Visa Types
Bulgaria Permanent Residency Guide
How you can immigrate to Bulgaria, how to protect yourself from Fraud and What to expect after you arrive in Bulgaria.
Key Points for Bulgaria PR Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Bulgaria?
To visit Bulgaria, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Bulgaria visa application is made online or offline?
The visa application process must be completed offline. You can download, fill out, and print the visa application form, and then submit your application in person at the VFS centre.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, Biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Bulgarian visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?
You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Bulgaria?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
For a short-stay visa: 60 Euro
For children between 6 and 12 years of age: 35 Euro
For a long-stay visa (visa type D): 100 Euro
For more information, please click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- First, figure out the type of visa you need and check if you qualify. Also, find out what documents to submit, how long it takes, and the fees.
- Make sure your application follows the rules for your visa category. If your documents aren't in English, consider getting translations before applying.
- When you're prepared to apply, download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and take it to the Visa Application Centre.
- Don't forget to bring the necessary documents for your chosen visa category when you submit it.
- Once you've filled out your visa form, you'll have to set up an appointment at a Visa Application Centre for your fingerprints and photo. This is known as 'biometric information.'
- Once your appointment is scheduled, you'll receive a confirmation email and an appointment letter.
- If you're traveling with family or a group, make sure each member schedules their own appointment.
- After sending in your application, it's time to pay the visa application fee. If you've printed the form and brought it to the Visa Application Centre, you'll settle the payment when you go for your appointment.
- The visa fee should be paid at the Visa Application Centre.
- You'll get an email when your decision is back at the Visa Application Centre. If you can't check your email easily or want more info, you might get SMS updates on your phone. Just see if this service is offered where you're applying.
- You can also check your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number on your invoice/receipt from the Visa Application Centre, along with your last name, to use this service.
- When your visa decision is ready, you can choose how to get your passport back:
- In-Person Pickup: Go to the Visa Application Centre with your receipt and a government ID. Sometimes, you can send someone on your behalf with your authorization letter, their ID, and your receipt.
- Courier Delivery: You can pay extra to have your passport delivered to your address.
- Be sure to check the Visa Application Centre's opening hours for document collection details.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for Permanent Residency in Bulgaria, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Application Form: Complete and sign the permanent residence application form, which is available from the Bulgarian authorities.
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of application and has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Provide recent passport-sized color photographs with a white background. Ensure they meet specific size and quality requirements.
- Criminal Record Certificate: Obtain a criminal record certificate issued by the authorities in your home country or countries of residence for the past five years. It should confirm that you have no criminal convictions that would pose a threat to public order and security.
- Medical Insurance: Obtain comprehensive medical insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria, including hospitalization and medical emergencies.
- Health Certificate: Provide a medical certificate from a recognized medical facility indicating that you are in good health and free from contagious diseases.
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means: Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents without relying on public assistance. This may include bank statements, proof of income, or other financial documents.
- Proof of Accommodation: Show evidence of your accommodation arrangements in Bulgaria, such as a rental agreement, property ownership documents, or a declaration of accommodation from a host.
- Family Relationship Documents: If applicable, provide documents to confirm family relationships, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates for children, or other relevant family documents.
- Employment or Income Proof: Include evidence of your employment or source of income in Bulgaria, such as employment contracts, pay stubs, or business ownership documents.
- Language Proficiency (if required): Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need to provide evidence of proficiency in the Bulgarian language.
- Education Qualifications: If applicable, submit documents related to your education and qualifications, such as diplomas or certificates.
- Residence History: Provide documentation demonstrating your legal residence in Bulgaria, including previous residence permits or visas.
- Marriage or Divorce Certificates (if applicable): If your marital status has changed while residing in Bulgaria, provide relevant certificates.
- Proof of Integration: Show efforts to integrate into Bulgarian society, such as participation in community activities, language courses, or other forms of engagement.
- Tax Records: Provide tax records and documents demonstrating that you have fulfilled your tax obligations in Bulgaria.
- Payment of Fees: Pay the required processing fees for your permanent residence application.
- Declaration of Intent: Some applicants may need to submit a declaration of intent to reside permanently in Bulgaria.
You must have travel insurance for all Schengen countries. If you haven't bought it, click here.
Long-Term Residence Permit (Type D Visa):
- Visa Application Form for Permanent Residence.
- Valid Passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay).
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Proof of Continuous Legal Residence in Bulgaria for a minimum of five years (e.g., residence permits, visas, registration certificates).
- Criminal Record Certificate (both from Bulgaria and your home country or countries of residence for the past five years).
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means to support yourself without relying on public assistance.
- Proof of Accommodation in Bulgaria.
- Tax Records and Proof of Fulfilling Tax Obligations in Bulgaria.
- Declaration of Intent to Reside Permanently in Bulgaria.
- Any additional documents requested by the Bulgarian authorities.
Investor Program (Investor Visa):
- Visa Application Form for Permanent Residence.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Proof of Significant Investment in Bulgaria (e.g., real estate purchase documents, business registration, financial statements).
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means to support yourself.
- Criminal Record Certificate (both from Bulgaria and your home country or countries of residence for the past five years).
- Proof of Accommodation in Bulgaria.
- Tax Records and Proof of Fulfilling Tax Obligations in Bulgaria.
- Declaration of Intent to Reside Permanently in Bulgaria.
- Any additional documents required by the specific investor program.
EU Blue Card:
- Visa Application Form for Permanent Residence.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- EU Blue Card.
- Proof of Legal Residence and Employment in Bulgaria for the required period (usually five years).
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means.
- Criminal Record Certificate (both from Bulgaria and your home country or countries of residence for the past five years).
- Proof of Accommodation in Bulgaria.
- Tax Records and Proof of Fulfilling Tax Obligations in Bulgaria.
- Declaration of Intent to Reside Permanently in Bulgaria.
- Any additional documents specified by the Bulgarian authorities.
Family Reunification:
- Visa Application Form for Permanent Residence.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Proof of Family Relationship with a Bulgarian citizen or permanent resident (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificates, family registration documents).
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means.
- Criminal Record Certificate (both from Bulgaria and your home country or countries of residence for the past five years).
- Proof of Accommodation in Bulgaria.
- Tax Records and Proof of Fulfilling Tax Obligations in Bulgaria.
- Declaration of Intent to Reside Permanently in Bulgaria.
- Any additional documents required by the Bulgarian authorities.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers:
- Visa Application Form for Permanent Residence.
- Valid Passport (if available).
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Refugee or subsidiary protection status documentation.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means.
- Criminal Record Certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of Accommodation in Bulgaria.
- Tax Records (if applicable).
- Declaration of Intent to Reside Permanently in Bulgaria.
- Any additional documents requested by the Bulgarian authorities.
Marriage to a Bulgarian Citizen:
- Visa Application Form for Permanent Residence.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Marriage Certificate.
- Proof of Legal Residence and Marriage in Bulgaria for the required period.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means.
- Criminal Record Certificate (both from Bulgaria and your home country or countries of residence for the past five years).
- Proof of Accommodation in Bulgaria.
- Tax Records and Proof of Fulfilling Tax Obligations in Bulgaria.
- Declaration of Intent to Reside Permanently in Bulgaria.
- Any additional documents specified by the Bulgarian authorities.
Specialized Workers and Highly Qualified Professionals:
- Visa Application Form for Permanent Residence.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Proof of Employment or Expertise.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means.
- Criminal Record Certificate (both from Bulgaria and your home country or countries of residence for the past five years).
- Proof of Accommodation in Bulgaria.
- Tax Records and Proof of Fulfilling Tax Obligations in Bulgaria.
- Declaration of Intent to Reside Permanently in Bulgaria.
- Any additional documents required for specialized workers or professionals.
Continuous Legal Residence:
- Visa Application Form for Permanent Residence.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Proof of Continuous Legal Residence in Bulgaria under specific residence permits or visas.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means.
- Criminal Record Certificate (both from Bulgaria and your home country or countries of residence for the past five years).
- Proof of Accommodation in Bulgaria.
- Tax Records and Proof of Fulfilling Tax Obligations in Bulgaria.
- Declaration of Intent to Reside Permanently in Bulgaria.
- Any additional documents requested by the Bulgarian authorities.
Retirement:
- Visa Application Form for Permanent Residence.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Proof of Retirement Status.
- Proof of Financial Means to support yourself in Bulgaria.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Criminal Record Certificate (both from Bulgaria and your home country or countries of residence for the past five years).
- Proof of Accommodation in Bulgaria.
- Tax Records and Proof of Fulfilling Tax Obligations in Bulgaria.
- Declaration of Intent to Reside Permanently in Bulgaria.
- Any additional documents requested by the Bulgarian authorities.
Note: Please note that the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for each pathway may change over time, so it’s crucial to verify the most up-to-date information with the Bulgarian authorities or consult with an immigration attorney for personalized guidance on your permanent residency application.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please ensure to review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documents.
Application Form for Bulgarian Visa
Fill in all the fields on the application form clearly using typed letters. Use Latin letters for names as in your passport, and the rest can be in English or Bulgarian. The applicant must personally sign the application. Family members of EU citizens should complete only the parts related to their family relationship.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Permanent Residence in Bulgaria typically involves the following steps:
- Legal Residence Requirement: To be eligible for permanent residency, you must first establish legal residence in Bulgaria. This usually involves obtaining a long-term visa, such as a Type D visa, for work, study, family reunion, or other purposes.
