What are the visa requirements for entering Bulgaria?

Visa regime in Bulgaria

The issue of visa regulations in Bulgaria remains an important topic for many tourists. Although this country is a member of the European Union, it is still on the path to joining the Schengen Area. This means that having a Bulgarian visa does not guarantee automatic access and stay in the Schengen zone. For citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and other countries, obtaining a national visa for Bulgaria is a mandatory requirement for visits.

Possibilities of entering Bulgaria

However, a number of opportunities for travelers to enter Bulgaria have opened up. For example, having a double or multiple-entry Schengen visa of category C or D allows for easy border crossing. Access to the country is also available for those who hold multiple-entry visas for Romania, Croatia, or Cyprus.

Visa-free entry

Some countries, such as Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine, as well as other states, have the right to visa-free entry into Bulgaria for citizens with...biometric passportsfor a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is important to emphasize that Russians, Belarusians, and Kazakhs, as well as holders of regular foreign passports, must obtain a visa to visit Bulgaria.

Visa categories

The visa for entering Bulgaria is divided into several categories. The main ones include:

• Category A— transit aviation visa;
• Category C— a short-term visa suitable for tourists, private visits, business trips, as well as for property owners and companies;
• Category D— a long-term visa required for immigrants and obtaining residency.

A short-term visa of category C can be single-entry, with two allowed entries, or multiple-entry (multi-visa), allowing you to stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days within a six-month period. To obtain up-to-date information about the visa application process, it is recommended to visit the official websites of the Bulgarian consulates.

Visa processing

In countries like Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, accredited visa centers handle the processing of short-term visas. Typically, applications are processed within 10 working days; however, in some cases, this period can extend up to 30 days. In emergency situations, it is possible to obtain a visa within three days, but in this case, the consular fee is€35.

Multivisa for property owners

For property owners in Bulgaria, there is an opportunity to obtain a multi-visa valid for one year, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 180 days per year. This multi-visa can also be issued to the spouse and minor children of the property owner, provided that documentation confirming their relationship is available. For those who are not close relatives, it is possible to obtain a single-entry visa, provided that a notarized permission for temporary residence is submitted, along with the original and a copy of the relevant document.

Long-term visa

A long-term visa of category D is required when you plan to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days within a six-month period. It is important to carefully prepare all the necessary documents and follow the established conditions to successfully obtain this visa. Considering all the nuances of the visa regime, it is advisable to gather information in advance to avoid misunderstandings and simplify the travel process.

General information about residence permits in Bulgaria

To obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria, you need to have more serious grounds than just a simple desire to live in this country. Such grounds may include:

• Study
• Work
• Family reunion
• Business management
• Long-term treatment

People who arrive in Bulgaria on a D visa should remember that they need to apply for a residence permit with the migration service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at least 14 days before the visa expires.

Documents for applying for a long-term visa

It is important that the documents for a long-term visa are submitted in person. The application can be submitted no earlier than three months before the planned date of obtaining the residence permit. This can be done at the Bulgarian consulate in your country.

All documents, except those certified in Bulgaria, must be translated into Bulgarian and legalized. The translation can be done at a translation agency in Bulgaria or by accredited translators working at the embassies and consulates of Bulgaria.

Requirements for renting housing

When submitting documents for housing rental, you need to provide a declaration from the landlord. This declaration must be prepared in accordance with paragraph 20, subparagraph 2 of the additional provision of the law on citizens of other countries (ZCHR) and certified by a Bulgarian notary.

Regulation of the issuance of residence permits

Questions regarding obtaining residence permits in Bulgaria are regulated by the law "On Foreigners" (Закон за чужденците в Република България). The current version of this law can be found on official resources in Bulgarian. Information about real estate, immigration, and investments in the country can be found on specialized platforms, such as Telegram.

Reasons for obtaining a residence permit

As for the grounds for obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit, one of them is an investment in real estate. According to the law, foreigners have the right to apply for a residence permit provided that:

• Investing in real estate is no less than600,000 leva(approx.300,000 euros).
• All funds intended for the purchase must be transferred through bank transactions.
• The amount of the outstanding loan should not exceed25%from the total purchase cost.

