the same manner as Bulgarian citizens.
Change of address
- Change of permanent address: A new application is submitted to the municipality at the new address. When changing your permanent address, you must issue a new ID card within 30 days.
- Change of current address: An address card is submitted to the municipality at the new address within 30 days. The procedure is faster and requires fewer documents.
Correspondence upon issuance of a certificate
When you successfully register your address, you will receive an official Certificate of Permanent Address or Certificate of Current Address, depending on the type of registration. This certificate serves as an official document for administrative actions, such as opening a bank account, registering property, or other administrative services.
The difference between permanent and current address is key to understanding the rights and obligations of a citizen in Bulgaria. A permanent address is the official address with which the state contacts you, while the current address shows where you currently live. When buying a home in Bansko, you can register both a permanent and current address, depending on your needs and circumstances. The procedure is relatively simple, but it is important to have the necessary documents and know the rules.
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