Visa Issuance Information:

Issuing Visas

Every foreigner wishing to apply for a Bulgarian visa must possess a regular travel document that meets the following requirements:

The document must have a validity period of at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, or in the case of multiple visits, beyond the last planned departure date from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.

The document should have at least two blank pages for visa issuance.

The document should have been issued within the last 10 years.

Visas are issued by the diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Submitting a Visa Application

Visa applications should be submitted using the provided template no earlier than 3 months before the intended departure date

Travel Application Submission

Visa applications should be submitted personally or through an authorized representative, except in cases of humanitarian reasons.

For minors or individuals placed under legal restrictions, visa applications should be submitted by their legal guardians or by a person explicitly authorized by them.

Requirements for Filling Out the Visa Application:

All sections must be completed legibly using printed letters. Names must be written in Latin letters (as they appear in the foreign passport). The remaining information should be filled out in English or Bulgarian.

The application should be personally signed by the applicant. Family members of European Union citizens should complete only those fields in the visa application that indicate their family relationship.

Mandatory In-Person Appearance for Visa Type ‘D’

A personal appearance is mandatory when applying for a long-term residence visa. No exceptions are allowed.

  • Documents that must be attached to the visa application include:
  • A photocopy of the first page of the travel document.
  • A photocopy of the most recent Bulgarian and Schengen visas, or visas for the UK and USA if applicable.
  • A color photograph measuring 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm with a light background (the same applies to a child listed in the passport). The face in the photo should be clear, large, and only in full face view, covering 70-80% of the picture. Red eyes are not acceptable. The following are not accepted: photos with tinted glasses, unprofessionally taken photos, or photos cut from amateur pictures.
  • Medical insurance valid for EU member states for the entire duration of the trip, covering all repatriation costs, emergency medical assistance, and urgent hospitalization during the stay specified in the visa. The insurance coverage amount should be no less than 30,000 euros.
  • Tickets (original and copy) or ticket reservation confirmation or financial means.
  • A copy of the vehicle’s technical passport, if traveling by car.
  • For minors traveling without parents or legal guardians, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • A copy of the birth certificate.
  • The original and a notarized copy of a power of attorney from both parents/guardians or one parent/guardian, granting the child permission to travel abroad if they are not accompanying the minor

Exemptions from Visa Application Processing Fees

Foreign citizens who, at the time of submitting their visa application, are not yet 6 years old.

Family members of Bulgarian citizens and citizens of the EU.

Visa Type ‘D’ for Long-Term Residence

When is it Issued? – A long-term residence visa is issued to a foreigner who wishes to establish themselves continuously or permanently in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Duration of Stay – A long-term residence visa with a validity period of up to 6 months and the right to stay for up to 180 days can be issued to a foreigner who wishes to establish themselves continuously or permanently in the Republic of Bulgaria (according to Article 15, Paragraph 1 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).

A long-term residence visa with a validity period of up to one year and the right to stay for up to 360 days may be issued to foreigners conducting scientific research, students in programs of up to one academic year, specialists or interns, foreigners sent by a foreign employer for specific tasks related to the control and coordination of the performance of a contract for tourist services, and foreigners sent by a foreign employer for investment activities certified under the Investment Promotion Act (according to Article 15, Paragraph 2 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).

Definition – The long-term residence visa grants the right to enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria multiple times within the validity period. The long-term residence visa is annulled when a residence permit is issued by the competent authorities for the control of foreigners.

Where can you apply? – The application for a long-term residence visa is only submitted to the diplomatic and consular missions in the country of the applicant’s permanent residence or to those missions accredited to the country of the applicant’s permanent residence. Individuals who legally reside in a third country other than their country of permanent residence may exceptionally submit an application in that third country after substantiating their reasons for doing so, provided their return to their country of permanent residence is guaranteed.

Interview Requirement – When applying for a long-term residence visa, an interview with the applicant is mandatory. Exceptions are not allowed.

