Visas for Bulgaria
Step by step
How to apply for a Type D visa for Bulgaria
Apply in person for a Type D visa at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate, then use the visa period to apply for a residence permit.
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Arrange work access
If you are applying to work in Bulgaria, the Employment Agency must first grant access to the labour market.
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Apply in person
Apply at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate for your place of permanent residence, or where you live legally.
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Attend the interview
Attend the visa interview in person; the interview cannot be waived.
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Wait for a decision
The consulate decides on a Type D visa application within 35 working days.
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Apply for residence
A Type D visa is valid for up to six months for a stay of up to 180 days. Apply for a residence permit during that period.
Bulgaria in Schengen
- Bulgaria joined Schengen for air and sea travel on 31 March 2024; checks at its internal land borders ended on 1 January 2025.
- Visas issued since 31 March 2024 are Schengen visas, valid in every Schengen country.
- Time spent in Bulgaria counts towards the 90 days in any 180 allowed in the Schengen area.
- Holders of Bulgarian long-stay visas and residence permits can make short visa-free trips to other Schengen countries under the same 90/180 rule.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Visa for Bulgaria1
Who needs a visa
Nationals of the countries in Annex I of EU Regulation 2018/1806 need a visa for any visit. Nationals of the countries in Annex II, including the United States, can visit without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need only an ID card or passport.1,5
Types of visa
| Visa | For | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A | Airport transit | €90 |
| C | Short stays and transit, up to 90 days in 180, valid in all Schengen countries | €90; free for children under 6, and for family members of Bulgarian and EU citizens |
| D | Long stays, as the first step to a residence permit: work, business, investment, study, family, retirement, digital nomads | €100 under article 15(1) of the Foreigners Act, €200 under article 15(2) |
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Visa for Bulgaria; Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Consular fees1,2
Fees are not refunded if the visa is refused.2
The Type D visa
- Valid for up to six months, for a stay of up to 180 days, during which you apply for a residence permit.
- Apply in person at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate for your place of permanent residence, or where you live legally; the interview cannot be waived.
- For work, the Employment Agency must first grant access to the labour market.
- The consulate decides within 35 working days.
- In October 2026 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed raising the fee from €100 to €120, the first change since 2008; the draft was put out for 30 days’ consultation.
Source: Banker.bg: Foreign ministry proposes raising the Type D visa fee (Bulgarian); Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry: Hiring employees who are foreign nationals; Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Visa for Bulgaria3,6,1
Applying for a short-stay visa
- Apply no earlier than three months before travel, at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate or a visa centre run by VFS Global.
- Bring a passport copy, previous Schengen visas, a 3.5 × 4.5 cm colour photo, travel tickets or proof of funds, and travel health insurance covering at least €30,000.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Visa for Bulgaria1
ETIAS
From the last quarter of 2026, visa-free visitors will need an online ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Bulgaria and 29 other European countries. The fee is €20. The EU will announce the start date several months in advance; until then, no applications are taken.4,7
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa do I need to move to Bulgaria?
Anyone moving to Bulgaria from outside the EU needs a long-stay Type D visa before applying for a residence permit. The visa is valid for up to six months for a stay of up to 180 days, during which you apply for the permit.
How long can I stay in Bulgaria without a visa?
The visa-free stay depends on your nationality. Nationals of Annex II countries, including the United States, can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; nationals of Annex I countries need a visa for any visit. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need only an ID card or passport.
Are Bulgarian visas valid in other Schengen countries?
Yes. Visas issued by Bulgaria since 31 March 2024 are Schengen visas valid in every Schengen country. Bulgaria joined Schengen for air and sea travel on 31 March 2024, and checks at its internal land borders ended on 1 January 2025. Time spent in Bulgaria counts towards the 90 days in any 180 allowed in the Schengen area.
How much does a visa for Bulgaria cost?
A short-stay Schengen visa costs €90, while a Type D visa costs €100 under article 15(1) or €200 under article 15(2) of the Foreigners Act. In October 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed raising the €100 fee to €120. Visa fees are not refunded if an application is refused.
When does ETIAS start for travel to Bulgaria, and how much does it cost?
ETIAS is due to start in the last quarter of 2026 and costs €20. Visa-free visitors will need an online ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Bulgaria and 29 other European countries. The EU will announce the start date several months in advance, and applications are not being taken until then.
Sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Visa for Bulgaria
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Consular fees
- Banker.bg: Foreign ministry proposes raising the Type D visa fee (Bulgarian)
- European Union: Official ETIAS website
- EU Delegation to the United States: Travelling to Europe and ETIAS
- Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry: Hiring employees who are foreign nationals
- European Union: Who should apply for ETIAS
Figures checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
