Bulgaria

1. Short-Stay Visas (Type C)

Tourist Visa

• Validity: Up to 90 days in a 180-day period
• Requirements:
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or notarized invitation)
  • Travel insurance (€30,000 coverage)
  • €50/day financial proof
  • Return/onward ticket

Business Visa

• For meetings, conferences, or contract negotiations
• Additional Documents:
  • Invitation from Bulgarian company (with VAT number)
  • Company registration documents

Transit Visa

• Types:
  • Airport Transit (A) – max 24 hours
  • Regular Transit (B) – max 5 days

2. Long-Stay Visas (Type D)

Work Visas

1. Standard Work Visa
   • Requires work permit (obtained by employer)
   • Minimum salary: €860/month (2024)
2. EU Blue Card
   • For highly-skilled professionals
   • Salary threshold: €1,720/month
3. Seasonal Work Visa
   • Agriculture/tourism sectors
   • Max 9 months/year

Study Visa

• Requirements:
  • Admission letter from an accredited Bulgarian institution
  • Proof of €600/month financial means
  • Health insurance
• Work Rights:20h/week during studies

Family Reunification Visa

• For:Spouses/children of Bulgarian residents
• Requirements:
  • Marriage/birth certificates (apostilled)
  • Sponsor’s minimum income: €500/month + €150/dependent

3. Investment & Business Visas

Investor Visa (Golden Visa)

• Options:
  • €512,000 govt bonds purchase
  • €1M business investment
  • Creating 10+ jobs
• Leads to permanent residence in 5 years

Entrepreneur Visa

• For business owners
• Requirements:
  • €50,000 capital investment
  • Business plan approval

4. Digital Nomad Visa

• Validity:1 year (renewable)
• Requirements:
  • €3,500/month remote income
  • 6+ months of employment proof
  • Health insurance covering Bulgaria

5. Retirement Visa

• For pensioners with stable income
• Requirements:
  • €1,200/month pension
  • €25,000 in savings
  • Bulgarian health insurance

6. Special Categories

Artist Visa

• For performers/creatives
• Requires:
  • Engagement contracts
  • Union membership proof

Humanitarian Visa

• For medical treatment or special cases
• Requires:
  • Medical referral
  • Sponsorship documents

Visa Processing

• Standard Time:
  • Short-stay: 10-15 days
  • Long-stay: 30-60 days
• Fees:
  • Schengen: €80
  • National: €100
  • Express processing (+50% fee)

2024 Updates

1. New IT specialist fast-track program
2. Increased minimum salary for Blue Card
3. Digital nomad visas introduced
4. Stricter financial checks for family reunification

Key Requirements for All Visas

• Valid passport (3+ months validity)
• Completed application form
• 2 passport photos (35x45mm)
• Clean criminal record
• Proof of accommodation

Residence Permits

• Temporary:1 year (renewable)
• Permanent: After 5 years of continuous stay
• EU Long-Term Residence:After 5 years for non-EU nationals