As of November 8, 2026.
Temporary protection is what Bulgaria calls temporary safety. For people fleeing Ukraine due to the war, it has been extended until March 4, 2028. For those who have already received this status in Bulgaria, the government announced a separate re-registration period: from March 5 to April 30, 2027. This was reported by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria following the meeting on November 4, 2026.
If you are already using protection in Bulgaria, remember these two dates: April 30, 2027 is the end of the announced re-registration period, and March 4, 2028 is the deadline until which the protection has been extended.
What the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria decided on November 4
The government made changes to decision No. 642 from 2016, which regulates the samples of registration cards issued by the State Agency for Refugee Affairs. In the meeting results, the cabinet referred to the extension of temporary protection until March 4, 2028, and stated the re-registration dates for those who have already received temporary protection in Bulgaria. Message from the Council of Ministers.
The term of protection was extended by the EU Council decision (EU) 2026/1912 of July 30, 2026. The one-year extension will apply from March 5, 2027. The Bulgarian decision addresses the practical question of when the re-registration will take place in the country.
Fragment of the published meeting results of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria. Source: gov.bg.
Until what date has the protection been extended in Bulgaria
| Date | What it means |
|---|---|
| March 5, 2027 | Start of re-registration in Bulgaria. |
| April 30, 2027 | The last day of the announced re-registration period. |
| March 4, 2028 | The date until the temporary protection regime has been extended. |
The protection has been extended for another year, and re-registration for those who have already received protection in Bulgaria will take place in spring 2027. For detailed information on the procedure, monitor the site of the State Agency for Refugee Affairs in Bulgaria.
What to do for those who already have protection
The message from November 4 lists the dates. It does not include a list of documents, addresses of points, reception hours, and information on whether an appointment is required. It's best to clarify these details with the agency before visiting: the procedures from the previous campaign might differ from the new one.
- Mark the dates. Re-registration will begin on March 5, 2027. If protection is issued for several family members, clarify who must be present in person, including whether children need to be brought.
- Find the instructions specifically for 2027. On the agency's website look for announcements containing the words 're-registration' and 'temporary protection'. Verify the address of the point, reception hours, and document requirements.
- Schedule your visit in advance. If you have moved to another city, had a break in your status, or cannot come before April 30, clarify the procedure with the agency. The published results of the meeting do not address these situations.
If you are applying for protection for the first time
The period from March 5 to April 30, 2027, is declared for re-registration for those who already have temporary protection in Bulgaria. If you have just arrived and want to obtain this status, refer to the rules for initial registration. In Bulgaria, you can contact the State Agency for Refugees or the competent subdivision of the Ministry of the Interior for this matter. The general procedure is described on the government portal. Bulgaria for Ukraine.
For new applications, also consider the current EU rule regarding military obligations in Ukraine: when applicable, authorities may request confirmation. This rule does not apply to those who have already used temporary protection in the same EU country as of August 4, 2026, or earlier and have maintained it there without interruption. If you are applying for protection for the first time or previously obtained it in another EU country, clarify what requirements apply in your situation. Article 2 of the EU Council Decision.
What rights does protection grant in Bulgaria?
The status allows you to live in Bulgaria and work without a separate work market access permit. It also provides access to school education for children and to medical and social assistance under the terms applicable in the country. Current clarifications are published on the portal Bulgaria for Ukraine, which also has a separate section on employment.