It's time! 2013 is when Bulgarian/Romanian nationals can start applying for British Citizenship
This is for those who are looking to apply using European regulations. Those who had UK visas issued before 2007 under the Immigration Rules should read below. Citizenship rules are the same, in general, for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals as for other European nationals. However, 2013 is the first year they can apply because Bulgaria and Romania joined EU on 1 st January 2007. This is if they want to use their rights under European law. So, one of the conditions is to have a status of a permanent resident, which Bulgarian/Romanian nationals can achieve after 5 years of exercising European Treaty rights in the UK, such as working, being self-employed, studying, being self-sufficient etc. Bulgarian/Romanian nationals do not have to apply for permanent residency (unless they want to, voluntarily). They ‘achieve’ this status automatically after 5 years of exercising Treaty rights in the UK. So, the first time Bulgarian/Romanian nationals could qualify for permanent residency