Bulgarian Type D Visa (2026): Complete Guide to Long-Stay Visas and Residence

Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Zone and euro adoption changed the game for anyone considering a long-term stay. A Bulgarian residence permit now means borderless travel across 29 European countries. The Type D visa is your entry point.

Quick answer: The Type D visa lets non-EU citizens stay in Bulgaria beyond 90 days for work, study, family, business, or retirement. The consular department fee is approximately €100 and the process takes about 30 working days and serves as the mandatory first step before applying for a residence permit. Below, we cover every category, document requirement, and step in the process.

Last reviewed: January 2026. Requirements verified against Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidelines.

Jump to: What is a Type D Visa | Who Needs One | Visa Categories | Required Documents | Application Process | After You Arrive | FAQ

What is a Bulgarian Type D Visa?

A Type D visa is Bulgaria’s long-stay visa for non-EU nationals planning to remain in the country for more than 90 days. Unlike short-stay Schengen visas (Type C) that cap your visit at three months, the Type D grants either 6 or 12 months of validity with multiple entries.

Think of it as the gateway document. You can’t apply for a Bulgarian residence permit without first holding a Type D visa. The visa gets you into the country legally; the residence permit lets you stay.

Key Characteristics

• Validity: 6 months or 12 months (360 days)
• Entries: Multiple
• Purpose: Long-term stay for work, study, family, business, retirement, or other qualifying grounds
• Prerequisite for: Bulgarian residence permit application

Why It Matters More in 2026

Bulgaria became a full Schengen member on January 1, 2025. Land border checks with other Schengen countries disappeared. If you hold a Bulgarian residence permit (which requires a Type D visa first), you can travel freely across 29 European countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. No additional visas needed.

Add the January 2026 euro adoption, and Bulgaria suddenly looks much more accessible for entrepreneurs and remote workers from outside the EU.

Who Needs a Type D Visa?

Any non-EU/EEA citizen planning to stay in Bulgaria longer than 90 days within a 180-day period needs a Type D visa. This includes:

• Employees with job offers from Bulgarian companies
• Entrepreneurs starting or running businesses in Bulgaria
• Students enrolled in Bulgarian universities or language schools
• Family members joining relatives who already hold Bulgarian residence
• Retirees with pension income seeking a European base
• Freelancers and remote workers (including the new digital nomad category)
• Investors meeting Bulgaria’s investment thresholds

Who Doesn’t Need One

EU and EEA citizens don’t need a Type D visa. They have freedom of movement and can register for residence directly. Citizens of countries with visa-free agreements can stay up to 90 days without any visa, but if they want to stay longer, they still need the Type D.

Type D Visa Categories

Bulgarian law recognizes 21 grounds for granting a Type D visa under the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act. Here are the most common categories.

Employment

You’ve secured a job with a Bulgarian employer. The company must first obtain a work permit through the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. Bulgaria doesn’t issue open work permits, so you need a specific job offer before applying.

Once the employer has the work permit, you apply for the Type D visa at your nearest Bulgarian embassy. After arrival, you’ll receive a residence permit tied to your employment.

Business and Entrepreneurship

Two main paths here. First, you can establish a company in Bulgaria and demonstrate commercial activity. The catch: you must hire at least 10 Bulgarian citizens to qualify under the standard business ground.

Second, the investment route. Bulgaria’s Golden Visa program requires a fund investment of approximately €512,000 for permanent residency. Smaller investments exist for temporary residence but come with job creation requirements.

Study

Students admitted to accredited Bulgarian universities, vocational institutions, or language schools qualify for a Type D visa. You’ll need an acceptance letter from the institution. The residence permit typically aligns with your academic calendar and allows limited part-time work.

Family Reunification

If your spouse, parent, or child holds Bulgarian residence or citizenship, you can apply for a Type D visa to join them. You’ll need to prove the family relationship with official documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate) translated and apostilled.

