Bulgaria – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to Bulgaria?

On 31 March 2024, Bulgaria began issuing Schengen short-stay visas in place of national visas. Subsequently, on 1 January 2025, Bulgaria and Romania achieved full Schengen Area membership. As a result, Bulgaria is now entirely integrated into the EU’s common visa framework, and the same rules that govern other Schengen borders apply equally at Bulgarian borders.

Citizens of Schengen Area, EU, and EEA member states require no visa to enter Bulgaria. In addition, nationals of countries that have concluded visa waiver agreements with the EU — including Canada, Australia, and the United States — may visit without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa-free entry covers short visits only and does not grant any right to work or establish residency.

Because Bulgaria is an EU member state, all other EU countries together with Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland are likewise free from requirements for both long-stay Bulgarian visas and Bulgarian work permits by virtue of the EU Right of Free Movement. EU and EEA nationals intending to stay long-term need only register with local authorities.

Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 enumerates the countries whose nationals are relieved of the visa requirement when crossing the EU’s external borders. Under Article 4 of that Regulation, such nationals may remain visa-free for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. Nationals of countries not appearing on this list must obtain a visa prior to travelling to Bulgaria.

Anyone wishing to remain in Bulgaria for more than 90 days — whether for employment, study, retirement, or family reasons — must obtain a long-stay visa and residence permit regardless of nationality. Since visa requirements differ considerably depending on your passport, always verify your individual situation with Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs at mfa.bg or through your nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate.

From the final quarter of 2026, travellers who currently enter visa-free will need to obtain a travel authorisation (ETIAS) before visiting most European countries, Bulgaria included. ETIAS is not yet operational. Anyone planning a relocation to Bulgaria in the coming years should keep track of this development, as it will alter pre-travel requirements for currently exempt nationalities.

What types of visa are available for people moving to Bulgaria?

Bulgaria operates three principal visa categories for non-EU nationals. Which category applies to you depends on your intended purpose and length of stay. For prospective expats, the most significant category is the Type D long-stay visa, which serves as the indispensable first step towards establishing legal residence in Bulgaria.

Type C – Schengen Short-Stay Visa: From 31 March 2024, Bulgaria began issuing short-term Schengen visas (Type C) under the EU Visa Code Regulation. These authorise a temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area, including Bulgaria and Romania. This category encompasses tourism, business, and family visits, but neither work nor long-term residence is permitted under it.

Type A – Airport Transit Visa: This category permits travellers to change flights at a Bulgarian airport whilst in transit to a third country. It is only required for nationals of certain countries; the majority of transit passengers passing through Bulgaria have no need of one.

Type D – National Long-Stay Visa: A Type D visa is a long-term permit that allows its holder to enter Bulgaria on multiple occasions. It is issued for either 6 or 12 months and is a prerequisite for all qualifying applicants seeking a Bulgarian residence permit. This is the principal route for expats relocating to Bulgaria and covers a broad range of purposes.

Long-stay visa applicants must satisfy at least one of the 18 grounds set out under the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (Art. 24, Paragraph 1) on which this category of visa may be issued. Grounds most commonly relied upon by expats include employment, self-employment, retirement, family reunification, investment, and study.

Work Visa (Type D – Employment): This option is intended for individuals hired by companies operating within Bulgaria. Before applying, the employer must first secure approval from the Bulgarian Employment Agency, as a labour market test applies to non-Bulgarian, non-EU, and non-Swiss nationals. Once approval is granted, the applicant enters Bulgaria and obtains a residence permit for the purpose of employment, valid for one year and renewable for up to three years.

EU Blue Card: The EU Blue Card is designed for highly qualified professionals who hold an employment contract of at least six months’ duration with a Bulgarian-based company, and whose salary meets the required threshold of at least 1.5 times the country’s average gross annual wage. Once issued, the EU Blue Card is valid for between two and five years. Comparable to skilled worker programmes elsewhere in the EU, it is aimed at attracting high-level talent to Bulgaria.

Retirement Visa (Type D – Pension): This visa is available to retired foreign nationals who can demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and who are currently in receipt of state or private pension income or benefits. It should be noted that pension arrangements from certain countries may be evaluated differently under Bulgarian law, making professional legal advice strongly advisable for retirees.

Family Reunification Visa (Type D): This category caters for family members wishing to join Bulgarian citizens or residents. It is available to applicants who are married to a person holding permanent residence rights in Bulgaria. Dependent family members of long-term or permanent residents may also apply through this route.

Digital Nomad Visa: Bulgaria launched a Digital Nomad Visa in mid-2025, catering for remote workers in the employ of foreign companies as well as freelancers drawing income from abroad. The visa is valid for one year and may be renewed. Applicants should note that once issued, the Digital Nomad Visa requires them to enrol in the Bulgarian social security system for the duration of their stay.

Investor / Golden Visa: The Bulgarian Golden Visa programme offers permanent residency by investment. To qualify, non-EU citizens must invest €512,000 in one of the following: Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) or Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Unlike comparable schemes in Portugal or Spain, this programme confers direct permanent residency rather than a temporary permit.

Self-Employment Permit (Type D): This route suits entrepreneurs and freelancers generating income from Bulgarian sources. Eligibility requires the applicant to furnish a detailed business plan, evidence of relevant experience or qualifications, and proof of Bulgarian language proficiency at B1 level. The permit is valid for one year and may be renewed for up to three years.

How do I apply for a visa for Bulgaria?

Bulgarian visas are issued through the diplomatic missions and consulates of the Republic of Bulgaria. No centralised online application portal for Bulgarian visas exists. In most cases, applicants must appear in person at a Bulgarian embassy, consulate, or authorised visa application centre.

The general procedure for applying for a Type D long-stay visa is as follows:

1. Identify the correct visa category. Determine which qualifying ground under the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act applies to your circumstances — for example, employment, retirement, family reunification, or the digital nomad scheme. The nature of your intended stay governs which supporting documents will be required.
2. Locate your nearest Bulgarian diplomatic mission. Applications may be submitted at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence, at a visa application centre (VAC), or at another Schengen diplomatic mission authorised to accept applications on behalf of Bulgaria where no Bulgarian mission is present locally.
3. Schedule an appointment. Contact the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate. Some missions require appointments for visa submissions, so check the relevant website or get in touch directly to arrange a time.
4. Assemble your documentation. Gather all documents required for your specific visa category. Materials issued by non-Bulgarian authorities will generally need to be apostilled or otherwise authenticated and translated into Bulgarian by an accredited bureau (see the documents section below).
5. Attend in person and complete your interview. A personal interview is compulsory when applying for a Type D visa. Applications must be lodged in person following an appointment made with the Bulgarian consulate that covers your area of official residence.
6. Pay the application fee. The non-refundable fee is due at the point of submission. Fees differ by visa type and are subject to revision — consult the official fee schedule before applying.
7. Await the decision and collect your visa. Processing typically takes between 20 and 30 working days. Your visa must be collected in person from the Bulgarian embassy, consulate, or representative office where the application was submitted.
8. Enter Bulgaria and apply for your residence permit. Non-EU nationals must obtain a residence permit to remain in Bulgaria lawfully for more than 90 days. The process begins with the Type D visa, which underpins the application for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). The TRC application is made after arrival in Bulgaria.

Applying from the United States: US nationals or third-country nationals residing in the US who require a long-stay D visa (6 months or 1 year) must apply at the Bulgarian consulate responsible for their US state of official residence. The Bulgarian Embassy in Washington DC publishes a list of consular regions and contact information at bulgaria-embassy.org.

Applying from the United Kingdom: Applicants based in the UK should contact the Bulgarian Embassy in London. Most applicants are required to attend in person at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate. Certain locations operate through VFS Global for intake, though decisions remain with consular officials. Refer to the Bulgarian Embassy London’s official website for current appointment and submission procedures.

Applicants in other countries should contact their nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate, or use the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to identify the relevant mission. Always confirm current procedures directly with the mission, as these may change.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for Bulgaria?

The documents required differ according to the visa category, but the items listed below are generally expected for any Bulgarian visa application. For a Type D long-stay visa, additional documents specific to the chosen category are also necessary.

