Personnel Security

Requirements for Initiating a Personnel Security Clearance Procedure for Granting Access to EU and/or NATO Classified Information to a Bulgarian Citizen

A Bulgarian citizen may be granted access to EU and/or NATO classified information after the following conditions are met:

1. A personnel security clearance (PSC) procedure has been carried out with the individual's prior written consent;
2. The individual has completed training on the protection of classified information;
3. The individual has signed acknowledgments confirming their understanding of duties related to the protection of EU and/or NATO classified information:

    - Acknowledgment for access to EU classified information;

    - Acknowledgment for access to NATO classified information.

The PSC application process for access to EU and/or NATO classified information begins only upon receipt of an official request by the State Commission on Information Security (SCIS) from a relevant European institution, NATO agency, or competent National Security Authority (NSA). This ensures the authenticity of the request and confirms that the procedure is necessary due to:

• The individual being assigned specific tasks or holding a position requiring such access;
• The individual being a contractor or subcontractor under a classified contract.

The request should follow a recognized format (a template accepted by the relevant NSA/DSA, EU institution, or NATO agency) or established practice, and must include:

• Details of the individual’s task and/or position and justification for access to EU and/or NATO classified information, along with supporting documentation such as contracts or other relevant official records;
• The required level of classified access;
• Full name of the applicant;
• Date and place of birth;
• Any additional personal data relevant to identifying the applicant.

In parallel with the official request, the Bulgarian citizen subject to clearance must submit the following documents to the SCIS:

1. A completed questionnaire - Appendix 2 to Articles 47 and 48 of the Classified Information Protection Act - CIPA;
2. For individuals born on or before 16 July 1973: two original copies of consent under Article 43, Paragraph 2 of the CIPA;
3. For individuals born after 16 July 1973: one original copy of the same consent;
4. A signed and certified true copy of a diploma verifying completed education;
5. A medical certificate issued by a licensed psychiatrist following an examination;
6. Consent in accordance with Article 43, Paragraph 2 of the CIPA, in conjunction with Article 62, Paragraph 9 of the Credit Institutions Act;
7. Declaration under Article 74, Paragraph 2, Section 1 of the Tax and Social Insurance Procedure Code, completed in two original copies.

All template forms must be accessed, completed, and signed solely by the individual to be cleared. No additional marks, stamps, or signatures are permitted. Documents may be submitted either as original paper copies or electronically with a qualified electronic signature.

Once the SCIS receives the official request and all required documents, it initiates the personnel security clearance procedure as the National Security Authority of the Republic of Bulgaria.