In practice, this option is used very rarely, as most foreigners prefer to invest smaller amounts in Bulgarian real estate.

Additional grounds for obtaining a residence permit

Another basis for obtaining a permit may be an investment in the socio-economic development of the least developed regions of Bulgaria. For this, the following will be required:

• Minimum attachment125,000 euros.
• Creating at leastfive jobs.

A complete list of such regions can be clarified at the consulate or with professional immigration consultants.

Citizenship by investment program

It should also be noted that until recently, there was a program in Bulgaria that allowed individuals to obtain citizenship through investment. According to this program, foreigners who invested a minimum of257,000 eurosinto the Bulgarian economy, could first obtain a temporary residence permit and then, after a few years, citizenship. However, at the beginning of the2022The program has been closed and is no longer functioning.

Ways to obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria

There are a variety of grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria, and one of the most popular ways is to establish a representative office of a foreign business. This process involves registration with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), which makes it much easier for foreign entrepreneurs and minimizes time and resources. The business registration is handled by experienced lawyers, while the company owner only needs to ensure that financial and tax reporting is in order.

Opening your own business

If you intend to open your own business, it is important to consider that in order to obtain a residence permit, your company must provide jobs for at least ten local citizens. Only if this requirement is met will you be able to apply for a residence permit in the country.

Options for retirees

Retirees also have the opportunity to take advantage of a very attractive option for obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria. According to the legislation on foreigners in this country (ZCHR), individuals who have reached retirement age and have sufficient financial means for living can apply for a residence permit.

Documents for obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria

Obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria requires the preparation of a specific set of documents. First of all, it is necessary to provide a copy of the page of the foreign passport that contains the main information about the holder, as well as the page with the type D visa and the latest entry stamp into the country.

It is also important to provide a document confirming the availability of housing, which can be done through a notarized purchase or rental agreement for the property.

Financial resources for living

It is extremely important to provide documents proving that you have sufficient financial resources to live in Bulgaria. Bank certificates or statements from a Bulgarian bank are suitable for this purpose. At the moment, the minimum amount to have should be at least 12 minimum wages or pensions established in the country.

It is important to closely monitor the current data on the minimum wage in Bulgaria, which can be found on the Ministry of Labor's website. Currently, the minimum wage is 710 leva, which is approximately €363.

Additional requirements

• Certificate of criminal record or absence of a criminal record for individuals over 18 years old.
• Medical insurance that must be valid for the entire duration of stay in the country with coverage of at least €30,000.
• Receipt for the payment of the state fee, which amounts to 10 leva.

Depending on the type of visa, other documents may be required, and an interview may also be necessary.

Review timelines for applications

The timeframe for processing submitted applications may vary and depends on the grounds on which the request for a residence permit is made. As a rule, the competent Bulgarian authorities make a decision within 35 working days after receiving all documents.

The following aspects are being considered in the process:

• The presence of legal grounds for obtaining a residence permit.
• The absence of factors that could lead to a failure.

One of the key factors contributing to a positive outcome is the availability of housing.

Requirements for documents

All submitted documents must be translated into Bulgarian. If the primary documents are in Russian, their notarized translation into Bulgarian and certification of this translation will be required. The procedure for obtaining a residence permit, permanent residence status and citizenship in Bulgaria is clearly regulated and requires fulfillment of all requirements.

The process of obtaining a temporary residence permit

A temporary residence permit is granted to foreigners who intend to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days within a six-month period and have legal grounds for doing so. Before submitting the documents for a residence permit, it is necessary to first obtain a type D visa, which will allow entry into the country.

A type D visa application is submitted at the Bulgarian consulate in the country of residence, and then the residence permit application is submitted directly in Bulgaria. After receiving the type D visa, it is necessary to arrive in the country for at least three weeks.