Documents to be Submitted by the Applicant – When applying for a long-term residence visa, the applicant must submit:

An application for a visa;

A regular travel document;

Copies of the pages of the travel document with personal data and any visas and/or residence permits owned, or copies of the owned residence permits;

A recent color photograph in passport format;

Documents justifying the request for a long-term residence visa, according to the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act and the Rules for the Application of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, as well as documents confirming the financial means for subsistence and shelter – originals and copies of them

 Other Requirements – In order to obtain a residence permit, individuals must have secured housing, mandatory health insurance, and sufficient means of subsistence, without resorting to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimum monthly wage or minimum pension as per the legislation of the Republic of Bulgaria for the duration of their stay.

 

Initial Application – For the initial application for a residence permit, individuals over 18 years of age, except stateless persons, are required to provide a certificate of criminal record issued by the state of which they are citizens or the state of their usual residence.”

 

“SHORT-STAY VISA TYPE ‘C’ FOR TRANSIT

 

  1. Visa Type ‘C’ for transit passage

 

When is it issued?

 

A short-stay visa for transit passage is issued to a foreign national who wishes to pass through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria on their way to another country for which a visa is required. The transit visa grants the foreign national the right to one, two, or (exceptionally) several transit passages, each lasting up to two days. It may have a validity period of up to 12 months.

 

Length of stay

 

The total length of stay in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria with a transit visa must not exceed 90 days within any six-month period, counted from the date of the first entry.

 

Definition of “transit passage”

 

The main condition to be considered as transit passage is entering through the border of the Republic of Bulgaria with one country and exiting through the border of the Republic of Bulgaria with another country. An exception is made for transit through an airport, where arriving on a flight from one country and departing on a flight to another within two days is considered transit.

 

Visa exemptions for transit passage

 

Visa exemptions for transit passage are not required for citizens of third countries when presenting any of the following documents:

 

A Schengen/unified visa, a short-stay visa, a long-stay visa, or a residence permit issued by any of the Schengen Area countries.

National short-stay visas, long-stay visas, and residence permits issued by Romania or Cyprus.

Residence permits issued by Liechtenstein.

The right to visa-free transit passage applies exclusively and solely for the purposes of transit passage.

 

Documents to be submitted when applying for a Type ‘C’ visa

 

When applying for a transit passage visa, the candidate must submit:

 

  • A regular travel document.
  • A photocopy of the pages of the travel document with personal data and visas, and/or a photocopy of any required residence permits for the next countries on the route and for the country of destination, if applicable.
  • Completed visa application form and one (1) color photograph (passport size – 3.5 x 4.5 cm).
  • Proof of secured transportation for the transit passage and a copy of these documents, and/or proof of available financial means for continuing the journey.
  • Proof of possession of the necessary financial means for subsistence for each transit passage, in an amount of at least 50 euros or the equivalent in another freely convertible currency, and in the case of overland transit, with a vehicle operated by the person, additional means of at least 200 euros or the equivalent in another freely convertible currency.
  • A valid insurance policy and a copy of it, issued by an insurance company licensed to operate within the European Union, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. The policy should cover the costs of repatriation, as well as urgent medical assistance and treatment for each transit passage.”
  • (Note: The information provided is based on the text you provided, which appears to be related to Bulgarian visa regulations.)

 

  1. Visa “C” for Planned Short Stay

 

  • When is it issued?

A visa for a short stay with the purpose of planned residence is issued to a foreigner entering the country once, twice, or multiple times, with a total stay of up to 90 days within every 6 months, starting from the date of the first entry.

 

  • Multiple-entry short-stay visa

 

A multiple-entry short-stay visa can have a validity period of up to 12 months or, in exceptional cases, up to 5 years.

A multiple-entry visa with a validity of one year can be issued to a foreigner, provided that in the previous year, they obtained a short-stay visa and used it in accordance with the legal provisions for entry and residence in the Republic of Bulgaria, and there are grounds for applying for a multiple-entry visa.

 

A multiple-entry visa with a validity period of no more than 5 years can be issued to a foreigner, provided that in the previous two years, they obtained and used a one-year multiple-entry visa in accordance with the legal provisions for entry and residence in the Republic of Bulgaria, and the reasons for requesting a multiple-entry visa are still valid.

 

A multiple-entry short-stay visa can be issued to a foreigner who meets one of the following conditions:

 

Maintains permanent business contacts with Bulgarian individuals or legal entities engaged in economic activities according to the Commercial Act.

Maintains permanent business contacts with Bulgarian legal entities engaged in activities according to the Non-Profit Legal Entities Act.

Maintains permanent business contacts with representations of foreign legal entities registered according to Article 24 of the Investment Promotion Act.

Makes a significant personal contribution to the development of bilateral relations with the Republic of Bulgaria.

Is a family member of a Bulgarian citizen according to the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act.

Is a family member of a citizen of a European Union member state, the European Economic Area, or the Swiss Confederation residing long-term in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Is a family member of a foreigner residing long-term in the Republic of Bulgaria while maintaining their usual place of residence abroad.

Is an international road transport driver or a member of a crew of a railway transport vehicle for passengers and goods.

 

Documents to be submitted when applying for a short-stay visa:

 

When applying for a short-stay visa, the applicant must provide:

 

  • A regular travel document.
  • A photocopy of the pages of the travel document with personal information, including visas and/or copies of residence permits held.
  • A recent color photo in passport format.
  • Documents justifying the visa application, along with copies of these documents.
  • Proof of possessing the necessary financial means for subsistence, equivalent to a minimum of 50 euros for each day of the requested visa stay, or their equivalent in another freely convertible currency, but not less than 500 euros, or their equivalent in another freely convertible currency, or a document confirming pre-paid tourist services.
  • Documents proving the possession of the necessary financial means for accommodation, not less than 50 euros for each day of the requested visa stay, or their equivalent in another freely convertible currency, or a document confirming prepaid accommodation in a tourist establishment, or a letter of invitation from a Bulgarian natural or legal person, undertaking to cover all expenses incurred during the foreigner’s stay in the Republic of Bulgaria.
  • Documents confirming the possession of the necessary financial means for leaving the country or a ticket. In the case of entry with a self-driven motor vehicle, the funds should be at least 100 euros or their equivalent in another freely convertible currency.
  • An insurance policy and a copy thereof issued by an insurance company licensed to operate within the European Union, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. The policy should cover all repatriation costs, as well as emergency medical assistance and urgent medical treatment for the duration of the stay. Applicants for multiple-entry short-stay visas only need to provide an insurance policy for the period of the first planned visit.
  • • Letter of Invitation
  • The letter of invitation from a natural person for the issuance of a short-stay visa for the purpose of a private visit to the Republic of Bulgaria is drafted according to a template, notarized, and certified by the authorities responsible for the administrative control of foreigners (Migration Directorate – Ministry of the Interior). It is presented along with the following documents:

 

  • Declaration of the financial status of the inviting individual
  • Certificate of income issued by the workplace of the inviting individual or a copy of the income tax return according to Article 50 of the Law on Income Taxes of Individuals for the previous year with an incoming number from the respective territorial office of the National Revenue Agency.
  • Invitation Declaration from a natural or legal person engaged in commercial activities under the Commercial Act for the issuance of a short-stay visa for business purposes. It is drafted according to a template, signed and sealed by the inviting individual, notarized, and certified by the authorities responsible for the administrative control of foreigners (Migration Directorate – Ministry of the Interior). When submitting the application, the following documents are presented:

 

Certificate of the current status of the legal/natural person issued by the Commercial Register under the Commerce Act (valid for up to 3 months).

A copy of the tax return of the inviting individual for the previous year with an incoming number from the respective territorial office of the National Revenue Agency.