• Valid passport or travel document. Any foreign national applying for a Bulgarian visa must hold a valid travel document whose expiry date falls at least three months after the intended date of departure from Bulgaria, and which contains a minimum of two blank pages for visa affixation.
• Completed and signed application form. All fields must be completed legibly in typed characters. Names must appear in Latin script as spelled in the travel passport. All remaining information must be provided in English or Bulgarian. The applicant must sign the form personally.
• Passport photograph. A full-colour photograph measuring 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm against a pale background is required — a full-face image with the face filling 70–80% of the frame; eyes must be open; photographs taken with dark glasses or cropped from casual photos are not accepted.
• Travel health insurance. Medical insurance valid across EU member states for the entire duration of the trip is required, covering all repatriation costs and urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period specified in the visa. The coverage amount must be no less than €30,000.
• Proof of accommodation. Evidence of housing is required — either a notarised lease agreement accompanied by a notarised consent or declaration from the property owner, or a notary deed where the property belongs to the applicant, or a notarised declaration together with a notary deed confirming the ownership of the person providing the declaration.
• Proof of financial means. Bank statements or other supporting evidence demonstrating that you are capable of financing your stay throughout the intended period.
• Copies of previous visas. A photocopy of the most recent Bulgarian and Schengen visas, or visas issued by the UK and the US (where applicable), is required.
• Category-specific documents. For employment visas: a work permit from the Bulgarian Employment Agency and an employment contract; for retirement visas: evidence of pension income; for family reunification: documentation of the family relationship and the sponsor’s residence permit; for the digital nomad visa: proof of remote employment or freelance income from foreign sources.

Translation and legalisation requirements: Documents originating from foreign authorities must be legalised, either through an apostille stamp or by alternative means. Certificates and extracts must be rendered into Bulgarian by an accredited translation bureau and notarised. An apostille is required to verify the authenticity of signatures and seals on diplomas, criminal record certificates, and similar documents.

Documentary requirements can change and may vary between consulates. Always obtain a definitive and current checklist directly from the Bulgarian embassy or consulate at which you intend to apply, or consult the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

How long does a visa application for Bulgaria take to process?

Processing times for Bulgarian visa applications depend on the visa type, the consulate handling the case, and the volume of applications being dealt with at any particular time. As a general principle, you should begin the process well ahead of your intended relocation date and refrain from booking non-refundable travel until a decision has been received.

As a rule of thumb, Bulgarian visa processing times range from 10 to 20 business days for short-stay applications. Long-stay applications — such as those for work or study — may require considerably longer, in some cases upwards of 60 days.

Based on figures reported for 2024–2025, a Type C (short-stay Schengen) visa decision typically takes around 15 working days, while a Type D (long-stay) visa can take up to 35 working days to reach a conclusion. These are indicative timeframes only and remain subject to change.

Processing typically requires a minimum of 15 working days, though owing to caseload volumes and individual case complexity, this can stretch to 30 days or beyond. Investor visa applications may take even longer: the Bulgarian investor visa is generally processed within 30 working days, after which the applicant must travel to Bulgaria to lodge a permanent residence application at the local Migration Office. Permanent residence applications are ordinarily processed within 45 working days.

Visa applications may not be submitted earlier than 3 months before the intended travel date, except in humanitarian circumstances. For long-stay applications, it is advisable to begin assembling documents well before this window opens, given the time needed for legalisation and translation. Always consult the official immigration authority website for current processing time estimates.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for Bulgaria?

Visa fees are established by the Bulgarian government in accordance with EU regulations and may change at any time. All fees are non-refundable, including in cases where the application is refused. The figures below are indicative as of 2024–2025 and must be confirmed against the official fee schedule before you apply.

As of 2024–2025, a short-stay Type C (Schengen) visa costs approximately USD $107; a 6-month Type D long-stay visa costs approximately USD $118; and a 12-month Type D long-stay visa costs approximately USD $236. Fees may be quoted in euros or local currency depending on the consulate. Consult the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs fee schedule for up-to-date amounts.

The following persons are exempt from visa application processing fees: foreign nationals who, at the date of application, are under 6 years of age. Further exemption categories exist — for instance, certain family members of EU citizens — and are detailed on the official MFA website.

Beyond the government visa fee, applicants should set aside funds for the following associated expenditure:

• Document translation. All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Bulgarian by an accredited bureau, typically charged on a per-page basis. Rates vary between translation providers.
• Apostille / legalisation fees. Documents issued abroad usually require an apostille or other form of legalisation before they are accepted, which incurs costs in the country of issue.
• Health insurance. Mandatory travel or residence health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 must be procured for the full duration of the visa period.
• Legal or immigration adviser fees. Although not obligatory, many applicants — particularly for Type D and residence permit applications — find it beneficial to retain a qualified Bulgarian immigration lawyer. Fees vary widely depending on the adviser and the complexity of the case.
• Visa application centre (VAC) service fees. Where applications are lodged through VFS Global or a similar facility, a service charge is levied on top of the government fee.