Update on the status of temporary residence permit

The status of temporary residence permit must be renewed every year. In order to renew this status, foreigners must guarantee the availability of housing - whether rented or owned, have health insurance and maintain the necessary level of funds for subsistence.

Permanent residence

To transition to permanent residency status, it is necessary to stay in the country for at least 30 months over a five-year period after obtaining a temporary residence permit and regularly renewing it. It is important to remember that the total time spent outside the country should not exceed 30 months during this same period, as this could negatively affect your status.

Thus, the process of obtaining various types of residence permits in Bulgaria requires attention to detail and carefulness, as well as adherence to all regulatory procedures to comply with legal standards.

Opportunities for applying for permanent residency in Bulgaria

If you meet the specified conditions, you have the opportunity to apply to the migration authorities for a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria. People who can confirm their Bulgarian origin are entitled to immediate permanent residence status.Permanent residency), bypassing the temporary residence permit stage (Residence permit). OwnersPermanent residencyThey have similar social privileges and protections as Bulgarian citizens, with the exception of certain rights, such as the right to vote or hold public office, as well as to serve in the military or law enforcement agencies.

The right to obtain permanent residency

Right to receivePermanent residencyIt can also arise from marrying a Bulgarian citizen. After five years from the moment you receive the necessary documents for permanent residence in the country, you have the opportunity to apply forBulgarian citizenshipHowever, this requires meeting a number of requirements:

• Reaching the age of majority;
• Absence of convictions for criminal offenses recognized as lawful by the court of Bulgaria;
• The absence of open criminal cases against you;
• Having stable financial security or a successful business that allows you to continue living in the country;
• Knowledge of the Bulgarian language at the required level.

Costs for obtaining a residence permit

As for the costs of obtainingResidence permitConsular fees for Russian citizens can vary significantly depending on the reasons for obtaining a visa. For example, a long-term type D visa issued under Article 15, paragraph 1 of the Foreigners Act in Bulgaria (valid for up to six months and allowing a stay in the country for up to 180 days) will cost...€100The second category of long-term visa type D, according to Article 15, paragraph 2 of the same legislation (valid for up to one year with a residence permit for up to 360 days), can be granted to foreigners coming for scientific research, students studying in programs lasting up to one year, interns, as well as specialists sent to carry out tasks related to the control of tourist services or the implementation of investment projects certified in the country. The cost of such a visa will be€200.

Legal support in obtaining a residence permit

There are a variety of law firms on the market that provide services for obtaininglong-term visasandresidency permitsThe prices for such services, including company registration, start from€1,000. Professionals in this field can provide comprehensive assistance in gathering the right set of documents, their proper drafting, as well as in business registration and other legal matters. It is important to note that the decision to grant a temporary or permanent residence permit is made only by the Bulgarian state authorities, and lawyers can only assist in the preparation and submission of documents, but cannot guarantee success in obtaining the desired status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the visa regime in Bulgaria is an important aspect to consider when planning trips to this attractive country. Although Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, its anticipation of joining the Schengen Area creates certain barriers for travelers. This means that citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and other countries should carefully prepare for obtaining a national visa.

I also want to remind you that for citizens of some countries with biometric passports, there is the possibility of visa-free entry, which significantly simplifies the process. However, it is important to remember that even for short trips, a visa may be required, and all necessary formalities must be observed.

Types of visas

Each type of visa—whether short-term or long-term—has its own features and requirements that should be communicated to all interested parties in advance. Property owners in Bulgaria have their advantages, which can significantly ease their entry into the country, but it is also necessary to provide certain documents and follow regulated processes for this.

Recommendations

Due to the unstable changes in immigration legislation and visa policies, I recommend that all potential travelers and immigrants pay attention to updates and current information regarding visa processing. Contacting consulates or visa centers will be a good practice that can help avoid many problems and misunderstandings.

Result

Ultimately, adhering to all visa requirements will allow you to enjoy your stay in Bulgaria and help you avoid unnecessary delays and unpleasant situations. I hope this information will be useful and assist you in your travel plans to this beautiful country.