Freelance Work

Freelancers need a permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy before applying for the visa. Requirements include:

• Detailed business plan
• Proof of at least two years of professional experience in your field
• Evidence of financial stability

The freelance permit is issued for up to 12 months. You can’t change the scope of your freelance activity during the initial permit period.

Digital Nomad (New for 2026)

Bulgaria launched its digital nomad visa on December 20, 2025. If you work remotely for a company outside the EU/EEA or own a business registered outside these regions, you now have a dedicated path.

Income requirement: You must prove annual earnings of at least €31,000 (calculated as 50 times the monthly minimum wage of €620). This works out to roughly €2,583 per month.

Key conditions:

• You work remotely (no local Bulgarian clients or business activity)
• Your employer or business is registered outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland
• You have health insurance valid across the EU
• You can prove accommodation in Bulgaria

The digital nomad residence permit is granted for one year and renewable for another year if you still meet the conditions.

Retirement

Retirees with sufficient pension income can apply for a Type D visa. You’ll need to demonstrate that your pension covers your living expenses in Bulgaria. Given the relatively low cost of living, many Western European and North American retirees find Bulgaria attractive.

Marriage to Bulgarian Citizen

Marrying a Bulgarian citizen or a foreigner with permanent Bulgarian residence gives you grounds for a Type D visa. You’ll need a Bulgarian marriage certificate and proof that the marriage is genuine.

Required Documents

Document requirements vary by category, but every Type D visa application needs these basics.

Universal Requirements

• Valid passport: Must expire at least 3 months after your intended departure from Bulgaria. Needs at least 2 blank pages.
• Completed application form: Typed, not handwritten. Available from Bulgarian embassies.
• Passport photos: 35mm x 45mm, light background, recent
• Proof of accommodation: Notarized rental contract, hotel booking, or property ownership document
• Health insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000, valid for Bulgaria and preferably the entire EU/Schengen area
• Financial proof: Bank statements showing sufficient funds (minimum varies by category, generally at least 6 months of Bulgarian minimum wage)
• Criminal background certificate: From your country of residence, recent
• Visa fee receipt: €100 for standard Type D, €200 for 360-day visa

Translation and Apostille

All documents not in Bulgarian must be translated by a certified translator and apostilled. The apostille confirms the document’s authenticity for international use. Don’t skip this step; embassies reject applications with improperly certified documents.

Category-Specific Documents

Employment: Work permit issued to your employer, employment contract

Business: Company registration documents, proof of Bulgarian employees, business plan

Study: Acceptance letter from accredited institution, proof of tuition payment or scholarship

Family: Marriage certificate, birth certificates, proof of family member’s Bulgarian residence status

Freelance: Freelance permit from Ministry of Labour, business plan, professional experience proof

Digital Nomad: Employment contract or business registration (outside EU), income proof (bank statements, tax returns), health insurance valid across EU

Retirement: Pension statements, proof of regular pension income

Application Process Step by Step

1. Determine Your Ground

Identify which of the 21 legal grounds applies to your situation. If you’re unsure, consult with an immigration specialist. Applying under the wrong category wastes time and money.

2. Gather Documents

Collect all required documents for your category. Get translations and apostilles completed. This step often takes longer than expected, especially if you need documents from multiple countries.

3. Schedule Embassy Appointment

Contact the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Type D visa applications require an in-person appointment. Some embassies have significant wait times, so book early.

4. Attend Interview

The personal interview is mandatory for all Type D visa applicants. No exceptions. Be prepared to explain your purpose for moving to Bulgaria and answer questions about your circumstances.

5. Pay the Fee

The visa fee is €100 for a standard Type D visa or €200 for a 360-day visa. Payment is made at the embassy. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

6. Wait for Processing

Processing takes approximately 30 working days. About 90% of applicants receive their visa within 4 weeks (20 working days). Complex cases or incomplete applications take longer.

7. Collect Your Visa

Once approved, return to the embassy to collect your visa. Check all details carefully before leaving.