Always confirm the prevailing fee schedule directly with your nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate before submitting your application, as government fees are subject to periodic revision.

Can my family members join me in Bulgaria on a visa?

Bulgaria has provisions in place for family members of foreign residents to join them through the family reunification framework. The precise process and requirements depend on the primary applicant’s visa category and current residence status.

Visas may be issued to the family members of a foreign national who has been granted long-term or permanent residence. This includes spouses and dependent children. Each family member must lodge their own Type D visa application and satisfy the standard documentary requirements independently.

Family reunification is equally available under the Golden Visa investment route. Investors may include their spouse, children, and parents. Under this route, family members typically receive permanent residence within three months of the main applicant’s approval.

For work-visa holders, the primary applicant must generally demonstrate stable legal income and suitable accommodation to support any dependants who join them. Income thresholds are not uniformly fixed across all categories and may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the consular officer. Applicants should verify prevailing requirements with their Bulgarian consulate.

Family members of the applicant are typically granted a residence permit for one year, renewable in line with the main applicant’s renewal. Permanent residence cards and Uniform Civil Numbers (functionally analogous to a national insurance number in other countries) place residents on an equal footing with Bulgarian citizens, and together with adult family members, they entitle holders to take up employment.

Family members of EU and EEA citizens benefit from the EU Right to Free Movement and are not subject to the same immigration requirements as third-country nationals. Their registration process is substantially more straightforward. For all family reunification enquiries, consult the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a qualified Bulgarian immigration lawyer for advice specific to your circumstances.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in Bulgaria?

For the majority of expats, the path to long-term residence in Bulgaria follows a well-defined sequence: Type D visa, then Temporary Residence Card (TRC), then permanent residence, and potentially citizenship by naturalisation. Each stage carries its own requirements and minimum time thresholds.

A Temporary Residence Permit allows non-EU citizens to reside legally in Bulgaria for more than 90 days, ordinarily for periods of up to 12 months at a time, with the possibility of annual renewal. The permit must be applied for in person at the local Migration Office following arrival in Bulgaria on a Type D visa. Applicants must continue to satisfy the qualifying conditions under which the permit was originally granted — for example, sustained employment, ongoing pension income, or an active business venture.

A Bulgarian temporary residence permit is issued for either 6 or 12 months and may be renewed for a cumulative period of up to 5 years. Where permanent residence eligibility has not yet been attained, temporary residence may still be renewed. A physical presence of 30 months within any 5-year period of temporary residence is required in order to convert a temporary residence card to permanent residency.

The Bulgarian permanent residence card is valid for 5 years. To upgrade from temporary to long-term residency, you must have been physically present in Bulgaria for 50 months within any 5-year period. These thresholds are important to bear in mind, particularly if you anticipate spending extended periods outside Bulgaria during your permit term.

Golden Visa route to permanent residency: In 2023, Bulgaria launched its Golden Visa programme with a minimum qualifying investment of €512,000. Successful investors may obtain permanent residency directly, circumventing the standard five-year temporary residence requirement.

Pathway to citizenship: The Bulgarian Citizenship Act enables non-EU nationals who have held permanent residency in Bulgaria for five years to apply for Bulgarian citizenship and a passport. The applicant must reside in Bulgaria for a further five years after permanent residency is granted and must pass a language examination, or qualify for an exemption, before applying for Bulgarian Citizenship by Naturalisation. As Bulgaria is an EU member state, citizenship confers the right to live and work throughout the EU.

Residence permit rules, renewal conditions, and citizenship eligibility criteria are governed by the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act and are subject to amendment. Always consult the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior (Migration Directorate) for current eligibility criteria and up-to-date guidance.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for Bulgaria are refused?

Familiarity with the typical grounds for refusal can help you put together a more robust application. The following are among the most frequently cited reasons why Bulgarian visa and residence permit applications are turned down.

