How to obtain a "D" visa and residence permit in Bulgaria for retirees?

Changes in Bulgarian legislation for foreigners

First of all, it should be noted that at the end of January 2011 the Bulgarian government amended its legislation concerning foreign nationals. These innovations affected both the procedure for issuing visas to enter the country and the rules for obtaining residence permits for non-residents.

First stage: obtaining a "D" visa

The initial step is to apply for a "D" visa, which is required for entry into Bulgaria. In order to obtain a residence permit, one must first acquire a "D" visa, which is intended for long-term stays. According to the Bulgarian consulate, retirees need to prepare a number of documents, including originals and two copies of each.

Necessary documents

The list of required documents includes:

• A completed visa application form in two copies.All sections of the application form should be filled in neatly and the applicant's handwritten signature should be placed at the end. The template of the application form can be found on the website of the Bulgarian Embassy.
• A passport.The passport must remain valid for at least three months after the end of the trip. A copy of the first page of the passport should be attached.
• Two color photographs measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm.The photo should have a clear, light background. The face in the picture must be clearly visible and occupy 70 to 80% of the image. It is prohibited to use glasses with tinted lenses and photos taken with regular cameras, and the presence of red-eye effect is also unacceptable.
• Ticket reservation.This point is conditional. It is mentioned in the requirements, but in practice, it can be difficult to book tickets in advance, as the visa application process can take varying amounts of time. In some cases, it may take just a few weeks, while in others, it can take several months.
• Medical insurance.It must be valid throughout Europe for the duration of the stay, with a minimum cover of €30,000. The cost of insurance usually ranges from €0.4 to €0.7 per day.
• Documents confirming the availability of housing.This can either be a property ownership document or a notarized lease agreement. In the case of a lease, there is no need to pay for the entire rental period in advance.
• Proof of available financial resources.It is recommended to open an account in a Bulgarian bank and deposit an amount between €1,000 and €2,000 per person. The larger the amount in the account, the better. You will need to provide a bank statement and proof of funds to the consulate along with the other documents.

Conclusion

Thus, the process of obtaining a "D" visa consists of several stages and requires the collection of many necessary documents. It is important to take care in advance to prepare and thoroughly collect all the papers in accordance with the requirements of the consulate. This will greatly simplify and speed up the process of obtaining a visa, and in the end will allow you to obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria without unnecessary delays.

Preparation of a criminal record certificate

Applicants who have reached the age of eighteen, except for stateless individuals, are required to prepare a certificate of criminal record or the absence thereof. This document must be submitted in its original form along with a notarized translation. Such a certificate can be obtained at the main information and analytical center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation in Moscow or at regional offices based on the place of registration.

Obtaining an apostille

In the future, an apostille for this document may be required for obtaining a residence permit, which serves as a certification of the authenticity of the signature. You can order the apostille at the same time as obtaining the certificate itself, and the cost of this service is approximately1500 rubles.

Confirmation of pension status

In addition, it is necessary to provide proof of pension status. This document is usually issued by an authorized body, most often the Pension Fund of Russia, which confirms that you are a pensioner and regularly receive your pension. You will also need to translate the pension payment certificate for the last three months into Bulgarian.

Requirements for a type "D" visa

It is necessary to take into account that in order to obtain a "D" visa, you must have on your bank account in Bulgaria from1000 to 2000 eurosAccording to Bulgarian legislation, a minimum level of funds for living has been established:

• 240 leva per monthfor those who are working;
• 136 leva per monthfor retirees.

Therefore, if a type "D" visa is issued for six months, the pensioner must demonstrate the availability of at least816 leva (which is 136 leva multiplied by 6), which is approximately equivalent to400 euros.

Financial terms

It is important to note that this is the minimum requirement for obtaining a long-term visa.

Moving and obtaining a residence permit

Foreigners are given a period of 180 days for relocation, which corresponds to the validity of the visa. However, it is more advisable to start the process of obtaining a residence permit in advance.

It is important to understand that if there is a need to change documents and the visa expires, it will require you to leave Bulgaria and reapply for a D visa in Russia. Visa extension in Bulgaria is possible only in special cases, for example, if there is a serious illness.

Documents for obtaining a residence permit

To apply for a residence permit, you need to gather a set of documents similar to those required for a "D" visa, except for flight tickets. You will also need to obtain health insurance for a minimum period of one year.

Bulgarian insurance companies do not always actively insure foreign citizens, butfind the right conditionsIt's still possible. Insurance prices vary depending on the type of policy:

• from 100 leva per year for a basic package that only covers outpatient treatment;
• up to 1500 leva for a premium policy that includes consultations with specialists such as psychologists and dietitians.

Deadlines for obtaining a residence permit

The process of obtaining a residence permit takes about seven working days. Once you have received your passport with the relevant stamp, you should apply for a personal card.

This card can be issued under the following rates:

• For the urgent rate: 90 leva, processing time — 7 days;
• According to the standard rate: 45 leva, processing time — 30 days.

It is also worth noting the cost of obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria. The fee for adding a stamp to the passport is:

• 500 leva (about €255) for one year;
• 250 leva for half a year.

Additional expenses

To understand how much money will be needed to process all the necessary documents, it's important to consider other related expenses as well. For example:

• Bank statements can cost 40 leva.
• The price of notary services;
• Translation and legal services.

Don't forget to include the amount for mandatory health insurance and the fee for processing the personal card. Thus, in practice, the total amount can reach 800–1000 leva.

Financial obligations annually

Thus, every year, each family member, including children, will need to pay between €400 and €500 for the renewal of their residence permit in Bulgaria.

Purchasing a home and important tips

If you are planning to purchase affordable housing in Bulgaria, pay attention to important tips regarding real estate, immigration, and investments. You can find them in our Telegram channel.

Long-term residence permit

As for the third step – obtaining a long-term residence permit in Bulgaria, it should be noted that this is not a permanent residence permit.

With the introduction of new amendments to the law on foreigners in Bulgaria, a new category has emerged — the long-term residence permit (LTR), which is significantly different from the status of permanent resident.

First of all, foreigners holding long-term residence permits,cannot expect to obtain Bulgarian citizenship.

Conclusion

In conclusion, summarizing the article about the process of obtaining a long-term "D" visa and residence permit for retirees in Bulgaria, I would like to emphasize that this path may seem complex and confusing, but with proper preparation and attention to detail, it is entirely achievable. Every step, from applying for the visa to obtaining the residence permit, requires patience and careful adherence to all the requirements set by the Bulgarian authorities.

Undoubtedly, the main aspect is the proper preparation of all necessary documents. As I mentioned, this applies to both the visa application and proof of financial stability. It is very important not just to gather the documents, but to do so wisely in order to create the most positive impression of yourself in the eyes of the consulate. I strongly recommend:

• Carefully review all the requirements.
• Check with the embassy or consulate staff.

As for the financial aspect, strive to provide as much evidence of your financial independence as possible. Be prepared for questions about your income and expenses, and try to convince the consular staff that you will be able to support yourself during your stay in the country. Payment of necessary fees and legalization of documents should also not be overlooked: these costs can vary significantly.

Despite potential challenges, life in Bulgaria can greatly enrich your retirement experience. The stunning natural landscapes, warm climate, and rich cultural heritage of the country will create a unique atmosphere for you to enjoy every moment.Bulgaria offers excellent living conditions.All the effort spent on visa and residence permits will pay off over time.

In conclusion, if you are on the brink of a new stage in your life and considering the possibility of moving to Bulgaria, I sincerely wish you good luck. By making thoughtful decisions and following all the recommendations, you will be able to realize your dream of a calm and carefree life on the Black Sea coast.Wishing you success on your journey!