After You Arrive in Bulgaria

Getting the Type D visa is only half the process. Once you land in Bulgaria, several deadlines start ticking.

Register Your Address (Within 5 Days)

You must register your Bulgarian address with the local municipality office within 5 days of arrival. Your landlord typically assists with this if you’re renting. Keep the registration certificate; you’ll need it for the residence permit application.

Apply for Residence Permit (Within 14 Days)

Within 14 days of arriving, submit your residence permit application at the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior. Bring:

• Your Type D visa
• All documents you submitted for the visa
• Address registration certificate
• Application form for residence permit

Once approved, you receive a residence card (personal ID card for foreigners) valid for one year.

Annual Renewal

Residence permits must be renewed annually. Start the renewal process at least 30-45 days before expiration. You’ll need to prove that your original grounds for residence still apply.

Path to Permanent Residency

After living in Bulgaria for 30 months within any 5-year period, you become eligible for permanent residency. This upgrades your status significantly and removes the annual renewal requirement.

Path to Citizenship

After holding permanent residency for 5 years, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship. As an EU member state, Bulgarian citizenship grants you the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union.

Costs Summary

• Type D visa (standard): €100
• Type D visa (360-day): €200
• Residence permit application: Varies, approximately €100-200
• Document translation: Varies by country, budget €50-200
• Apostille fees: Varies by country, budget €20-50 per document
• Health insurance: Varies by coverage, from €200-500/year

Note: Some categories have additional fees. Work permits, freelance permits, and business registrations carry their own costs.

Fee Exemptions

Certain applicants don’t pay visa fees:

• Spouses and family members of Bulgarian or EU citizens (with proof of relationship)
• Holders of diplomatic, service, or official passports
• Students and accompanying teachers may qualify for reduced fees

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Type D visa application take?

Expect about 30 working days from submission to decision. Most applicants receive their visa within 4 weeks. Processing can take longer if your application is incomplete or your case requires additional verification. Apply at least 2-3 months before your planned move to account for potential delays.

Can I work in Bulgaria while my visa is being processed?

No. You cannot enter Bulgaria on a tourist visa or visa-free stay and start working while waiting for your Type D visa. You must have the proper visa and subsequent residence permit before engaging in any employment or business activity in Bulgaria.

What happens if my Type D visa application is rejected?

You receive a written explanation of the rejection. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, insufficient financial proof, or failure to meet the requirements of your chosen category. The €100-200 visa fee is not refunded. You can reapply after addressing the issues that caused the rejection.

Can I travel to other EU countries with a Bulgarian Type D visa?

Yes, with limits. After Bulgaria joined Schengen fully in January 2025, holders of Bulgarian long-stay visas issued after March 31, 2024 can travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Once you have your Bulgarian residence permit, this travel freedom continues.

Do I need to speak Bulgarian to get a Type D visa?

No language requirement exists for the Type D visa application. However, all documents must be translated into Bulgarian. For long-term residence and eventual citizenship, learning Bulgarian becomes practical, though naturalization has its own language requirements.

Can I bring my family with me on a Type D visa?

Not on the same visa. Each family member needs their own Type D visa. However, once you establish residence, your spouse, children, and in some cases parents can apply for family reunification visas. They follow the same process: Type D visa first, then residence permit.

Final Thoughts

The Bulgarian Type D visa opens the door to one of Europe’s most affordable countries, now with full Schengen access and euro currency. Whether you’re taking a job in Sofia, enrolling in a Bulgarian university, joining family, or working remotely as a digital nomad, the path starts with this visa.

The application process demands attention to detail. Document requirements are strict, translations must be certified, and deadlines after arrival are tight. Many applicants work with local immigration consultants or service providers who handle the administrative burden.

If you’re considering Bulgaria for business, the Type D visa often pairs with company formation services, registered office addresses, and ongoing administrative support. Getting these pieces in place before you apply simplifies the process considerably.