How to Get a Visa D for Bulgaria (in Simple Terms)

A VISA D is a long-stay visa that allows you to live, work, or study in Bulgaria for up to 6 months. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a residence permit after arriving in Bulgaria. Here's a simple guide to getting a D visa:

1. Check if You Qualify for a Visa D

A D visa is for people who want to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days and for specific reasons like:

• Work (employed or self-employed)
• Studies (enrolment in a Bulgarian university)
• Family reunification (joining a spouse or relative in Bulgaria)
• Investment or business purposes
• Retirement (if you have sufficient funds)
• Other specific reasons (e.g. medical treatment, volunteering)

Make sure your reason for moving fits one of these categories.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

You’ll need several documents to apply for a visa D. These may vary slightly depending on your reason for staying, but generally, you will need:

• Passport: Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned stay.
• Visa application form: Completed and signed (available at Bulgarian embassies/consulates).
• Police Check – This is only valid for 6 months so ensure this is within date.
• Proof of accommodation: Where you’ll stay in Bulgaria (e.g., rental agreement, hotel reservation, or invitation letter).
• Proof of sufficient funds: Show you can support yourself financially during your stay (bank statements, pension details, employment contract, etc.).
• Health insurance: Proof of travel health insurance that covers your stay (for the duration of the visa).
• Specific documents for your purpose: This could be a work contract, university acceptance letter, proof of family relationship, etc.
• Visa fee: Usually around €100-€200 (about 200-400 BGN), depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

3. Submit Your Application

• Go to the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence.
• Submit the visa application form along with all the required documents.
• Depending on the embassy, they may require an appointment, so it’s good to check in advance.

4. Wait for Processing

• It usually takes 2-4 weeks for your visa D application to be processed, but it can take longer in some cases.
• You may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional documents if needed.

5. Receive Your Visa D

• If your application is approved, you’ll receive a visa D in your passport, allowing you to enter Bulgaria.
• This visa is valid for up to 6 months and will be marked with your entry date.

6. Enter Bulgaria

• Once you receive your visa, you can travel to Bulgaria and enter the country. You’ll need to do this within the visa's validity period.

7. Apply for a Residence Permit

• After you enter Bulgaria on your visa D, you can apply for a residence permit if you plan to stay longer than 6 months. The residence permit process is done at the Migration Directorate in Bulgaria.
• The residence permit allows you to stay in Bulgaria for up to 1 year and can be renewed or extended depending on your situation.
• Ensure your police check and health insurance are still valid before arriving at the embassy.  Your health insurance needs to be for 1 year in order to obtain a 1 year residency permit.

Important Tips:

• Make sure all documents are in order before applying. Missing or incorrect information can delay your visa application.
• It’s a good idea to apply well in advance, as visa processing can take time.
• The visa D is a long-stay visa, not a work visa. If you want to work, you will need additional work permits or residency steps.

In summary, to get a visa D for Bulgaria, you must gather your documents, submit your application at the Bulgarian embassy, wait for approval, enter Bulgaria, and then apply for a residence permit to stay longer. Simple, right?

FOR ASSISTANCE IN THIS PROCESS or IF YOU ARE UNSURE IF YOU FALL INTO ANY OF THESE CATEGORIES, PLEASE CONTACT BULGARIAN PROPERTY EXPERTS FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE