How to Get a Bulgarian Personal Number (LNCH) as an EU Citizen

You cannot do anything in Bulgaria without a personal identification number. You cannot open a bank account, register with the tax authority, sign a lease, enroll in health insurance, or be listed as a company manager. For Bulgarian citizens, this number is the EGN. For foreign nationals — including EU citizens — it is the LNCH.

This guide explains exactly what an LNCH is, where to get one, what documents you need, and how the process works for EU citizens in 2026. We also cover the critical difference between an LNCH and an NRA "service number," and the ongoing EGN vs. LNCH discrimination issue.

What Is an LNCH?

LNCH stands for ЛНЧ (Личен Номер на Чужденец) — literally "Personal Number of a Foreigner." It is a 10-digit identification number assigned to every foreign national who registers for residence in Bulgaria.

The LNCH serves the same function as the EGN (Единен Граждански Номер) that Bulgarian citizens receive at birth. It is your unique identifier in every administrative, tax, banking, legal, and government system in the country.

Once assigned, your LNCH stays with you permanently. It does not change, even if you leave Bulgaria and return years later.

How to Get an LNCH

The most important thing to understand is this: you cannot apply for an LNCH separately. The LNCH is issued automatically when you receive your EU residence certificate (удостоверение за пребиваване на гражданин на ЕС) from the Migration Directorate.

In other words, the process is:

1. Apply for an EU residence certificate at the Migration Directorate. You submit your application and supporting documents.
2. Receive your residence certificate with your LNCH. The Migration Directorate issues your certificate, which contains your newly assigned 10-digit LNCH. The paper certificate is typically issued the same day or the next business day.
3. Receive your plastic residence card (if applicable). The plastic card with your photo takes 3 to 5 business days. However, you can use your LNCH immediately from the paper certificate — you do not need to wait for the plastic card.

Four Grounds for EU Citizen Residence

To get your residence certificate (and therefore your LNCH), you must register on one of the following grounds. EU citizens have the right to reside in any EU member state, but Bulgaria requires you to register and declare your ground after 3 months.

1. Employment

You work for a Bulgarian employer or are posted to Bulgaria by a foreign employer. You need an employment contract or posting letter.

2. Self-Employment

You run a business in Bulgaria — typically as an EOOD owner-manager, freelancer, or sole trader. You need proof of company registration or freelancer registration.

3. Studies

You are enrolled at a Bulgarian educational institution. You need proof of enrollment and health insurance coverage.

4. Self-Sufficient

You have sufficient financial resources and health insurance to reside in Bulgaria without relying on the social assistance system. You need bank statements showing sufficient funds and proof of health insurance.

For a detailed walkthrough of the EU residence application, including required documents, see our EU Residence Permit in Bulgaria guide. For address registration requirements, see Address Registration for Foreigners.

What You Need an LNCH For

Virtually everything. Here is a non-exhaustive list of what requires an LNCH in Bulgaria:

• Opening a bank account. Bulgarian banks require an LNCH (or EGN) to open any type of account — personal or corporate. Without it, you cannot open a bank account. See our Bank Account Guide for EU Citizens.
• NRA registration. You need an LNCH to register with the National Revenue Agency (NRA), file tax returns, and receive a КЕП (qualified electronic signature).
• Signing contracts. Rental agreements, employment contracts, service agreements — all require your personal identification number.
• Health insurance enrollment. Registering for the National Health Insurance Fund (НЗОК) or private health insurance requires an LNCH.
• Property transactions. Buying or selling real estate requires an LNCH for the notarial deed and property registry.
• Company management. Being registered as a manager (управител) in the Commercial Register requires an LNCH. You cannot be appointed as an EOOD manager without one. See our Company Registration Guide.
• Vehicle registration. Registering a vehicle in your name requires an LNCH.
• Government e-services. Accessing the NRA portal, the National Social Security Institute (НОИ), and other government e-services requires an LNCH.

EGN vs. LNCH: The Discrimination Problem

In theory, the LNCH and EGN are functionally equivalent — both are 10-digit personal identification numbers used across all Bulgarian systems. In practice, they are not always treated equally.

Numerous Bulgarian online systems, government portals, and private services validate only EGN format numbers and reject LNCH numbers. This means that LNCH holders — who are by definition foreign nationals — are sometimes unable to access services that Bulgarian citizens can access freely.

This issue has been formally raised at the EU level. European Parliament written question E-002344/2025 specifically addresses the systematic discrimination against LNCH holders in Bulgaria, arguing that it constitutes a violation of EU free movement rights and the principle of non-discrimination based on nationality.

NRA "Service Number": Not an LNCH

Some foreigners who need to interact with the Bulgarian tax system before obtaining an LNCH may receive an NRA service number (служебен номер от НАП). This is important to understand:

• An NRA service number is a temporary tax identification number issued by the National Revenue Agency.
• It works only within the NRA system — for tax filings and tax-related communications.
• It is NOT an LNCH. It is not accepted by banks, the Commercial Register, insurance companies, notaries, or any other institution.
• It is a stopgap measure for situations where someone needs to pay taxes before their residence registration is complete.

If you have only an NRA service number, you still need to complete the residence registration process at the Migration Directorate to get a proper LNCH. The service number does not substitute for it in any context outside the NRA.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

The total elapsed time from application to having a fully functional LNCH (with NRA registration and bank account) is typically one to two weeks, assuming all documents are in order when you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about obtaining an LNCH in Bulgaria and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements and procedures may vary based on individual circumstances and nationality. Consult our team for advice tailored to your specific situation. Last updated: April 7, 2026.