The Bulgarian Foreign Intelligence was established on 23.05.1947 and functioned till the end of 1989 as a structure to the Ministry of Interior.

   With State Council Decree No.152/05.02.1990 was established the National Intelligence Service to work under the authority the State Council of the National Republic of Bulgaria. Under this Decree the state foreign intelligence was assigned to the newly established separate institution.
   The Act on amending and supplementing the Republic of Bulgaria Defence and Armed Forces Act, promulgated – SG No.40/2002 and effective 19.04.2002, regulates the NIS status as a non military unit and in the transitional and final provisions to this Act it is set that the service should implement the Republic of Bulgaria Defense and Armed Forces Act and the Regulations for the Regular Military Service until a separate legal act that sets its organization and activities is adopted. The authorities and obligations given to the NIS Director correspond to those of the Defense Minister according to the Republic of Bulgaria Defense and Armed Forces Act.

Bulgarian Foreign Intelligence Chieves: