The issuance of new Bulgarian passports commenced on Monday, coinciding with the opening of the new Administrative Services Centre for the Bulgarian Identity Documents Directorate in Sofia’s Mladost 4 borough. Caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev stated that the project, initiated in 2022, has reached its final stage with this facility. Dechev explained that the establishment of the centralized personalization center introduces a more secure model for identity document production, noting that while personalization is centralized, the submission of applications remains decentralized.
He added that this upgrade not only enhances national security but also reinforces Bulgaria’s standing as an international partner. He also recalled that the new Bulgarian identity card had previously received recognition as the best in Europe. Deputy Interior Minister Ivan Anchev reported that the centre incorporates advanced technological capabilities and will soon offer electronic identification services.
Furthermore, Bulgaria will now issue 48-page passports valid for ten years, although the existing five-year options will remain available. During the official ceremony, Dr. Stefan Muehlbauer, representing the machine manufacturer, noted that while prices have increased, these adjustments align with current production costs.
He described the development as a decade-long effort aimed at integrating the highest level of security technology into Bulgarian identity documents. The facility marks a significant advancement in the country’s document security infrastructure.
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