Type D Visa for Bulgaria — Types, Requirements & Procedure (2026)

Type D Visa in the Context of 2026

Two important changes shape Bulgaria's immigration landscape in 2026:

• Schengen Area membership (from 2025) — Bulgaria is a full member of the Schengen Area. Type D visa holders are entitled to free movement within the Schengen zone for short-term stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period).
• Euro adoption (from 01.01.2026) — all financial thresholds and fees are now denominated in euros, making budget planning easier for foreign nationals.

The Type D visa is intended for nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA. EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa to reside in Bulgaria — they register directly with the Migration Directorate to obtain a long-term residence certificate.

Main Types of Type D Visa

Work Visa

For foreign nationals employed by a Bulgarian employer. Requirements:

• Work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MLSP).
• Employment contract with a Bulgarian employer.
• Processing time — approximately 30 business days.
• Consular fee — EUR 100.

Business Visa

For entrepreneurs who manage or invest in a Bulgarian company. Requirements:

• The company must have employed at least 10 Bulgarian nationals on a full-time basis; or
• A foreign investment of at least EUR 512,000 (equivalent to BGN 1,000,000 at the fixed rate).
• Registration of the company in the Commercial Register.

Digital Nomad Visa

• Proven annual income of at least EUR 31,000 (approximately 3 times the average salary in Bulgaria).
• Issued for a period of 1 year with the possibility of renewal for an additional year (1+1).
• The visa does NOT permit employment by a Bulgarian company — it is intended exclusively for persons working remotely for a foreign employer or their own foreign company.
• Does not provide a pathway to permanent residence.

Freelancer Visa

For persons practising a liberal profession or providing services as self-employed individuals:

• Permit from the MLSP to practise a liberal profession.
• Business plan describing the intended activity.
• Proven professional experience of at least 2 years in the relevant field.

Investment Visa

For persons making a significant investment in Bulgaria:

• Minimum investment of EUR 512,000 (BGN 1,000,000) in the capital of a Bulgarian company or in government securities.
• Provides a direct pathway to permanent residence (without a period of long-term residence).
• For investments of EUR 1,024,000 (BGN 2,000,000) — expedited procedure for permanent residence.

Other Types

Common Documents for a Type D Visa

Regardless of the grounds, the following basic documents are required to apply for a Type D visa:

• Valid passport — with at least 3 months validity beyond the planned period of stay and at least 2 blank pages.
• Photographs — 2 colour photographs sized 3.5×4.5 cm on a white background.
• Proof of accommodation — title deed, lease agreement or a notarised declaration from a host.
• Health insurance — with coverage of at least EUR 30,000, valid for the territory of Bulgaria (and Schengen).
• Proof of means of subsistence — at least 6 times the minimum wage (6 × EUR 620.20 = EUR 3,721.20) in a bank account or proven regular income.
• Criminal record certificate — from the country of nationality and/or the country of habitual residence, issued no earlier than 6 months before filing.
• Translation and legalisation — all documents in a foreign language must be translated into Bulgarian by a sworn translator and legalised (apostille or consular legalisation).
• Consular fee — EUR 100 for standard processing, EUR 200 for expedited processing (where available at the specific consulate).

The processing time is up to 30 business days from submission at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in the country of residence.

From Type D Visa to Residence Permit

The Type D visa is only the first step. After entering Bulgaria, it is necessary to apply for a long-term residence permit:

1. Address registration

   Within 5 days of entering Bulgaria, you must register your address at the municipality of your place of residence.

2. Application to the Migration Directorate

   Within 14 days of entry, file an application for a long-term residence permit at the relevant Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior or the Migration Directorate.

3. Long-term residence

   The long-term residence permit is issued for up to 1 year and is renewable. Renewal must be applied for at least 30 days before the current permit expires.

4. Permanent residence

   After 30 months (2.5 years) of lawful and continuous residence with an EU Blue Card, or after 5 years of long-term residence (for other grounds), you may apply for permanent residence. Exception: investors (EUR 512,000+) may obtain permanent residence directly, without a period of long-term residence.

5. Citizenship

   After 5 years of permanent residence, you may apply for Bulgarian (and thereby European) citizenship. Requirements include Bulgarian language proficiency at level A1/A2, a clean criminal record and proven means of subsistence.

Schengen and the Euro — What It Means for Type D Visa Holders

Bulgaria's membership in the Schengen Area (from 2025) and the Eurozone (from 01.01.2026) has direct implications for Type D visa and residence permit holders:

• Free movement within Schengen — with a Bulgarian Type D visa or residence permit, you are entitled to short-term stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) in other Schengen Area states without an additional visa.
• Euro — all financial transactions, including fee payments, salary receipt and banking operations, are conducted in euros. This facilitates foreign nationals, especially those from the Eurozone, by eliminating currency conversions.
• ETIAS — nationals of visa-exempt countries for Schengen (e.g. the US, Canada, Australia) will need ETIAS authorisation for short-term visits, but a Type D visa will still be required for long-term stays.

Frequently asked questions