- Length of Stay: You must reside in Bulgaria continuously for a specific period before applying for permanent residency. The exact duration may vary based on your circumstances but is typically five years of legal residence.
- Temporary Residence Permit: During your period of legal residence, you will likely hold a temporary residence permit. Ensure that you renew this permit as needed to maintain continuous legal residence.
- Required Documentation: To apply for permanent residency, you will need to gather the necessary documents, which may include: Valid passport with a long-term visa and temporary residence permit, Proof of stable and regular income or financial support (employment contract, bank statements, or other financial documentation), Health insurance, Criminal record certificate, Marriage certificate (if applicable), Birth certificates of children (if applicable), Passport-sized photos and etc.
- Application Submission: Submit your permanent residency application along with the required documents to the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior in Bulgaria. You may need to make an appointment for this submission.
- Interview and Biometric Data: You may be required to attend an interview and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos) as part of the application process.
- Background Check: The authorities will conduct background checks to ensure you meet all the criteria for permanent residency.
- Waiting Period: The processing time for permanent residency applications can vary, but it may take several months. During this period, you must continue to reside in Bulgaria with your temporary residence permit.
- Notification of Approval: Once your permanent residency application is approved, you will receive a notification. This approval usually comes in the form of a permanent residency card.
- Permanent Residency Card: You will need to pick up your permanent residency card in person from the Migration Directorate.
- Renewal and Maintenance: Permanent residency in Bulgaria requires ongoing residence and adherence to Bulgarian laws. You will need to renew your permanent residency card periodically.
- Eligibility for Citizenship: After maintaining permanent residency for a certain number of years (usually five), you may become eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship if you meet additional requirements.
Please note that the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining permanent residency in Bulgaria may change, and it's essential to consult with the Bulgarian authorities or an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date information and guidance tailored to your situation. Additionally, language proficiency and integration requirements may apply in some cases, so be sure to inquire about any additional requirements.
- Long-Term Residence Permit (Type D Visa):
- This pathway is available to individuals who have held a long-term residence permit in Bulgaria for at least five years.
- To qualify, you need to have resided in Bulgaria continuously with a valid long-term visa and temporary residence permit.
- A long-term residence permit allows you to live and work in Bulgaria for extended periods, and after five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency.
- Investor Program (Investor Visa):
- The Investor Program allows individuals to obtain permanent residency by making a significant financial investment in Bulgaria.
- The specific investment amount and requirements can vary, but it often involves purchasing real estate, investing in a business, or contributing to the Bulgarian economy in a substantial way.
- Once the investment conditions are met, you can apply for permanent residency, and this pathway is particularly attractive to those interested in investing in Bulgaria.
- EU Blue Card:
- The EU Blue Card is a special residence permit designed for highly skilled non-EU nationals who want to work and live in Bulgaria (and other EU countries).
- To be eligible, you typically need a job offer, meet certain salary criteria, and have a higher education degree.
- Holding an EU Blue Card can eventually lead to permanent residency, typically after a certain number of years of residence in Bulgaria.
- Family Reunification:
- Family reunification allows family members of Bulgarian citizens or permanent residents to apply for permanent residence in Bulgaria.
- Eligible family members may include spouses, children, and dependent parents or grandparents.
- The applicant must prove their relationship and meet specific criteria for family reunification.
- Refugees and Asylum Seekers:
- Individuals granted refugee or asylum status in Bulgaria may eventually become eligible for permanent residence.
- After a certain period of legal residence in the country, they can apply for permanent residency based on their protected status.
- Marriage to a Bulgarian Citizen:
- Foreign nationals who are married to Bulgarian citizens can apply for permanent residency based on their marriage.
- They must meet certain conditions and demonstrate a genuine marital relationship, such as living together and providing evidence of a stable marriage.
- Specialized Workers and Highly Qualified Professionals:
- Skilled professionals with specialized skills and qualifications may be eligible for permanent residency.
- This could include experts in fields that are in high demand in Bulgaria, and eligibility criteria often involve a job offer and work experience.
- Continuous Legal Residence:
- Individuals who have continuously resided in Bulgaria with a legal residence permit (e.g., work or study visas) for a specific period (usually five years) can apply for permanent residency.
- This category applies to various situations where individuals have maintained legal status through visas or permits.
- Retirement:
- Foreign retirees who can demonstrate stable financial support and health insurance can apply for permanent residency in Bulgaria.
- This type of permanent residency is attractive to retirees who wish to live in Bulgaria during their retirement years.
Each of these pathways has its own specific requirements and conditions that applicants must meet in order to obtain permanent residency in Bulgaria. It’s important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and consult with relevant authorities or legal experts to navigate the application process successfully.