Bulgaria earned its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. Having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, however, Bulgaria fell under the influence of the Soviet Union and became a People’s Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first multi-party election since World War II. Bulgaria has changed rapidly over the last decade, thanks to the end of Communism.

Though a struggle at times (Bulgarians reportedly resorted to digging up their streets to pull copper from the telephone wires so they could then sell the copper), Bulgarians today remain a friendly and hospitable people – even when faced with economic chaos – while they strive to maintain democracy.

In 2002, Americans adopted 260 children from Bulgaria. The children of Bulgaria are often of mixed ancestry and many times are of Gypsy (Roma) heritage with olive skin, brown eyes, and dark hair. Bulgarian children available for international adoption reside in orphanages and are most often between the ages of 2 and 12 years. Currently, Bulgarian adoptions are directed by the orphanage supervisor and finalized by a Bulgarian attorney. Until recently, only childless couples were allowed to adopt children under three years of age from Bulgaria. However, the Bulgarian Supreme Court has recently thrown out this requirement. Now all interested families can apply to adopt younger children from Bulgaria. Most children who are adopted from Bulgaria are available for international adoption because of the severe poverty in that country.

What’s Involved in Adopting a Child From Bulgaria?

The government office responsible for adoptions in Bulgaria is the Ministry of Justice. This office approves adoption requests based upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Health (for children under three years of age) or the Ministry of Education (for children over three years of age). If the Ministry of Justice approves a request to adopt, the case is submitted to a court for final review, and if approved, an adoption decree is issued.

Persons interested in adopting in Bulgaria must first identify a child available for adoption. There are many orphanages in Bulgaria, but not all children in the orphanages are available for adoption. Bulgaria has no central registry for identifying which children are available for adoption. Regional committees of supervising physicians and officials, together with the directors of each orphanage, determine whether a child may be placed with an adoptive family. Adoption agencies assist in identifying available children, often through videos or photographs.

The prospective adoptive parents should plan on making at least two trips to Bulgaria: the first trip to identify a child personally, and the second to conclude the adoption process and apply for an immigrant visa for the child. At least one prospective adoptive parent must be present to accept the child from the custody of the orphanage director after the adoption has been approved by a court.

In a Nut Shell: The Low-Down on Adopting From Bulgaria

Children Available: Healthy children, from 22 months to 8 years of age. Special needs children are also available for adoption from Bulgaria.
Parent Requirements: Both married couples and single parents may adopt from Bulgaria. At least one adopting parent must be 25 years of age or older, and at least one parent must be 15 years older than the child to be adopted.
Travel Requirements: Travel to Bulgaria is required for both parents. Two trips are necessary; each trip lasts about one week.
Time Frame: From the time of your initial application with your adoption agency until you bring your child home averages 14 months.
Number of Children Adopted by Americans in 2002: 260
Additional Information: The children available for international adoption from Bulgaria are in orphanages. Post placement reports and supervision are required for two years.