What is “permanent address” and what is it used for?
The Civil Registration Act (CRA) contains a definition of “permanent address” but does not answer the question of what it actually is. Put simply, a permanent address, as compared with present address, is an address that is habitually used for longer periods of time, not being changed on a regular basis. For example, permanent address is indicated on identity documents, on driving licences, on electoral rolls. As well as that, court summonses, invitations for voluntary compliance, notifications from the National Revenue Agency (NRA), National Social Security Institute, traffic police notices, etc. are officially served at the permanent address of individuals. Permanent address is also used for determination of the competent territorial directorate of the NRA where taxpayers are obliged to declare their income.
How does “permanent address” differ from “present address”?
On the other hand, present address, is different from permanent address most often when an individual lives in a rented address other than his/her permanent address. It does not mean that both – present and permanent addresses cannot be changed, but present address seems to be subject to change more frequently. To some extent this is due to the more complicated procedure for permanent address change, and also due to the fact that such change also demands that a new identity card should be issued. Despite permanent address is legally more applicable, in practice it is also possible to exercise one’s voting rights at his/her present address. However, this particular voting procedure is more complicated, since in order to vote at one’s present address, he/she should be included in the electoral rolls relevant for his/her present address’ district. Such entry in the lists is done if an application for inclusion in the lists is submitted up to two weeks before the respective election day. On the other hand, where a present address has been declared and an individual is registered at the relevant district, he/she is entitled to carry out at that location all the activities which he/she would otherwise be obliged to perform at the municipality of his/her permanent address.
Where and how to apply for an address change?
Permanent address change is requested from the district administration of the new address.
The application is submitted in person or, as an exception, by an authorised person with a notarised power of attorney.
Documents required for permanent address change
An application form shall be submitted, to which the following shall be attached:
- identity card/passport/residence permit;
- birth certificate;
- notary deed/lease agreement;
- a notarised declaration-consent from the owner of the property that he/she agrees that his/her property will serve as the applicant’s permanent address.
Procedural specifics
In cases where the new address is at an inherited property, upon submission of the address change documents, the applicant should submit (apart from the title deed for acquisition of the property by the testator) a heirs certificate (indicating that the applicant is an heir of the former owner of the property).
Also, if you are a parent, a child or a spouse of the owner/tenant of the property, you do not need to present a notary deed or a lease agreement. In such cases, a copy the birth certificate or marriage certificate is the only additional attachment.
When you change your permanent address to a property that you own, you do not need to provide the notarized declaration-consent mentioned above.
Once you have requested the change, you will obtain a permanent address certificate. Within 30 days as of receipt of the certificate, you have to apply for a new identity card at the police station of your new address.
Non-compliance with the obligation to obtain a new ID card issued within the deadline is punishable by a fine amounting from BGN 20 to BGN 150.
Permanent address requirements
Studios/Ateliers cannot possibly be used for permanent address registration of individuals. As of 2021, civil registration offices at district administrations are prohibited from registering citizen’s addresses at “atelier” sites, as such premises are considered to be intended „for creative activities“ but not „for residential purposes“.
Only the following can be claimed as permanent addresses:
- residential buildings;
- dormitories.
Whereas, for a period of up to 4 months, the following sites can also be registered as a permanent/residential address:
- hotel;
- motel;
- holiday house;
- another habitable place.
It should also be borne in mind that the total number of persons registered at the same address may not exceed twice the number of persons normally able to occupy the relevant residence site.
The abovementioned permanent address requirements are also applicable to provision of residence address to foreigners in Bulgaria (for residence permit acquisition, for example).
