Bulgarian language exam for citizenship
For people seeking Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation, knowledge of Bulgarian is checked with a written test run by the Institute of Education (Институт по образованието). The exam is free and held monthly, but application documents are accepted only in person, by post or by courier.
Visas and residence · Last reviewed: 2026-10-08
This is not legal or financial advice
Who runs the exam and on what basis
According to the Institute's page, the exams are organised by the Institute under article 12 point 5 of the Bulgarian Citizenship Act and Ordinance No 5 of 3 September 1999 on how knowledge of Bulgarian is established for naturalisation. Whether this exam applies to you depends on your citizenship route; ask the Ministry of Justice or a lawyer about your own case.
Format of the exam
- The exam is a test of 20 questions lasting one astronomical hour.
- To pass, a candidate must answer at least 12 questions correctly.
- The page publishes three sample tests with answers for preparation.
- Applying and sitting the exam are free for all candidates.
- The exam is held every month; dates are published on the Institute's site (io.mon.bg). Candidates are asked to be at the venue 30 minutes before their start time.
Documents and how to submit them
Application
The form on the Institute's page, in which you state whether you reside in Bulgaria permanently or long-term.ID
A copy of your identity document certified «true to the original», with name, surname and signature.Language course certificate
If you hold one from an authorised institution, a notarised copy.Delivery
In person (room 209 of the Institute), by Bulgarian Posts or by courier to the Institute's address in Sofia. Documents sent by email are not accepted.
If you do not pass
Per the page, candidates who fail may apply again no earlier than 3 months after the previous attempt (Ordinance No 5, article 6(5)). Documents arriving after the deadline are carried over to the next announced exam date. The result certificate is collected at the Institute or sent by courier at the recipient's cost.
This page is not legal advice
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bulgarian citizenship language exam paid?
No. Per the Institute of Education page, submitting documents and sitting the exam are free for all candidates.
How many questions are there and how many must be correct?
The test has 20 questions and lasts one astronomical hour; at least 12 correct answers are needed to pass.
When can I retake it if I fail?
According to the official page, no earlier than 3 months after the previous attempt.
Sources
The information on this page is based on the official sources listed below. Legislation changes — open the links and verify the current position.
- Институт по образованието (МОН) — Изпити по български език за българско гражданство — https://io.mon.bg/node/600 · 2026-10-08
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