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation. Missing items, unsigned forms, photographs that fail to meet specifications, or documents that have not been properly apostilled and translated into Bulgarian are among the most common causes of refusal.
• Insufficient evidence of financial means. Failing to demonstrate that you can adequately support yourself and any dependants throughout your intended stay is a frequent reason for refusal of both short-stay and long-stay applications.
• Inadequate health insurance. Presenting travel insurance that falls short of the minimum €30,000 coverage requirement, or that does not cover the complete visa period, can lead to refusal.
• Failure to satisfy a qualifying ground for a Type D visa. Every long-stay visa application must fulfil at least one of the grounds enumerated in the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act. Where the consular officer is not satisfied that the qualifying condition is genuinely met, the application may be refused.
• Criminal record or security concerns. A serious criminal history can disqualify an applicant. Even minor matters should be disclosed accurately, since concealment constitutes grounds for both refusal and future entry prohibitions.
• Doubts regarding genuine intent. Where a consular officer suspects that the stated purpose of the application does not reflect the applicant’s true intentions — for example, applying for a tourist visa while actually planning to work — the application is likely to be refused.
• False or misleading information. Any false statements will result in the application being rejected or in the cancellation of a visa already granted, and may additionally expose the applicant to prosecution.

What to do if your application is refused: Bulgaria permits an appeal within 14 days to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or to the Sofia Administrative Court. Read the refusal notice carefully to understand the specific grounds cited, as this will determine whether an appeal or a fresh application is the more appropriate course of action. For complex cases or repeated refusals, retaining a qualified Bulgarian immigration lawyer is strongly advisable. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website provides details of the formal appeals procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter Bulgaria with a valid Schengen visa issued by another EU country?

Since 1 January 2025, Bulgaria has been a full member of the Schengen Area. This means that travellers holding a valid Schengen visa may enter Bulgaria freely without needing a separate Bulgarian visa. Make sure your Schengen visa remains valid throughout your stay and that you do not exceed the 90-day limit.

Do I need a visa if I am an EU or EEA citizen moving to Bulgaria?

EU member states together with Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland are exempt from Bulgarian long-stay visa and work permit requirements by virtue of the EU Right of Free Movement. However, EU and EEA nationals planning to stay longer than three months should register with local authorities and may be required to obtain a registration certificate. Check with the local municipality or Migration Office for current requirements.

Is there a digital nomad visa for Bulgaria?

Bulgaria introduced a Digital Nomad Visa in mid-2025, aimed at remote workers employed by foreign companies and freelancers whose income derives from abroad. It is valid for one year with the option of further renewal. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the official minimum income threshold of 50 times the Bulgarian monthly minimum wage per year — equivalent to approximately €27,550 per year as of 2025. Confirm current requirements with your nearest Bulgarian embassy.

How long can I stay in Bulgaria without a visa?

Nationals of countries listed in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 are exempt from the visa requirement when crossing the EU’s external borders and may remain visa-free for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. Exceeding this limit without holding a residence permit constitutes a breach of Bulgarian and EU immigration law and may result in fines, removal from the country, and future entry bans.

Can I apply for a Bulgarian visa online?

No fully online application system for Bulgarian visas currently exists. Most applicants must attend in person at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate, and a personal interview is compulsory for a Type D visa. Some locations process applications through VFS Global visa application centres. Always verify current procedures with the relevant Bulgarian mission before travelling to apply.

What is the ETIAS and will it affect my plans to visit or move to Bulgaria?

From the final quarter of 2026, visa-exempt travellers will be required to hold an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter most European countries, including Bulgaria. ETIAS is not yet operational. Once introduced, it will function as an online pre-travel authorisation — broadly similar in concept to the ESTA or eTA used elsewhere — and will apply only to short visits, not to holders of long-stay visas or residence permits.

How many years do I need to live in Bulgaria before I can apply for citizenship?

Under the Bulgarian Citizenship Act, non-EU nationals who have held permanent residency in Bulgaria for five years may apply for Bulgarian citizenship and a passport. Prior to reaching permanent residency, you will typically have needed to hold temporary residence for at least five years with 30 months of physical presence recorded within that period. Applicants must also pass a Bulgarian language examination, or qualify for an exemption, before applying for citizenship by naturalisation.

What happens if I overstay my visa or permit in Bulgaria?

Overstaying a Bulgarian visa or residence permit is a serious immigration offence. As a full Schengen member, Bulgaria’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which launched in October 2025, uses digital border monitoring to track lengths of stay and detect violations. Overstays can lead to fines, deportation, and entry bans applying not only to Bulgaria but across the entire Schengen Area. If your situation changes and you need to extend your stay, contact the Bulgarian Migration Directorate or a qualified immigration lawyer at the earliest opportunity.