Guide
Apostille, multilingual form or sworn translation?
You need to use a Bulgarian certificate in France. Here’s what applies in principle, what the office decides for itself, and what order to do things in.
Updated: September 2026
“You need an apostille and a translation.” Do you?
It’s the line people hear most. Sometimes it’s true. But for many Bulgarian civil-status certificates, part of that process hasn’t been needed since 2019. Worth knowing before you pay for it.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate added to a public document. It confirms that the signature and stamp of the official who issued it are genuine. It isn’t a translation.
Bulgaria is party to the Hague Apostille Convention. So an apostille on a Bulgarian document is obtained in Bulgaria, from the Bulgarian authority responsible for that type of document. I don’t issue apostilles or legalisations: they’re administrative procedures, separate from translation.
If your document already carries an apostille, I translate it along with the rest. So get the apostille added before you send me the document, not after.
What EU Regulation 2016/1191 changes
For a Bulgarian civil-status document used in France, an apostille is in principle no longer required (EU Regulation 2016/1191). Also ask the Bulgarian municipality for the multilingual standard form: depending on the French office, it may mean you don’t need a translation. If a sworn translation is required, I’ll take care of it.
Since February 2019, the regulation has applied to certain public documents, such as birth, marriage and death certificates, issued in one EU country and presented in another. The multilingual form is a standard attachment, in the EU languages, that the municipality (община) issues with the certificate if you ask for it.
Two limits to bear in mind. The form only exists for certain documents, and the French office receiving it decides whether it’s enough. Diplomas and most company documents fall outside the regulation.
Your case, procedure by procedure
Pick the office involved to see what it usually asks for.
Which document for which procedure?
Pick the office that’s asking you for paperwork. You’ll see what it usually wants, whether it normally requires a sworn translation, and what that costs. This reflects common practice. The final decision is always the office’s.
Birth certificate · marriage certificate · criminal record certificate · divorce judgment
Usually required
From €35 per document · 3-document pack: €95
The list of required documents often says “translation by a sworn translator”. Some préfectures accept the EU multilingual standard form for civil-status certificates, so check yours. And if you’re a Bulgarian citizen, you don’t normally need a residence permit to live in France, as an EU citizen. These procedures mostly concern naturalisation or a non-EU spouse.
The office decides. If in doubt, go by its list of required documents, or ask in writing before you pay for a translation.
Your procedure isn’t listed? Describe it in the quote request and I’ll tell you plainly what you need.
A French document for use in Bulgaria? Then Bulgarian rules apply. Tell me which body it’s for, and I’ll tell you whether my sworn translation will do or whether you need another route.
When do you still need a sworn translation?
- The office doesn’t know the multilingual form, or won’t accept it.
- The form wasn’t issued, or doesn’t exist for your document.
- The document falls outside the regulation: diploma, transcript, articles of association, contract.
- The certificate carries information the form doesn’t include (marginal notes, handwritten annotations).
- The procedure explicitly requires one, which is common for naturalisation, at a notaire’s or in court.
What order to do things in
- 01
Ask the Bulgarian municipality for the certificate, with the multilingual form.
- 02
Read the list of required documents for your procedure in France. If it isn’t clear, ask in writing.
- 03
If a sworn translation is required, send me a sharp scan of the certificate, front and back.
- 04
Keep the original. Show it with the translation if asked.
A French document for Bulgaria?
Then it’s Bulgarian rules that count, and they differ from French ones. Before you order, ask the Bulgarian body what kind of translation it accepts and pass its answer on to me. I’ll tell you whether my sworn translation fits.
This guide gives general pointers. It doesn’t replace your office’s list of required documents, or legal advice.
Been asked for a sworn translation?
Send the scan and tell me which office it’s for. The quote gives you the price and the date.
From €35 a page for a civil-status certificate. VAT not applicable, art. 293 B of the French Tax Code.
Send my certificate for a quote