Bulgaria D Visa Application Process 2025

The D visa is a long-term visa that must be obtained by those who want to study, work, reunite with their family, start a business or have a permanent residence in the Republic of Bulgaria. The long-term D type visa is a national visa type that allows a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 12 months to stay in Bulgarian territory.

What is the Bulgarian D Visa?

Bulgarian D type visa is given to people who need to stay in the relevant country for more than 90 days and who prove their requirements with supporting documents. Bulgarian national visa holders are issued visas with a validity period of at least 90 days or a maximum of 360 days.

Bulgarian D type visas, valid for up to 1 year, are granted to foreign students who conduct scientific research, study, participate in undergraduate, graduate or internship programs, employees or investors, if they prove that they need to stay in Bulgaria for a long time.

What are the Types of Bulgaria D Visa?

Bulgarian D type visa types are listed below.

  • Bulgaria work permit visa
  • Bulgarian commercial investor visa
  • Bulgaria long-term student visa
  • Bulgarian specialist visa
  • Bulgaria family reunification visa
  • Bulgaria long-term family visit visa
  • Bulgaria long-term treatment visa
  • Immigration visa for Bulgarian retirees
  • Bulgarian media members visa

What are the Required Documents for Bulgaria Type D Visa?

The documents required for a Bulgarian D type visa are listed below.

  • Passport
  • Bulgaria national visa application form
  • Bulgarian national visa fee
  • Biometric photo
  • Criminal record
  • A copy of the full civil registration certificate
  • Account statement document or guarantor document
  • Accommodation and transportation reservations
  • Visa request petition
  • Invitation letter
  • Travel health insurance

The list of documents required for a Bulgarian D type visa varies depending on the applicant’s purpose of travel.

How to Fill Out the Bulgarian National Visa Application Form?

The Bulgarian D type visa application form must be filled out and signed by the applicant with complete and verifiable information in Turkish, English or Bulgarian. The Bulgarian national visa application form includes the applicant’s identity and passport information, travel duration, purpose of travel, who will cover the travel expenses and, if applicable, the contact information of the person inviting to Bulgaria.

A sample Bulgarian national visa application form is given below.

What Should Health Insurance Be Like for Bulgaria D Visa?

For a Bulgarian D type visa, travel health insurance must be valid in all European Union countries, valid for at least 6 months and with a coverage of at least 30,000 Euros, covering accidents, injuries or any other emergencies during travel.

Travel health insurance fees start from 12.5 Euros.

How to Get an Appointment for Bulgaria Type D Visa?

Appointments for Bulgarian D type visa must be made from Bulgarian Consulates or Bulgarian Embassy depending on the jurisdiction. The Embassy or Bulgarian Consulate is contacted by e-mail or phone on the day of the D type visa appointment.

The e-mail addresses, telephone numbers and addresses of the authorized Bulgarian Consulates are given in the table below.

Name of relevant authorityPhone numberEmail address
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Ankara+90 312 46 720 71 +90 427 5142[email protected]
Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Istanbul+90 212 281 01 14 +90 212 281 01 15 +90 21 2281 01 16[email protected]
Consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria in Bursa+90 224 245 55 00 +90 224 245 56 00[email protected]
Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Edirne+90 2842140617[email protected]

Can I Apply for a Bulgaria D Visa Through VFS Global?

No, VFS Global Bulgaria D visa applications cannot be made.

You can apply for a Bulgarian C visa through VFS Global. VFS visa center is authorized for short-term Bulgarian visas.

How to Apply for a Bulgaria D Visa?

The following process must be followed for Bulgarian D type visa application.

  1. The Bulgarian D type visa application form must be carefully filled out and signed.
  2. Necessary documents must be completed according to the type of D visa to be applied for.
  3. An appointment must be made at the nearest Bulgarian Consulate or Embassy, ​​depending on the province of residence.
  4. On the appointment day and time, the documents required for the Type D Bulgaria visa application must be submitted to the authorities in person.

How much is the Type D Visa Bulgaria Fee?

Type D Bulgaria visa fees vary depending on the type of visa.

Bulgarian D type visa fees are 100 Euros. As of 2024, all services including consultancy services, sworn translation of the documents, biometric procedures, filling out forms and petitions will cost an average of 440 Euros.

How Many Days Does It Take to Get a Bulgarian Type D Visa?

Bulgarian D type visa evaluation is concluded within an average of 4 weeks and in principle 6 weeks after the application process is completed. In cases where the documents required for the national Bulgarian visa are not submitted properly, official holidays of the relevant countries or there is an increase in the density of the visa, the visa finalization period may be extended.

How to Make a Bulgaria D Visa Application Inquiry?

After the type D visa application made in person to the consulate is completed, the inquiry process cannot be done online.

The Bulgaria D visa result will be sent to the applicant’s e-mail address or phone number via SMS after the Consulate’s evaluation period is completed.

How long is the Bulgarian D visa valid for?

The duration of the Bulgarian D type visa varies depending on the purpose of visiting the country.

While people who want to reside in Bulgaria for a long time or immigrate permanently are generally granted a 6-month visa, those who are involved in long-term education programs, who will work in Bulgaria, who will participate in a research mission or who will go to the country for commercial purposes are issued a 1-year visa.

How to Get a Residence Permit with a Type D Bulgarian Visa?

After obtaining a Bulgarian D visa, the applicant can apply for a residence permit at the nearest Immigration Office upon entering the territory of the relevant country.

To apply for a Bulgarian residence permit, an appointment must be made at the immigration office and the necessary documents must be presented to the authorities on the appointment day. The documents required for a residence permit application with a type D Bulgarian visa are a passport, type D Bulgarian visa, valid health insurance, biometric photo, financial adequacy documents and other supporting documents.

The list of required documents for those who will apply for a Bulgarian residence permit with a type D visa varies depending on the purpose of travel.