Visa Types
Bulgaria Work Visa Process
Apply to work in Bulgaria, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
Key Points for Bulgaria Work 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 work visa?
Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment.
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 08-04-2024)
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 a work visa (Long stay visa D) to Bulgaria from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the Bulgaria work visa application form, available on the official website of the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in India.
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of arrival in Bulgaria and contains at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Provide recent passport-sized color photographs with a white background. Ensure they meet the specific size and quality requirements.
- Employment Contract: Provide a copy of your employment contract or a letter of invitation from a Bulgarian employer, indicating your job title, salary, and duration of employment.
- Work Permit: Obtain a work permit from the Bulgarian authorities. Include a copy of the work permit approval in your application.
- Educational Qualifications: Submit copies of your educational certificates and qualifications that are relevant to your employment.
- Health Insurance: Obtain comprehensive health insurance coverage that is valid in Bulgaria for the duration of your stay. This insurance should cover medical expenses and emergencies.
- Criminal Record Certificate: Provide a certificate of no criminal record from the Indian authorities or relevant authorities in your home country.
- Financial Proof: Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Bulgaria. This could include:
- Bank statements for the past three to six months.
- Affidavit of financial support from a sponsor (if applicable).
- Accommodation Proof: Show evidence of your accommodation arrangements in Bulgaria. This could be in the form of a rental agreement or a letter of invitation from a host.
- Travel Itinerary: Present a detailed travel itinerary, including your flight booking or itinerary for your journey to Bulgaria.
- Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee, as specified by the Bulgarian embassy or consulate.
- Cover Letter: Write a cover letter explaining the purpose of your work in Bulgaria, your job responsibilities, and your commitment to complying with Bulgarian visa regulations.
- Health Certificate: Provide a medical certificate from a recognized medical facility indicating that you are in good health and free from contagious diseases.
- Residence Permit Application: Some applicants may need to submit an application for a residence permit in Bulgaria upon arrival. Check with the Bulgarian embassy for specific requirements.
- Language Proficiency (if applicable): Depending on the nature of your job and the employer's requirements, you may need to provide evidence of your proficiency in the Bulgarian language or another relevant language.
- Letter of Guarantee (if applicable): If you have a sponsor or guarantor in Bulgaria, they may need to provide a letter of guarantee.
You must have travel insurance for all Schengen countries. If you haven't bought it, click here.
Note: Please note that visa requirements may vary based on your specific circumstances, the type of work you will be engaged in, and the duration of your stay. It's crucial to check with the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in India for the most up-to-date and specific requirements before applying for a Bulgaria work visa.
Single-Entry Work Visa (Type D):
- Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay).
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Letter of Employment or Job Contract specifying the duration of employment.
- Work Permit.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds.
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Travel Itinerary.
Multiple-Entry Work Visa (Type D):
- Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay).
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Letter of Employment or Job Contract specifying the duration of employment.
- Work Permit.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds.
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Travel Itinerary.
Seasonal Work Visa:
- Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Seasonal Employment Contract.
- Work Permit for Seasonal Work.
- Health Insurance.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds.
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Travel Itinerary.
Long-Term National Visa (Type D):
- Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Employment Contract or Proof of Work.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds.
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Work Permit (if applicable).
- Travel Itinerary.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa:
- Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Letter of Employment and Transfer.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds.
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Travel Itinerary.
Specialist Visa:
- Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Letter of Employment specifying your specialized skills.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds.
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Travel Itinerary.
Research and Scientific Activities Visa:
- Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Letter of Invitation from a Bulgarian academic or research institution.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds.
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Travel Itinerary.
Self-Employed Visa:
- Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Detailed Business Plan.
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means to establish and sustain your business.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Travel Itinerary.
Highly Qualified Worker Visa:
- Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Employment Contract or Job Offer demonstrating your high qualifications.
- Academic and Professional Certificates.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds.
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Travel Itinerary.
EU Blue Card:
- Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Proof of Employment or Job Offer.
- Academic and Professional Qualifications.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds.
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Travel Itinerary.
Bulgarian ICT Visa:
- Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Employment Contract with an ICT company in Bulgaria.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds.
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Travel Itinerary.
Bulgarian Start-up Visa:
- Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport.
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Comprehensive Business Plan for the start-up.
- Proof of Sufficient Investment or Financial Means.
- Health Insurance covering your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Travel Itinerary.
Note: Please note that the specific requirements for each type of work visa can vary over time and may depend on the individual circumstances of the applicant. It’s crucial to check with the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date and specific requirements before applying for a Bulgaria work visa.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete 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 Bulgaria Work Visa (Long term visa D) from India typically involves the following steps:
- Find a Job in Bulgaria: To apply for a work visa, you need to secure a job offer from a Bulgarian employer. Make sure the job is in line with your qualifications and skills.
