We provide assistance and defense for the legal rights
of our clients in Bulgaria & USA.
Vassiliy Kolganov & Garth Molander
Your private advocate
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European Union Passport for U.S. Citizens of Bulgarian descent
Vassiliy Kolganov
As a Bulgarian Immigration Attorney I have experience representing clients in a variety of matters, from temporary Visas to applications, legal permanent residence (LPR) and citizenship. Bulgarian citizenship laws are based on the principle of recognition of citizenship by paternal derivation to the citizen’s son regardless of the place of birth. This was designed to guarantee the children of Bulgarian emigrants the maintenance of the link with the country of origin of the ascendants, introducing an important exception to the principle of recognition of only one citizenship. Bulgarian citizenship law allowed, in fact, the child of Bulgarian born in a foreign State who gained his citizenship according to the soli principle, to retain Bulgarian citizenship acquired at birth, even if the parent lost his Bulgarian citizenship while his child was still a minor. The conditions required for recognition of Bulgarian citizenship are therefore based, on: Proof of being the descendant of an Bulgaria citizen; and Proof of the absence of interruptions in the transmission of citizenship, which happened when the ancestor naturalized as a citizen of another country before the birth . As a Bulgarian Immigration and Citizenship Lawyer, I assist American citizens of Bulgarian ancestry obtain Dual Bulgarian Citizenship. Bulgarian citizenship law is based on citizenship by blood, and anyone with an Bulgarian ancestor can claim Bulgarian citizenship. Anyone of Bulgarian descent can claim his or her citizenship. It will be considered citizenship at birth, and no Bulgarian language exam or pledge of allegiance will be required. The process consists in claiming the right of Bulgarian citizenship. One crucial step of the process is the documents procurement. Does US allow Dual Citizenship? U.S. law does not formally recognize dual citizenship, but it does not prohibit it either. According to the U.S. State Department website, federal law “does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship or another.”Does Bulgaria allow Dual Citizenship? After 1993 Bulgaria allows dual citizenship with the United States. As long as you can prove your Bulgarian ancestry, you can become a Bulgarian citizen. Only in this case Bulgaria does not require you to renounce your citizenship(s) when you claim your Dual citizenship. Therefore, Dual Citizenship with Bulgaria can be lawfully pursued. What are the advantages of obtaining Dual Bulgarian Citizenship? After obtaining Dual Bulgarian Citizenship, it is possible to get an Bulgarian Passport. Bulgarian passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa on arrival access to 184 countries, making the Bulgarian passport very desirable in terms of travel freedom. Being a U.S. citizen is great, but having Dual Citizenship with Bulgaria can have many advantages. It is alone like an insurance plan. If anything goes wrong in this country, you can freely relocate to live in Bulgaria and work in any of the European Union countries. For many, Dual Bulgarian Citizenship opens up business and employment opportunity abroad. It is also great for retiring in Bulgaria without getting lost with all the bureaucracy required to obtain an elective residency Visa. Taxation : Unlike the United States, Bulgaria does not tax their citizen based on their worldwide income. In other words, if you do not reside in Bulgaria or do not earn money in Bulgaria, you will not be required to pay taxes to the Bulgarian government. Even if you do not qualify for Dual Citizenship, you may be eligible for an Bulgarian Visa for long stay class D.
As a New York Immigration Attorney Garth Alfred Molander, have experience representing clients in a variety of matters, from temporary Visas to LPR and Citizenship. Criminal immigration is also known as “crimmigration” and implicates the convergence of immigration and criminal law. Over the years, criminal immigration has risen as one of the most important and specialized areas of deportation and removal defense.Understanding the immigration consequences of a criminal conviction is critical: any person who is not a U.S. citizen, including lawful permanent residents, can be even deported because of a criminal conviction. It is crucial to work with a criminal defense attorney to assure your criminal case does not terminate in deportation.Immigration crimes usually entangle illegal entry or re-entry and marriage fraud. Being charged with any kind of crime, from drug possession to theft, could affect your immigration status.The potential consequences go well beyond a fine or even jail time. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) identifies three categories of crimes that can place you at risk of deportation and keep you from ever becoming a lawful permanent resident: Aggravated felonies or violent crimes, the most serious crimes. Understanding the immigration consequences of a criminal convictionCrimes of moral turpitude (CIMT), divided in: Crimes against property (e.g. robbery or burglary);Crimes committed against governmental authority (e.g. corruption or fraud against the government); Crimes committed against individuals, family and sexual morality (e.g. murder or child abuse). Controlled substance or domestic violence convictions, drug crimes, firearm offenses or White-collar offenses (e.g. racketeering and fraud). Immigration and naturalization law is governed by the INA and overseen by an office in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS. DHS begins the deportation process by issuing a Notice to Appear (NTA) to the non-citizen. The NTA is issued because of criminal or immigration violations and contains factual allegations. The notice is filed with the immigration court having jurisdiction to your place of residence. The NTA can be issued while criminal charges are pending, after you