What is a Bulgaria D Visa?

The Bulgaria D visa, also known as a long-stay visa, is a precondition for non-EU citizens to apply for Bulgarian residency. This Schengen visa is valid for 6 months and can be converted to a residency card no later than 2 weeks before the visa’s expiry.

What is the Process of Obtaining a Bulgarian D Visa?

How Many D Visa Categories Are There?

There are more than 20 categories of the Bulgaria D visa. However, the majority of applicants arrive in Bulgaria under the following key categories:

Bulgaria Golden Visa categories

Bulgaria Golden Visa

For investors, the Bulgaria Golden Visa offers an attractive pathway to residency. By definition, the Golden Visa is a D visa issued with a validity of six months.

It is important to note that D visas cannot be renewed within Bulgaria. If expired, the applicant must reapply through the Bulgarian embassy or general consulate in their home country.

To ensure a smooth transition, the D visa must be exchanged for permanent residency at least three months before its expiration.

Bulgaria Golden Visa Application Forms

The Bulgaria Golden Visa application form uses the same standard application form as all other D visa applications. There is no separate or specialized form for the Golden Visa, and applicants must follow the general D visa application process when submitting their documents.

Harmonised application form

Application Form for Bulgarian Visa(BG)

Application Form for Bulgarian Visa (ENG)

Retirement D Visas

For those seeking a retirement in the picturesque landscapes of Bulgaria, Advocate Markov’s team specializes in obtaining Retirement D visas. These visas are ideal for retirees who wish to enjoy their golden years in Bulgaria’s peaceful environment. The team’s expertise ensures that clients navigate the application process smoothly, addressing any legal complexities and ensuring compliance with Bulgarian immigration laws. The Bulgarian Retirement Visa is effectively a Schengen Visa, granting broader travel freedoms within the Schengen Area. Bulgaria Retirement D visas also accommodate military retirees.

Representative D Visas

Non-EU company owners looking to expand their operations in Bulgaria or represent their company can rely on Advocate Markov’s team for acquiring Representative D visas. These visas are tailored for business representatives who need to stay in Bulgaria for promoting their business activities in Bulgaria. The team’s proficiency in commercial law and immigration regulations provides clients with a strategic advantage in establishing and conducting business in Bulgaria.

Business D visas

Business D visas, in contrast to Representative D visas, require employing 10 local Bulgarian citizens for each D visa applicant. Therefore, if you have 3 partners in your Bulgarian company, you must employ and maintain the employment of at least 30 Bulgarian citizens. This requirement makes the Representative D visa a more attractive option compared to the Business D visa.

Family D Visas

In Bulgaria, the process of family reunification varies depending on the status of the main applicant – whether they are non-EU citizens, EU citizens, or Bulgarian citizens, all wishing to bring their non-EU family members to the country. For more details, please read our dedicate page about Family Reunification in Bulgaria.