Bulgaria is located in Eastern Europe, between Romania and Greece. Bulgaria is a democratic country of approximately 8 million people. All children born in Bulgaria are considered “Bulgarian” by birth but the majority of children that are actually available for international adoption are of “Roma” or Gypsy ethnicity (Turkish heritage). Healthy children from Bulgaria are available for international adoption after 12 months of age although a newly passed law now allows for the children to be on the national registry for six months before being released for international adoption. Children under 15 months of age will not be prioritized at this time as they are seen as having fewer needs than those that have waited a longer period of time. Children with some medical special needs are usually available at a younger age. Older children over the age of eight will be referred very swiftly due to their pressing need to be home within a loving family. The orphanages as a general rule are very well maintained and by law the Director must be a MD. The children are well cared for; arriving home small for their age but otherwise in good health. Medical information is limited but available. It is sometimes possible to hire a “grandma” (local woman) to arrive at the orphanage to pay with your child while they wait to come home. Learn about our Grandmother of the Heart Program here.
To adopt from Bulgaria, parents complete the dossier which is then sent to Bulgaria, goes through translation and is then filed in the Ministry of Justisce. After a period of time, if all documents are in order, the dossier is accepted and issued a registration number. The request to adopt is then moved to the “waiting to receive a referral” file. This seems to be where the “greatest wait” occurs; between submission of dossier and referral and is based on several variables that include but are not limited to 1) age of child requested 2) openness to a child with a medical need (however minor) 3) gender of child being asked to be matched to your family and 4) your registration number indicating time at which your documents were cleared by the Ministry allowing your family to be considered "a waiting pre-adoptive family".
At the point of referral from the Bulgarian government, one parent must travel to meet the child for 5 days. Following the visit, the parent (or parents) will then travel again following submitting some USCIS documents and submitting them to the US Embassy in Sofia; permission to continue is granted by the Embassy, the file goes to the Ministry of Justice for a court date to be assigned. Following court, the family will travel to bring their child home within four to six weeks. This time line is dictated by law. Since Bulgaria is a relatively small country, families can be driven to all orphanages (in-country flights are not required). Married couples or single women may adopt from Bulgaria.
People consider Bulgaria for several reasons, the beautiful children and some due short travel parameters. This program works well for families wanting to request a child with a specific medical need; these children and those over five are being prioritized by the Bulgarian Ministry.
If you have additional questions about adopting a child in Bulgaria, please feel free to e-mail us at info@toladopt.org
To adopt from Bulgaria, parents complete the dossier which is then sent to Bulgaria, goes through translation and is then filed in the Ministry of Justisce. After a period of time, if all documents are in order, the dossier is accepted and issued a registration number. The request to adopt is then moved to the “waiting to receive a referral” file. This seems to be where the “greatest wait” occurs; between submission of dossier and referral and is based on several variables that include but are not limited to 1) age of child requested 2) openness to a child with a medical need (however minor) 3) gender of child being asked to be matched to your family and 4) your registration number indicating time at which your documents were cleared by the Ministry allowing your family to be considered "a waiting pre-adoptive family".
At the point of referral from the Bulgarian government, one parent must travel to meet the child for 5 days. Following the visit, the parent (or parents) will then travel again following submitting some USCIS documents and submitting them to the US Embassy in Sofia; permission to continue is granted by the Embassy, the file goes to the Ministry of Justice for a court date to be assigned. Following court, the family will travel to bring their child home within four to six weeks. This time line is dictated by law. Since Bulgaria is a relatively small country, families can be driven to all orphanages (in-country flights are not required). Married couples or single women may adopt from Bulgaria.
People consider Bulgaria for several reasons, the beautiful children and some due short travel parameters. This program works well for families wanting to request a child with a specific medical need; these children and those over five are being prioritized by the Bulgarian Ministry.
If you have additional questions about adopting a child in Bulgaria, please feel free to e-mail us at info@toladopt.org
Program Overview
Type of Referral 80% Roma or Gypsy/Turkish20% Bulgarian or "other"
Age of Referral All children over 12 months of age
Referral Waiting Time Undetermined at this time: dependent on several variables
Travel Time frame Two trips; one parent only if you wish; but will affect citizenship status. First trip immediately after referral; five days in length.Second trip 12-16 weeks later following court to bring child home.
Paperwork Completed dossier is presented in the country; home study, I 171 and dossier documents (all with notary and apostil); dossier is registered and you then wait for referral from the country. No prior information on available children; child will be matched to you.
Program Fees* Based on child's health and age
In-Country Fees All in country travel is done by car and included in your fees: no additional in country expense. Hotels average $75.00 USD per night.
Post- Placement Four reports; six months from the court date and every six months for two years.
Consulate Registration Not required.
Age of Referral All children over 12 months of age
Referral Waiting Time Undetermined at this time: dependent on several variables
Travel Time frame Two trips; one parent only if you wish; but will affect citizenship status. First trip immediately after referral; five days in length.Second trip 12-16 weeks later following court to bring child home.
Paperwork Completed dossier is presented in the country; home study, I 171 and dossier documents (all with notary and apostil); dossier is registered and you then wait for referral from the country. No prior information on available children; child will be matched to you.
Program Fees* Based on child's health and age
In-Country Fees All in country travel is done by car and included in your fees: no additional in country expense. Hotels average $75.00 USD per night.
Post- Placement Four reports; six months from the court date and every six months for two years.
Consulate Registration Not required.
