Working as a doctor in Bulgaria: recognition
Anyone who wants to work as a doctor (лекар) in Bulgaria must have the professional qualification obtained abroad recognised by the Minister of Health (Министър на здравеопазването). The certificate issued at the end gives the right to practise on the same terms as Bulgarian citizens.
Working life · Last reviewed: 2026-10-08
This is not legal or financial advice
Who recognises it and which professions
According to the Ministry's page, a medical qualification is recognised by the Minister of Health under the Law on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications (ЗППК); the procedure is run by the commission under Article 79 of the Law and the Ministry's Directorate 'Лечебни дейности'. Regulated medical professions include doctor, dentist, pharmacist, nurse and midwife.
Who can apply
The page lists these applicants: citizens of EU, EEA states and Switzerland; third-country citizens holding a regulated medical qualification acquired in an EU, EEA state or Switzerland; and Bulgarian citizens with a qualification acquired in those countries or in a third country. If you obtained your diploma outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, for example in Turkey, and you do not fall in one of these groups, the page does not spell out your position; ask the Ministry of Health in writing.
Required documents
Application
A standard-form application addressed to the Minister (ЗППК Article 77).ID
A plain photocopy of your ID document; no certification needed.Diploma and annexes
Copies of the diploma or qualification evidence and its annexes, certified by apostille or by the relevant country's consulate in Bulgaria or foreign ministry, with a Bulgarian translation; the translator's signature is notarised in Bulgaria or certified by a Bulgarian embassy/consulate abroad.Disciplinary record
A document, issued no more than 3 months earlier, on any administrative or disciplinary penalties; if you have never practised, a notarised declaration signed within 3 months.Criminal record
A clean-record certificate issued no more than 3 months earlier; Bulgarian citizens do not provide it.Health
A document, issued no more than 3 months earlier, stating that you are in good physical and mental health.Other
An academic transcript and/or curriculum if the qualification was not acquired in a member state; a name-identity document if your names differ; proof of the fee paid.
Fee and result
Examining the application costs EUR 132.94 and a certified copy of the recognition certificate costs EUR 5.11. The fee can be paid at the Ministry (Sveta Nedelya Square 5, Sofia) or transferred to the Ministry's bank account. The legal basis list also includes Ordinance No 12 of 2009 on the adaptation period and aptitude test; the page does not detail who must go through this stage.
This page is not legal advice
Frequently asked questions
Is my foreign medical degree valid in Bulgaria?
Not automatically. Because it is a regulated profession, your qualification must be recognised by the Minister of Health and you need the recognition certificate.
How much does the recognition application cost?
Per the Ministry's page, EUR 132.94 for examining the application and EUR 5.11 for a certified copy of the certificate.
In which language must the documents be submitted?
Foreign documents come with an apostille or consular certification and a Bulgarian translation; the translator's signature must also be certified as the page describes.
Sources
The information on this page is based on the official sources listed below. Legislation changes — open the links and verify the current position.
- Министерство на здравеопазването — Признаване на професионална квалификация по регулирана медицинска професия, придобита в чужбина (обща информация) — https://www.mh.government.bg/bg/administrativni-uslugi/meditsinski-kvalifikatsii/priznavane-profesionalna-kvalifikatsiya-regulyarna-profesiya/ · 2026-10-08
- Министерство на здравеопазването — Процедура и документи (признаване на медицинска квалификация) — https://www.mh.government.bg/bg/administrativni-uslugi/meditsinski-kvalifikatsii/priznavane-profesionalna-kvalifikatsiya-regulyarna-profesiya/pro · 2026-10-08
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