Created on 29.09.2025
According to item 4.3.2 of the Program for Humanitarian Support and Integration of Displaced Persons from Ukraine with Temporary Protection in the Republic of Bulgaria, "...persons may stay in the accommodation facility only if they pay for their stay at the prices announced by the relevant accommodation facility".
If you have been denied free accommodation under the Program, in this article you will learn under what conditions and how you can stay in the same accommodation facility for a fee.
I. Under what conditions can I continue to live in the accommodation facility even after being denied accommodation under the Program?
If you were accommodated in a hotel or other accommodation facility under the previous Humanitarian Support Program (effective until April 30, 2025), but were refused free accommodation under the current Program (effective from May 1, 2025), you can continue to live in the same place only if you pay for your stay yourself.
Important! Each hotel or accommodation facility determines the price for the stay itself. It is mandatory that this price is publicly announced in an accessible place near the reception of the accommodation. If the price for your stay is communicated to you verbally, you can always ask and see where this price is publicly announced.
Important! The price must be announced in a way that makes it clear what is included in it and whether you are required to pay additional fees or utility bills (electricity, water, etc.). In principle, all taxes and/or utility bills should be included in the total and publicly announced price for the stay.
In the event that the owner of the accommodation facility requires you to pay additional utility bills, you have the right to request supporting documents showing what you have used (amount of electricity, water, etc.), as well as how the amount you are asked to pay was formed.
II. How do I pay for my accommodation?
The owner of the accommodation facility can determine how the payment for your accommodation is made. What you must request is a document for each payment you have made. This can be a cash receipt, a receipt or another document that shows on what date and to whom you paid the amount, as well as for what period of stay it applies.
Important! The owners and/or managers of the accommodation do not have the right to refuse to issue you such a document for a payment you have made. We advise you to keep the documents proving each payment.
III. Who should I contact if my rights have been violated?
If the owner or manager of a hotel refuses to issue a document for a payment made by you, forces you to pay a higher price than the publicly announced price, or demands the payment of additional fees and/or utility bills without reason, you can contact the Commission for Consumer Protection in Bulgaria.
The Commission has an open national telephone number 0700 111 22, which is serviced 24 hours a day, including on holidays and weekends. You can file a report or complaint at [email protected] or [email protected]
If your rights are violated, we advise you to seek help from a lawyer who will provide you with legal assistance and protection according to your needs.