Bulgarian Passport Issue Launched

The issuance of new Bulgarian passports commenced on Monday with the opening of the new Administrative Services Centre of the Bulgarian Identity Documents Directorate in Sofia’s Mladost 4 borough. Caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev stated that the project, which began in 2022, has reached its final stage with the establishment of this facility. Dechev explained that the new identity document personalization centre facilitates centralized personalization, implementing a more secure model that adheres to the highest security standards.

He noted that while the personalization process is centralized, the submission of applications will remain decentralized. According to Dechev, this development strengthens Bulgaria’s security posture and enhances its standing as an international partner. He also mentioned that the new Bulgarian identity card issuance had previously been recognized as one of the best in Europe.

Deputy Interior Minister Ivan Anchev added that the centre incorporates advanced technological capabilities and will also introduce electronic identification services. Notably, Bulgaria will now produce 48-page passports valid for ten years; the existing five-year passports will remain available. Regarding costs, Anchev clarified that while prices have changed, the adjustments align with production costs and are not considered significant.

Dr. Stefan Muehlbauer, representing the machine manufacturing company, remarked that the process, which initiated over ten years ago, has culminated in this result. He stated that the primary objective was to introduce advanced technologies and implement the highest possible security standards for identity documents produced in Bulgaria.

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