Visa to Bulgaria

A Bulgaria's visa is a document that allows its holder to enter Bulgaria and reside for some time in the country.

Bulgaria has the following 4 types of visa:

  • Airport transit visa (Visa A)
  • Short-stay visa (Visa C)
  • Transit visa
  • Long-stay visa (Visa D)

It must be noted that some of these visa sub-types can be included into a broader category, and they are different in the sense that they require different documents to apply for.

Fees

Depending on your chosen visa type, the processing fees may range from 35 to 200 EUR. Please not that this may be subject to change due to individual circumstances.

Time frames

In most cases it takes from 10 to 15 to process a visa application. Please, keep in mind that any these time estimates may change drastically, depending on your chosen visa time and various special cases, e.g. when the visa issuing authority must ask for additional documents.

Documents needed

When applying for a visa to Bulgaria, in most cases you will need the following documents, depending on the type or sub-type of visa:

  • Any visa
    • visa application form
    • passport/travel document with at least 2 blank pages for the visa
    • copy of the passport
    • passport-format picture of the applicant
    • proof of sufficient finances for sustenance or proof of someone else in the country is responsible for your sustenance
    • travel insurance
    • proof of local accommodation, e.g. a hotel
    • proof of being able to return or finances that are sufficient to ensure a return, e.g. via buying a plane ticket
  • Private or Business purposes
    • letter of invitation from the local organisation or host
  • Medical treatment
    • proof of the applicant's home country medical institution about the treament
    • proof of a local medical institution that they will provide medical treatment to the applicant
  • Cultural exchange
    • letter of invitation from the Ministry of Culture or a municipality where the respective cultural event are being held
  • Participation in a sporting event
    • letter of invitation from the Ministry of Youth and Sport or a respective sports club
  • Airport transit visa
    • proof of further transit
    • copy of the passenger ticket
  • Student visa
    • Certificate of Acceptance issued by the Ministry of Education
    • academic transcripts/certificates of the applicant
    • proof of payment of the tuition fee
    • proof of sufficient finance for sustenance
  • Work visa
    • work permit application form
    • letter of explanation for such an application
    • copay of your employer's registration document
    • documents related to the applicant's qualifications, professional skills, etc.
    • proof of how many employees the employer has had in the last 12 months
  • Family reunification visa
    • proof of family ties
  • Visa for minors
    • copy of the birth certificate
    • power of attorney from the parents or legal guardians stating that they approve for the minor to travel unaccompanied

Photo requirements

The photo you submit with the application documents must meet certain criteria:

  • 3,5 cm х 4,5 cm in size
  • recently and professionally taken
  • has a light background
  • facing forward
  • face is covering 70% to 80% of the picture
  • no tinted eyeglasses or decorational headwear

Bulgaria's visa and Schengen area

Instead of Bulgaria's visa, you can enter the country with a Schengen visa. Bulgaria's visa cannot be used to enter the Schengen area, it is not considered a valid entrance documents in this case.

Immigration to EU

If you wish to immigrate to Bulgaria or a EU country in general, you will most likely need a visa to enter the country for preliminary arrangements before you can actually receive a residence permit. Contact us to see which visa you would need, as well as check out our EU residency solutions.