Short visits: No visa is required for UK citizens to visit Bulgaria for up to 90 days in any 180 days. Long-term residence: Yes – to move to Bulgaria long-term (for over 90 days), UK nationals must apply for a Bulgarian Type D visa (long-stay visa) and then a residence permit, since the UK is now treated as a third country after Brexit (BGConsullondon).
Following Brexit, UK nationals no longer have EU freedom of movement rights in Bulgaria. However, Bulgaria allows visa-free short-term entry for British citizens: they can visit for up to 90 days within any 180 days without a visa (for tourism, business, etc.), just like other visa-exempt nationalities. As of 2024, the 90-day clock is now aligned with the Schengen Area rules, meaning that time spent in Bulgaria is counted towards the Schengen 90/180-day total. For any stay longer than 90 days, UK nationals must obtain a long-stay (D) visa before moving to Bulgaria. This involves applying at a Bulgarian embassy/consulate with a specific purpose for residency – common grounds include work (with a Bulgarian work permit or EU Blue Card), study at a Bulgarian university, family reunification (e.g., being the spouse of a Bulgarian/EU citizen), retirement with sufficient funds, or the new digital nomad program. Once the Type D visa is issued and the person enters Bulgaria, they must visit the Migration Directorate to apply for a residence permit (often initially issued for 1 year) (MFA). UK nationals who obtain Bulgarian residency enjoy similar rights as other non-EU residents – they can renew annual permits and after 5 years may qualify for long-term or permanent residence (Home-affairs.ec.europa.eu). Note that UK nationals already resident in Bulgaria before 2021 under the Withdrawal Agreement can continue to live under that status (they should have a special residence card), but new arrivals must follow the standard immigration rules. In summary, no visa is required for short visits of up to 90 days; however, moving to Bulgaria full-time necessitates a D visa and residence permit due to Brexit-related changes.
More Information:
- Bulgarian Embassy in the UK – “What changes after Brexit?”: Official guidance confirming visa-free short stays for Britons and the requirement of a Type D visa for stays over 90 days or those joining family – Web: bgconsullondon.co.uk and bgconsullondon.co.uk.
- Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Policy: Details on Bulgaria’s adoption of EU ordinary visa rules post-2024, including the 90/180-day regime for UK travelers and long-stay visa procedures – Web: bgconsullondon.co.uk and bgconsullondon.co.uk.
- EU Delegation to UK – Residence rights for UK nationals: Explains post-Brexit travel limits (90 days in EU without visa) and the need for national visas/residence permits for more extended stays – Web: bgconsullondon.co.uk.
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Legal Disclaimer: The information in this article (part of the Stay in Bulgaria FAQ series—EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, UK nationals, third-country nationals, citizens of developing countries, digital nomads, and family members of Bulgarian citizens) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and procedures (including Schengen/90-day rules, Type D visas, residence permits, and related EU/Bulgarian regulations) are subject to frequent changes; therefore, content may be incomplete or out of date. External links are provided for convenience; we are not responsible for their content. For advice tailored to your situation, consult the Migration Directorate (Ministry of Interior), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or a licensed immigration attorney. Last updated: September 2025.