have been convicted, or even years after you have served the criminal sentence. DEPORTATION DEFENCE Facing deportation is an overwhelming experience that can have serious repercussions for you and your family. We are committed to providing steadfast defense against U.S. and Bulgarian deportation proceedings. With a deep understanding of complex immigration laws, our seasoned attorneys are adept at tackling challenging cases, including custody matters related to deportation. Choose us for expert guidance and dedicated representation to navigate this critical phase of your life. For more than 16 years of working together, we have managed to resolve some of the most complex and complicated cases and lawsuits in favor of our clients. For Bulgaria you have a legal team led by lawyer Vasiliy Kolganov, for the USA a team of lawyers led by one of the best Appellate attorney Garth Alfred Molander. Below we offer you brief useful information about the most popular types of visas and cases related to deportation, asylum and others. It can be difficult for individuals and families to know what immigration options exist and which are right for them. When clients work with our law firm, we will provide easy-to-understand explanations regarding immigration laws, available options, and chances for success. Our goal in every case is to keep families together and help individuals achieve or/and maintain lawful nonimigrant, immigration status. Our immigration lawyers can assess your situation and provide honest advice about your best immigration options. Working languages are Bulgarian, English, and Russian.
Legal Consultation 45 min $100.00 USD. Please tell us a little bit about what you need help with so our attorneys can assist you. By booking this consultation, you understand and agree that you are not a client of the law firm.
Deportation & Extradition Defense
We provide legal advocacy services both in the United States and Bulgaria, serving as private immigration advocates for clients in both countries, providing comprehensive legal support for our clients facing immigration challenges. We are dedicated to securing the future of our clients through expert legal representation, especially in deportation & immigration matters. Our mission is to secure the future of our clients by providing affordable legal assistance. We specialize in deportation cases, aiming for the termination of proceedings and cancellation of removal or extradition whenever possible, addressing issues such as visa overstays illegal entry. Navigating complex cases to achieve nonimmigrant visa, legal status, lawful permanent residency or citizenship.
Refugee-Asylum-Credible fear
We specializes in assisting asylum seekers who have been detained at the border and are undergoing a fear interview. Fear Interview: Asylum seekers detained at the border typically undergo a fear interview to determine their eligibility for asylum. If they fail this interview, they may face deportation proceedings. Credible Fear Redetermination: Asylum seekers who receive a negative determination in the fear interview have the option to request a credible fear redetermination hearing. This hearing allows them to present their case before a judge to challenge the asylum officer's ruling. Overturning Negative Findings: Your private advocate attorneys have a track record of successfully overturning negative fear findings from the asylum office. Our success enables our clients to continue pursuing their asylum or refugee claims in the USA or Bulgaria. Representation: Our team provides expert legal representation to asylum seekers throughout the credible fear redetermination process, advocating for their rights and presenting compelling cases to support their claims for asylum or refugee status. We demonstrates a commitment to protecting the rights of asylum or refugee seekers and ensuring they receive a fair opportunity to present their cases and seek protection.
Immigration Appeals
If you have lost your case in immigration court or have had an immigration application denied, you will likely want to appeal your case. We often have clients retain our firm after having a bad experience with a previous attorney. You cannot be deported while your appeal is pending and many take several years to complete. However, you must act quickly. An appeal must be received by the Board of Immigration Appeals within 30 days after the Immigration Judge’s decision.
Visas-LPR-Citizenship
We represent private clients in all areas of Bulgarian & USA visas and citizenship applications. Citizenship & Immigration law is complex and frequently changing. Your private immigration lawyers can provide practical advice to help clients determine the most appropriate visa options and successful strategize to guide to the best pathways for obtaining nonmmigrant visa, status of premanent residence & Citizenship in US & Bulgaria.
Waivers Applications
The government must deny an entres at the border or immigration application in some circumstances because of criminal issues or a person’s immigration history, however, there may be a solution through waiver applications in your immigration process.Depending on the situation, an applicant may need to apply for the waiver outside the country, and other times the waiver can be filed from within. To waive a ground of inadmissibility, a person has to prove extreme hardship to qualifying family members. Our office will review your case and provide an honest assessment of a waiver application
Motion to Reopen
Once an Immigration Judge has ordered deportation and even when a case is on appeal, there still may be ways to cancel or rescind a removal order and have a case reopened In general, only one motion to reopen is permitted and it must be filed within 90 days of the removal order. If time and numerical limitations have passed, there may be exceptions that apply: new evidence; sue sponte; Joint motions; Changed country conditions; Lack of notice. If you have an order of removal and think you may be eligible for reopening, we can review your case and an analysis of your options.
