If you're planning to stay in Bulgaria for an extended period - whether for work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes - you'll need to apply for a Bulgarian long-stay visa, commonly known as a D visa.
This visa allows foreign nationals to reside in Bulgaria for up to one year and is a prerequisite for obtaining a Bulgarian residence permit.
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The D visa is a national visa that permits foreign nationals to enter Bulgaria with the intention of establishing long-term or permanent residence.
It's typically issued for stays exceeding 90 days, up to a maximum of 12 months. Holders of a D visa can apply for a residence permit upon arrival in Bulgaria, which is essential for legal long-term stay.
One of the requirements of the D Visa application is that you have an address in Bulgaria. You can find property for rent in any part of the country in our rental listings pages. It often make sense to rent if you are not familiar with an area and will allow you to get to know your surroundings before putting down roots.
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You will need a D visa if you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen planning to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days for purposes such as:
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Applications for a D visa must be submitted in person at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The application process involves several steps:
Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, which typically include:
Submit the Application: Visit the Bulgarian diplomatic mission to submit your application and biometric data.
Pay the Visa Fee: The visa fee varies depending on the type and duration of the visa. Ensure you check the current fee with the embassy or consulate.
Await Processing: Processing times can vary, so it's advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
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Once you have your D visa, you can travel to Bulgaria and must apply for a residence permit at the local Migration Directorate within the Ministry of Interior. This permit will allow you to reside legally in Bulgaria for the duration specified.
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Always check the specific requirements and procedures with the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country, as they may have additional requirements. Ensure all documents are translated into Bulgarian and legalized, if necessary.
Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records. Remember that in order to obtain long-stay permission, the person should have a home, obligatory health insurance, sufficient subsistence means, without resorting to the social assistance system, amounting to at least the minimum monthly wage or the minimum pension according to Bulgarian law for the period of stay.
For the most accurate and detailed information, consult the official website of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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