Fraud with Bulgarian Citizenship: Fake Letters from the “Migration Directorate” and Requests for Thousands of Euros

March 11, 2026

In recent months, our law firm has received several reports from foreign nationals who have become victims of a fraud scheme related to procedures for acquiring Bulgarian citizenship.

The cases concern foreign nationals who applied for Bulgarian citizenship by origin, using the services of intermediary companies (mostly based in Romania).

The scheme involves sending fake letters presented as official documents issued by the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior.

These letters appear to be official documents, but upon verification it becomes clear that they were not issued by Bulgarian authorities.

Important clarification: The letters themselves do not contain a request for payment.

After the letters are sent, intermediaries contact the applicants separately – via email, phone calls, or messaging applications – claiming that an additional payment is required for the procedure to continue.

The requested amounts are usually between €3,000 and €10,000.

How the Fake Letter Scheme Works?

In the cases we have examined, the scheme usually follows these steps:

1. A foreign national searches online for assistance in obtaining Bulgarian citizenship or a European passport.
2. They contact an intermediary or “consultant” offering such services.
3. A contract is signed and an initial payment is made (often between €5,000 and €7,000).
4. Documents for Bulgarian citizenship are submitted with the assistance of the consultant.
5. After some time, the applicant receives a document from the consultant presented as an official letter from a Bulgarian institution.
6. In subsequent conversations, the intermediary claims that additional payment is required in order to continue or finalize the procedure.
7. Later it becomes clear that:
   • the letter was not issued by a Bulgarian institution
   • the registration number or content does not correspond to real documents
   • the payment request is part of a fraudulent scheme

Checks by Bulgarian Authorities

Following reports from affected individuals, our law firm has provided information to the competent authorities in Bulgaria.

At present, checks are being carried out with the participation of:

• the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior

• the State Agency for National Security (DANS)

Our lawyers are assisting the authorities by providing information about specific cases in order to identify the individuals behind the scheme and determine how fake documents in the name of state institutions are being used.

Important: State Institutions Do Not Request Payments Through Intermediaries

Applicants for Bulgarian citizenship should be aware that:

• Bulgarian institutions do not require payments through intermediaries

• administrative fees are paid only through official procedures

• state authorities do not send payment requests via emails from private individuals, chat applications, or phone calls

If, after receiving a supposed “official letter,” you are asked to make an additional payment, this is a serious warning sign of possible fraud.

How a Lawyer Can Verify Whether the Procedure Is Genuine?

In such situations, a lawyer can verify whether:

• an application for Bulgarian citizenship has actually been submitted

• the procedure exists in the official institutional systems

• the received letters or documents are authentic

• someone has acted on your behalf without proper authorization

If fraud is suspected, additional steps may include:

• submitting reports to the competent authorities

• collecting and preserving evidence

• providing legal protection for the affected individuals

Legal Assistance for Bulgarian Citizenship and Residence Procedures

Our law firm provides legal assistance to foreign nationals in connection with:

• obtaining Bulgarian citizenship

• permanent residence in Bulgaria

• long-term residence permits

• checking the status of submitted applications

• verifying the authenticity of documents and letters from institutions

We also assist in cases where there are suspicions of fraud by intermediaries or consultants.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud?

If you receive a letter or message claiming to be from a Bulgarian institution:

Do not make additional payments before verifying the information.

Keep all documents and communications, including:

• emails
• contracts
• payment documents
• chat conversations

Seek legal assistance to verify the procedure.

A timely verification can prevent financial losses and help determine the actual status of your application.

Law Firm “Yosifova & Ivanov”

Sofia, Bulgaria

www.lexsofia.com

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