Are you planning a trip or a move to Bulgaria? One of the first steps is to ensure you have the correct visa for your stay. Understanding the visa requirements can save you time and hassle. Here’s how to easily find all the information you need about obtaining a visa for Bulgaria.
Bulgarian visas at a glance
| Group | Visa to Enter | Max stay without residence | Must register | Long-term path (high level) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA & Swiss | No | Free entry; register after 90 days | Residence certificate from the Migration Directorate | 5 years continuous residence → Permanent |
| UK (post-Brexit) | No for visits ≤ 90/180 | 90 days in any 180 | For long stay, get a Type D visa abroad → residence card | 5 years continuous residence → Long-term / Permanent |
| Non-EU (visa-exempt) e.g., US, CA, AU, JP | No for visits ≤ 90/180 | 90 days in any 180 (Schengen counting) | To live >90 days: Type D visa abroad → residence card | Renew annually; after 5 years continuous → Long-term / Permanent |
| Non-EU (visa-required) | Yes (Type C) for short visits | 90/180 with a C visa | To live >90 days: Type D visa abroad → residence card | As above |
| Family of BG/EU citizens | Depends on nationality | 90/180 for short visits | Type D (family) abroad → family residence card | Usually 5 years → Permanent (in some cases faster) |
EU/EEA & Swiss citizens — registration, not a visa
Enter with an ID/passport; no visa requirement. If you’ll stay over 90 days, register for an EU residence certificate at the Migration Directorate. Read more.
Where & when to register
- When: Within the first 90 days of arrival, if you intend to stay longer.
- Where: Local Migration Directorate office (Ministry of Interior).
What to bring (pick the basis)
- Worker / Self-employed: ID card/passport, employment or self-employment proof, address proof, and health insurance.
- Student: Enrollment letter, address proof, and health insurance.
- Economically self-sufficient: Proof of funds, health insurance, and address proof.
Next step: After 5 years of continuous lawful residence, you can apply for permanent residence.
UK nationals (post-Brexit)
Visa-free visits up to 90/180. To live in Bulgaria, apply for a Type D long-stay visa at a Bulgarian consulate, then a residence permit in Bulgaria. Read more.
Timeline
- Type D visa (abroad).
- Residence card (in Bulgaria) — usually 1 year, renewable.
- 5 years continuous residence → long-term/permanent status.
Non-EU (visa-exempt) — e.g., US, Canada, Australia, Japan
Visa-free 90/180 for tourism/business. To live in Bulgaria, first get a Type D visa abroad, then a residence card in Bulgaria.
Typical documents needed for a Type D application
- Passport (valid 3+ months after end of stay)
- Purpose documents (work contract/Blue Card pre-approval, uni admission, company docs, family papers, etc.)
- Proof of funds & accommodation, health insurance, clean criminal record, photos, and fees.
After entry on a D visa: apply at the Migration Directorate for prolonged residence (usually 1 year, renewable). Read more.
Non-EU (visa-required)
For short visits, apply for a Type C (Schengen) visa. To move to Bulgaria, apply for a Type D long-stay visa first; then obtain a residence card in Bulgaria. Requirements mirror those above, with more consular formalities. Read more.
Residence types in Bulgaria (how they differ)
- Prolonged (temporary) residence: usually issued up to 1 year, renewable while your basis (work, study, family, business, etc.) remains valid. The card includes your Personal Number of Foreigner (ЛНЧ).
- Long-term EU residence: after 5 years of continuous lawful stay (limited absences), you can obtain EU long-term resident status with stronger rights.
- Permanent residence: indefinite stay. Granted after 5 years on many bases, and immediately/earlier for some categories (e.g., minor child of a BG citizen, Bulgarian origin, certain investments, etc.).
- Work rights: depend on the basis. Employees/Blue Card and family members may work for BG employers; students have limited work rights; some categories (e.g., remote-work/nomad) cannot work for BG entities.
Documents by purpose, a checklist
Employment (including EU Blue Card)
- Type D package: employment contract/offer, labor authorization/Blue Card pre-approval, qualifications, funds, accommodation, insurance, police certificate.
- Residence: file at Migration with the D-visa, job contract, social-security registration, and fee.
Study
- Type D: university acceptance, tuition proof, funds, accommodation, insurance.
- Residence: student status letter, proof of attendance, insurance, and fee.
Family reunification (spouse/child/parent)
- Type D (family): marriage/birth certificate legalized & translated, proof of relationship and cohabitation/ support, accommodation, insurance.
- Residence: same basis documents; usually work allowed without a separate permit.
Business / Company owner
- Type D: company registration or Trade Representative Office docs, activity plan, funds, accommodation, insurance, police certificate.
- Residence: active company evidence, taxes/insurances in order.
Retirement / Sufficient means
- Type D: proof of regular income/savings, accommodation, insurance, and police certificate.
- Residence: annual renewals with proof of funds and insurance.
Address registration (the 3-day rule)
- Hotels/hostels usually register your address automatically.
- Private stays: the host/owner files your address registration (typically within 3 days of arrival) with the local authorities. Keep a copy/confirmation of your residence file.
- When you move: update your address with Migration.
Renewals, timing & practical tips
- Apply early: file residence renewals before the current card expires (best practice: ≥14 days ahead).
- Stay continuous: long-term/permanent status requires continuous residence; avoid long absences.
- Insurance: keep health insurance valid for your entire stay; switching to Bulgarian public insurance is common once employed or registered.
- Tax: Bulgaria’s flat rates are attractive (10% personal/corporate), but tax residency and treaty rules decide where you owe. Get advice.
- Keep originals: Consulates and Migration often require originals, plus legalized translations.
Where to start your visa application process
Visit the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website
The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website is the most reliable source for up-to-date information on visa requirements for Bulgaria. This site provides comprehensive details on the various types of visas available, including tourist, business, and student visas. You’ll find specific information about the documents required for each visa type, the application process, and the expected processing times. It’s the best place to start for anyone looking to understand what is needed to enter Bulgaria legally.
Check the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate in Your Country
For more personalized information, visit your country’s Bulgarian embassy or consulate website. Each embassy or consulate website typically provides specific guidance on visa requirements based on your nationality, including any unique documents or procedures that may apply. This is particularly useful for understanding local processing times, fees, and any additional requirements you may need to fulfill.
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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.