Bulgaria and Romania to join Schengen area starting with air and sea borders: Commission welcomes landmark Council decision
I very much welcome the unanimous decision of Member States to invite Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area. This landmark Council decision comes after 13 years of deadlock and is the result of political commitment and determination. It is a crucial step forward that will allow citizens and businesses to benefit fully their rights to free movement, by air and sea. I am confident that next year the Council will equally be in a position to decide on the lifting of controls at the land borders. I will continue supporting actively this crucial process for Europe. Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Home Affairs - 29/12/2023
Benefits associated with Schengen membership:
Tourism and Travel: The Schengen Agreement allows the free movement of people between member states without passport or visa restrictions. This facilitates tourist trips and makes the region more attractive for tourists. As a result, tourism can develop and generate economic income in the Schengen member states.
Business and trade: The free movement of goods and services facilitated by Schengen can facilitate business travel and trade links between member states. This can contribute to the expansion of markets and better opportunities for trade and investment.
Labor and migration: The Schengen agreement allows free movement of labor between member states. This can help countries with a greater economic need for workers to find suitable workers for their economies.
Savings in time and resources: Due to the elimination of border controls at the borders between Member States, transport and trading companies can save time and resources when crossing, which supports the efficiency and competitiveness of the economy.
Attracting investment: The Schengen area can be more attractive to foreign investors as it facilitates the movement of workers and business partners between member states.
It is important to note that the economic benefits of Schengen membership can be determined by various factors, including the economic structure of the particular country, its geographical location and others. These benefits may be complemented by other factors, such as membership of the European Union and the EU internal market.
The Bulgarian passport is in the top 15 of the "strongest" in the world
The Bulgarian passport is placed 14th in an international ranking that indexes the "strength" of foreign documents based on how many countries you can visit without the need for a visa. In the arrangement compiled by the company Henley Global, the native passport provides access to 176 countries around the world. The first position is shared between Japan and Singapore, whose citizens can travel to 193 countries. They are followed by South Korea, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, etc. Of Bulgaria's neighboring countries, only Greece is ahead of us - in 8th position, with whose passport you can visit 186 countries. Our northern neighbors from Romania also take 14th place, while we are followed by Serbia (34th), North Macedonia (42nd) and Turkey (51st). Russia, which fell into international isolation because of its war with Ukraine, is ranked 48th. Its citizens can travel to 118 countries. Ukraine is in 31st position (144 countries).
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
TECHNICAL EXPLANATION OF THE CONVENTION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION AND
THE PREVENTION OF FISCAL EVASION
WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME,
SIGNED AT WASHINGTON ON FEBRUARY 23, 2007
Bulgaria Retirement Visa
Who Is Eligible For a Bulgarian Pensioner D Visa?
You are eligible to get a Bulgarian Pensioner D Visa if you meet all of the following conditions:
You are a non-EU citizen.
You receive a pension according to the Bulgarian legislation.
You are already retired in your home country.
You are able to prove that you have sufficient funds to financially support yourself during your stay in Bulgaria.
Documents Required for a Bulgaria Retirement Visa
These are the documents you need to submit to complete the application for a Bulgaria retirement (Pensioner D) :
Application form.
Photographs. Submit two recently taken photographs in passport format.
Passport. An original and valid passport.
Document proving you are retired in your home country. The document must be issued by the country of origin and legalized with a notary public.
Proof of valid bank account. Provide a document from a Bulgarian bank to prove that you have a valid bank account to make your pension transfer.
Proof of accommodation place and the address of accommodation in Bulgaria.
Medical insurance valid in the territory of Bulgaria.
Police clearance. A document issued by the police department in your country stating you have a clear criminal record.
How to Apply for a Bulgaria Retirement Visa?
To obtain a Bulgarian Retirement visa, as a non-EU national, you need to go through the following steps:
1.Apply and get a Bulgarian D Visa.
2.After obtaining the D visa, you can enter the country.
3.Apply for a temporary residence permit called “Residence for Pensioners” at the Migration Directorate upon your arrival. The Migration Directorate branch of the Ministry of Interior is responsible for issuing residence permits in Bulgaria. If you are from an EU country, you can enter Bulgaria visa-free for three months; however, you must register your residence and obtain a registration certificate. Then, you can lodge the residence permit application at the local Migration Office (Ministry of Interior) in the district where your accommodation is located.
Processing Time For a Bulgaria Retirement Visa
The processing time for a Bulgarian Retirement visa is 35 business days. However, it may take longer (more than one month), in certain cases.
How Long Can I Stay in Bulgaria With a Retirement Visa?
A Bulgarian Retirement Visa is valid for a period of 12 months (one year) for non-EU citizens and up to five years for EU citizens. You can renew your retirement visa after it expires.
