Announcement

📢 Important: TP has been extended until 4 March 2027

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Bulgaria has extended Temporary Protection until 4 March 2027. This means that all beneficiaries need to renew their registration cards, which are currently valid until 30 April 2026.

🟦 Re‑registration is now open at the State Agency for Refugees registration centres:

📍 Sofia Registration & Reception Centres– 11 Lokomotiv Str.
– 270 Botevgradsko Shose Blvd.
– 21A Montevideo Str.
📍 Harmanli Registration & Reception CentreZh.k. Druzhba №23
📍 Banya Registration & Reception Centre8914 Banya village, Nova Zagora Municipality, 17 Mineralni Bani
📍 Pastrogor Transit Centre6519 Pastrogor village, Svilengrad Municipality

🟩 Until 30 April 2026, people under Temporary Protection can also complete re‑registration at the nearest Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior anywhere in the country. A detailed list of MoI re‑registration locations will be published soon on the official website of the State Agency for Refugees.

For more information, follow updates from the State Agency for Refugees.

Pension Verification Requirement for Ukrainian Refugees

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Pension Verification Requirement for Ukrainian Refugees

Due to recent legislative changes in Ukraine, all Ukrainian pensioners residing abroad must complete a verification procedure in order to continue receiving pension payments.

How to Complete Verification

You can complete the procedure through one of the following modalities:

1. Diia Application

Via Diia Signature on the PFU web portal or the PFU mobile app ( video guide is available here)

2. Videoconference Verification via the PFU Portal

You may request a video call via the PFU portal or by calling the hotline: 0800 503 753.
Calls are usually scheduled within 10–30 days and conducted via Google Meet, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Viber, or Zoom.
You will be asked to present your original passport/ID and pension certificate during the call.

3. Verification at a Ukrainian Consulate

Visit the nearest Ukrainian consulate to confirm your identity and place of residence.
You will receive a certificate of identity, which you can upload via the PFU portal to complete verification.

4. In-Person Verification in Ukraine

If you are currently in Ukraine, you can visit any PFU service centre.
Please note: Due to the suspension of thousands of pensions in January 2026, long queues are currently reported nationwide.

Additional Requirement for Pensioners from Temporarily Occupied Territories (ToTs)

If you are from the ToTs, you must confirm that you are not receiving a pension from the Russian Federation, by doing one of the following:

  • Selecting the relevant declaration box in your PFU online account
  • Stating this explicitly during videoconference verification
  • Sending a written declaration by email or postal mail to the PFU

After completing all steps, please verify that your PFU personal account reflects the correct date of verification and declaration. You may check this online or by contacting the PFU hotline (0800 503 753).

Need More Help?

For more information and technical support completing the verification process through the Diia app or PFU portal please contact the UNHCR Regional Contact Centre (RCC). Additional information will also soon be available viathe Ukraine is Home website: https://ukraineishome.org/

?New resource for refugees in Bulgaria!

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We are excited to announce the launch of the Integration Handbook – a comprehensive guide for persons with international protection. This handbook provides essential information about your rights and responsibilities and explains how to access education, healthcare, employment, social assistance, and other key services to help you build a secure life in Bulgaria. Whether you are newly recognized or have been living in Bulgaria for some time, this resource can help you navigate the systems and opportunities available to you.

Read it here: https://help.unhcr.org/bulgaria/assistance-and-services/integration-support/

? “What I Hold” – Featured by DW

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We previously shared the exhibition “What I Hold”, showcasing moving photographs by young Syrians from Photo Workshop 66.

DW has published a powerful article highlighting the stories behind the images — moments of memory, solitude, nature, and resilience captured by seven refugee children.

? Read the full article here.

? Free Training Opportunity for Conflict-Affected Individuals!

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Humans in the Loop is offering 20 FREE spots on our Training Platform — designed to help you build practical, work-ready skills for today’s digital job market.

? The platform includes a wide range of self-paced courses to strengthen both soft and hard skills, empowering you to access digital employment opportunities.

? This is a limited opportunity for committed individuals eager to learn and grow. Please note: if you do not complete at least one course within a month of onboarding, your access may be suspended.

? Explore the full list of available courses here.

? Register now here.

Let’s build your future together! ?

? Job Fair for Refugees: Employment Opportunities Start Here!

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You are invited to join us for a unique opportunity to connect directly with employers who are actively seeking your skills and talent!

Organized by Caritas Sofia

What to Expect:

? Meetings & Interviews: Meet face-to-face with companies ready to hire.

? Interpretation: Translation services will be provided on-site.

Event Details:

? Sofia – Project Lab, Europe Hall, 58 Maria Luiza Blvd

? 23 October 2025 at 13:30

For more info:

? Milena Karakanova – 0886 348 983

? [email protected]

? Oksana Savchenko – 0887 150 377

? [email protected]

? Joy, play, and connection at Voenna Rampa!

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On 3 October, over 20 refugee children at the Voenna Rampa Reception Centre enjoyed an afternoon of acrobatics, juggling, and clowning — part of UNHCR’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities.

The event, held with Mini Art Foundation and Danish Social Circus Tværs during the Mini Art Festival, brought smiles and creativity to the centre.

We were honoured to welcome UNHCR Representative Seda Kuzucu, Danish Ambassador H.E. Flemming Stender, and SAR Deputy Chairperson Yanita Manolova, who joined in celebrating this joyful initiative.

UNHCR continues to support activities that foster resilience and inclusion for refugee children across Bulgaria. ?

? See Sofia through the eyes of refugee children.

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The exhibition “What I Hold” presents powerful photographs by young Syrians from Photo Workshop 66, capturing moments of memory, solitude, nature, and resilience.

? 7–12 October
? 16:00–20:00
? Port A, Triaditsa 5, Sofia
? Free entry

This is the third part of a trilogy exploring presence, perception, and survival.

UNHCR Deputy Representative, Bülent Peker, with two young refugee photographers at the exhibition opening.
UNHCR Deputy Representative, Bülent Peker, with two young refugee photographers at the exhibition opening.

? CIRKOLUTION! Festival | Oct 3–5 @ Toplocentrala

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Experience the magic of contemporary social circus — indoors, outdoors, and all around!

✨ Performances, workshops, installations, and the “Debate on Circus” forum.

?️ Free for teachers, students, kids & vulnerable groups.

? Symbolic ticket prices — because art should be for everyone.

? Featuring top artists from the European circus scene.

More info: https://cirkolution.com/en