- Employer's Responsibility: Your Bulgarian employer should initiate the process by obtaining a work permit for you from the Bulgarian Employment Agency. They will need to provide documents like your employment contract, proof of job vacancy advertisement, and a statement explaining why they are hiring a foreign worker.
- Receive Work Permit: Once the work permit is approved, your employer will receive it. You cannot apply for a work visa without a valid work permit.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, which often include: Completed visa application form A Valid passport, Original work permit, Employment contract or job offer letter, Proof of health insurance, Police clearance certificate, Passport-sized photos, Visa application fee payment receipt and etc.
- Visa Application Submission: Submit your visa application and all supporting documents to the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate in India. You may need to schedule an appointment for this.
- Biometric Data: You may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos) during the application process.
- Pay Visa Fees: Pay the applicable visa application fee at the time of submission.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time for a long-term work visa can vary. It may take several weeks, so apply well in advance of your intended departure date.
- Visa Approval: If your visa is approved, you will receive a visa sticker in your passport.
- Travel to Bulgaria: Once you have your visa, you can travel to Bulgaria. Make sure to follow any specific entry requirements or instructions provided by the Bulgarian authorities.
- Register with Local Authorities: After your arrival in Bulgaria, you may need to register with local authorities, such as the Migration Directorate, within a specific timeframe.
Note:
- Your permit is good for one year, and you can extend it for three years. To renew it, contact the Migration Directorate 14 days before it ends. After three years, return home for a month, then reapply for a work permit.
- Single work permits are tied to a particular employee and job type, and they can't be altered. To switch employers, you need to apply for a new permit.
- After entering Bulgaria with a valid visa (if required), you need to get a residence permit from the Migration Directorate.
- Please note that visa requirements and procedures may change, so it's essential to check the latest information on the official website of the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate in India and consult with your Bulgarian employer for guidance throughout the process.
You can obtain more information about the Long-term Work Visa (Visa D) by clicking here
- Single-Entry Work Visa (Type D): This visa allows you to enter Bulgaria for employment purposes, but it only permits a single entry into the country. If you leave Bulgaria, you'll need to apply for a new visa to re-enter. It's suitable for individuals who plan to work in Bulgaria continuously without the need for frequent travel outside the country.
- Multiple-Entry Work Visa (Type D): Unlike the single-entry visa, this type allows you to enter and exit Bulgaria multiple times during its validity period. It's convenient for individuals who may need to travel in and out of Bulgaria for work-related reasons, such as business meetings, conferences, or family visits.
- Seasonal Work Visa: This visa is specifically designed for individuals who plan to work in Bulgaria for a limited period, often in seasonal industries like agriculture or tourism. It is typically issued for a shorter duration and is tied to specific seasonal employment opportunities. Once the season ends, the visa may no longer be valid.
- Long-Term National Visa (Type D): This is a general long-term work visa for foreign nationals planning to work in Bulgaria for an extended period. It can cover various employment situations, such as employment contracts, self-employment, or long-term projects. This visa is typically valid for a more extended period compared to other types of work visas.
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa: This type of visa is for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a Bulgarian branch or subsidiary of their company. It facilitates the temporary relocation of skilled workers within the same company. It helps streamline the transfer process for international corporations.
- Specialist Visa: A specialist visa is issued to individuals with specialized skills, knowledge, or qualifications who are invited to work in Bulgaria. This could include experts in specific fields or industries. It's designed to attract highly skilled professionals to contribute their expertise to Bulgarian organizations.
- Research and Scientific Activities Visa: Researchers, scientists, and academics planning to conduct research or scientific work in Bulgaria can apply for this visa. It's designed to facilitate research collaborations and academic pursuits, allowing foreign experts to contribute to Bulgaria's research and education sectors.
- Self-Employed Visa: If you plan to start your own business or work as a self-employed individual in Bulgaria, this visa category is applicable. You'll need to demonstrate a viable business plan and financial stability, showcasing your intention to contribute to the Bulgarian economy as a self-employed professional.
- Highly Qualified Worker Visa: This visa is for individuals with exceptional qualifications, skills, or expertise in their field. It's designed to attract top-tier professionals to work in Bulgaria, contributing their advanced knowledge and skills to local organizations.
- EU Blue Card: The EU Blue Card is a special work permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals. It allows you to work and reside in Bulgaria, as well as travel within the European Union. To be eligible, you typically need a job offer and must meet specific criteria, such as having a higher education degree and a certain salary level.
- Bulgarian ICT Visa: This visa is tailored for employees of international companies engaged in the transfer of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) services between countries. It enables skilled IT professionals to work in Bulgaria, promoting technological collaboration and expertise exchange.
- Bulgarian Start-up Visa: Aimed at entrepreneurs, this visa category supports individuals who want to start and operate innovative businesses in Bulgaria. To qualify, you'll need to present a compelling start-up plan, demonstrating the potential for growth and innovation in the Bulgarian market.
Note: Remember that visa requirements can change, and it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest information and consult the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate in India for the most accurate and current application details.