How Much Does a Bulgaria Retirement Visa Cost?
When applying for a Bulgarian Pensioner visa, you will need to pay a fee of $200 for a duration of one year (12 months).
Can I Bring my Dependents to Bulgaria With a Retirement Visa?
Holders of a Bulgarian Retirement visa can apply for family reunification for their spouse (if he/she is not retired) and their children under the age of 18. You will be required to provide only a marriage certificate for your spouse and birth certificates for your children.
How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is an affordable destination compared to other European countries, therefore, you will not need to spend much to cover your living expenses. However, you might have to spend an average of $108 per month to pay for utilities (electricity, water, heating, cooling, garbage).
The real estate prices in Bulgaria are some of the lowest in Europe, which makes the accommodation process quicker and easier for you. For example, the monthly price range for apartments in the city center goes from $450 to $650 (one bedroom) and $650 to $1400(three bedrooms). Whereas for apartments outside the city center, the prices go from $160 to $410 (one bedroom) and $300 to $650 (three bedrooms).
Overall, the estimated monthly cost for a single person to live comfortably in Bulgaria is $900 per month without including rent.
Healthcare in Bulgaria
Although Bulgaria might not have the best healthcare quality, the medical staff is highly trained and professional. The Ministry of Health manages public health, but health facilities might not be in the best condition, especially in rural areas.
Public healthcare is not entirely free, and you might have to pay for a few treatments and services. Once you become a citizen of Bulgaria, your healthcare will be provided by Bulgaria’s compulsory healthcare insurance scheme.
Considering all this, many locals and new residents in Bulgaria choose private healthcare. This is because private healthcare in Bulgaria has better healthcare standards and facilities than public healthcare and is cheaper than in Western Europe.
However, many retirees are not eligible for public health insurance, so they choose private health insurance with international coverage.
Why Retire in Bulgaria?
Here is why you should move to Bulgaria for your retirement:
Low cost of living. Bulgaria is affordable for everyone. So you can have a comfortable retirement at a low price and have one of the best experiences of your life.
Rich history and culture. The Balkan country has a rich history and culture. Bulgaria has many natural and historical objects that attract tourists from all over the world.
Safety. Bulgaria ranks high on the safety list. The country has a low level of serious crimes, no political conflict, and is a laid-back country.
Great climate. The weather in Bulgaria is the perfect combination of hot and cold. You will enjoy long hot temperatures during the summer season and cold and snowy winters throughout the year.
Friendly locals. The Bulgarians are very friendly and hospitable people. You will not find it hard to fit in and have a great time with your new neighbors. Best Places to Retire in Bulgaria-Varna is a port city and seaside resort on Bulgaria’s Black Sea famous for many things. In Varna, you will find some of the best and oldest museums, arts companies, and festivals. It is the perfect place if you want to live a dynamic life.
The earliest traces of human presence in the Varna region date back to the Early Paleolithic Age (about 100 000 BC). In the museum exposition the period is illustrated by Middle Paleolithic flint tools, found mostly during the construction of plants in the valley of Varna
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Юридически консултации и водене на дела
Компетенциите ми в качеството ми на адвокат обхващат:
Inheritance rights, Real State, Investment, Refugee Immigration Citizenship law.
Бизнес консултации
Предлагаме голямо разнообразие от консултански услуги в САЩ и РБ предимно в сферата на: отваряне на нов офис ; стартиране и управяване на малък бизнес, прехвърляне и защита на търговски предприятия и други активи между двете държави.
Визи, Емиграция, Убежище
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Лицензирани преводи, Апостил
Нотариус
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Примерно заглавие
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Защита при домашно насилие
Основният принцип, който спазвам, защитавайки своите клиенти от домашно насилие, е пълна конфиденциалност и защита на интересите независимо от естеството на нанесените щети.
Консултации
Създайте вълнуващо съдържание, с което да представите Вашия бизнес в най-добрата възможна светлина. По този начин ще спечелите доверието на своите клиенти и ще ги убедите в качествата на продукта или услугата, които предлагате.
Купи-продай имот без посредник
В дългогодишната ми практика на адвокат по сделки свързани с недвижими имоти, винаги съм защитавал правата на интересите на моите местни и международни клиенти. За съжаление в България все още не е уреден ясно въпросът с агентите по недвижимост. Липсва какъвто и да е лицензионен режим за тях , което довежда и до липсата на каквато и да юридическа отговорност. Не се доверявайте на юридически съвети от страна на т.н. агенти, не адвокати, от страна на нотариус или адвокат представляващ интересите на другата страна по сделката. Ангажирайки ме като вашият личен адвокат по сделки свързани с недвижимост и вие ще получите надежден правен щит .