  • Invitation Declaration from a representation of a foreign legal entity registered under Article 24 of the Investment Promotion Act for the issuance of a short-stay visa for business purposes. It is drafted according to a template, signed and sealed by the inviting individual, notarized, and certified by the authorities responsible for the administrative control of foreigners (Migration Directorate – Ministry of the Interior). When submitting the application, the following documents are presented:

 

Certificate of the current status of the representation issued by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (valid for up to 3 months).

A copy of the registration certificate from the respective territorial office of the National Revenue Agency.

A sample invitation declaration can be obtained from the respective department of the Migration Directorate – Ministry of the Interior and its regional units.

 

  • Purpose of Travel Documentation:

 

Private Visit:

Invitation Declaration for a private visit of a foreigner to the Republic of Bulgaria.

 

Business Travel:

Invitation Declaration for a business trip of a foreigner to the Republic of Bulgaria.

 

Cultural Exchange:

Invitation letter from the Ministry of Culture or the mayor of the respective municipality.

 

Sports:

Invitation letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sports or from the relevant sports club.

 

Medical Treatment:

Certificate from a medical facility issued in accordance with the prescribed procedure, including a treatment and recovery plan; medical report from a local hospital.

 

Tourism:

 

  • Independent tourism: Reservation from a Bulgarian tourist accommodation place (hotel); reservation or round-trip plane ticket (reservation can be submitted when applying for the visa, and the actual ticket when the visa is issued), or proof of sufficient funds for return.
  • Organized (individual) tourism: A tourist voucher from the sending tour operator; a general list of tourists from a group. Documents for organized tourists can only be submitted by accredited tour operators.

 

Visa “A” – Airport Transit

 

A visa for airport transit is issued to a foreigner who possesses a regular travel document or another equivalent document issued by a state, according to Annex No. 1 of the Regulation on the conditions and procedures for issuing visas and determining the visa regime.

 

Types of Visa “A”

The airport transit visa can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or, in exceptional cases, multiple-entry visa. The latter is valid for up to 3 months from the date of issue.

 

When is Visa “A” Issued

The airport transit visa allows the foreigner to pass through or stay in the international transit zone of the airport during a layover or flight change with the purpose of continuing their journey to another country. A foreigner who stays in the transit area for international flights with an airport transit visa is not allowed to leave the transit area.

 

Documents to Be Submitted When Applying for Visa “A”

When applying for a visa “A,” the following documents are submitted along with the visa application:

 

  • Regular travel document.
  • A photocopy of the pages of the travel document containing personal information, pages with visas, and/or a photocopy of the residence permits in the subsequent countries on the route, as well as the destination country if required.
  • Current color photo (passport size).
  • Flight reservation. Before issuing the airport transit visa, a flight ticket and a copy of it must be presented.

 

For North Macedonia:

 

Student Visa: North Macedonia is one of the countries that benefits from a simplified visa regime. Students only need an international passport and a certificate of enrollment from the receiving university, academy, institute, college, or school. A student card or a certificate of the courses the student will attend is also required.

 

Bulgarian and North Macedonian students can study for free in higher education institutions in the neighboring country. Every year, the two governments will provide funding for up to four scholarships that will cover the entire bachelor’s or master’s program. Additionally, up to five scholarships will be provided for one semester. These scholarships will be available for all majors except medical and arts and sports. This is part of a bilateral cooperation program in the field of education signed by the two countries and announced during an event at Boyana Residence. The program was signed by the Minister of Education and Science, Acad. Nikolay Denkov, and his North Macedonian counterpart, Yeton Xhaferi.

 

Temporary residence in the country: For Macedonians staying in Bulgaria for up to 90 days, a short-stay visa is not required (under Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 of the European Parliament and the Council).

 

Citizens holding diplomatic and service passports are not required to obtain a visa to enter Bulgaria for a period of 30 days.

Sources: https://www.mfa.bg/bg/