Visa for Bulgaria – Complete Guide to Types, Requirements, Fees, Processing Times, and How to Apply

Check the official government visa page for the Balkan country and assemble the needed documents and the financial proof your case requires, using your resources to cover fees prior to applying.

Two main categories exist: short-stay (Type C) for tourism and quick business trips, and long-stay (Type D) for study, work, or family reunification. Processing usually ranges from 7-15 business days for routine cases, with potential extensions to 30-60 days for complex submissions, depending on the consulate and your nationality.

Required documents typically include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your planned period, two passport-style photos, travel medical insurance covering a minimum amount, and proof of funds such as bank statements or sponsorship letters. Include a detailed travel plan or accommodation confirmation, and an invitation letter if applicable. If you have a foreign invitation or sponsorship, attach supporting letters and contact details for the issuer.

To apply, submit your package at the relevant consulate or through the e-visa portal if offered. Schedule an appointment well in advance, submit the documents in order, and monitor your application status online. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documents to keep the process moving smoothly.

Fees vary by visa type and applicant nationality; consult the official fee schedule to confirm exact amounts. In general, plan for a multi-step payment that may include service charges and additional fees for processing, courier services, or document legalization. Aim to complete the application at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid delays.

Which Bulgarian visa type matches your trip: short-stay, long-stay, student, work, or family?

Choose a short-stay visa if your trip lasts up to 90 days for tourism, brief business meetings, or a family visit. For travelers in montreal, the international route typically begins at a consular post or visa centers; you will schedule an appointment and submit documents through the site or by e-mail.

Short-stay visas have a strict validity pattern: about 90 days within a 180-day window, and they are designed for quick trips across european borders. If your itinerary includes several city areas or airport transitions, this type keeps you flexible yet within the rules.

For stays longer than 90 days, the long-stay option is the right match. This path supports residence rights tied to study, work, or family reunification, and it aligns with the equivalent of a long-term stay in Bulgaria. After arrival, you typically convert to a residence permit with local authorities, so plan for an additional step with their offices.

Student visa applies when you have an official offer from a Bulgarian university or accredited language school. The visa lasts for the duration of your studies and can be renewed. Prepare the acceptance letter, proof of funds, accommodation arrangements, and a study plan; the European rules governing education travel will guide your requirements, and the site often lists country-specific details.

Work visa requires a concrete job offer and a work permit issued by Bulgarian authorities. Your employer coordinates with the regional labor or immigration directorate, and you apply for the long-stay visa accordingly. Expect to present a contract, payroll information, and a regway reference from your company, as this helps validate the employment link.

Family visa lets a spouse, child, or parent join a Bulgarian resident or EU national. Gather documents proving the relationship and the host’s status, then submit them for processing; after arrival, you can pursue a residence path that mirrors the family’s legal status in Bulgaria. In some cases, applicants rely on their personal connections within the council’s networks to clarify which documents are required.

Where to apply and how to proceed: visit the site of the Bulgarian embassy or consulate that serves your city or region; centers operate in many locations and are listed by the council of national missions. If you are in romania or lanka or mexico, you will use the same consular network, and you can often book an appointment in montreal or another major city depending on your location. When you book, you will receive an appointment confirmation by e-mail, and the consular staff will tell you exactly what to bring to avoid delays.

As you prepare, keep your personal data accurate and organized. If you encounter forms that request names for test entries, you may see examples such as douglas or vincent; these are only placeholders to show how the fields function. Always use your real data and attach copies of your passport pages, notations about your intended stay, and any required documents for the visa type you selected. If you are unsure whether your passport qualifies, contact the consular staff via the site or e-mail; they will confirm whether you need a visa to enter Bulgaria before you travel.

Finally, verify the current requirements before you travel, because rules can change. The site will indicate the exact validity of your visa, the documents needed for your chosen category, and any country-specific steps. If you plan a visit that touches multiple borders or transfers through different airports, the rules for short-stay versus long-stay become particularly important; in such cases, you may consider a visa that covers several areas of travel or opt for a longer stay when your purpose is study, work, or family reunion. thousand different scenarios exist, but a clear plan and a precise list of documents will keep you on track.

Required documents by visa type: checklists, translations, and notarization tips

Prepare a complete document package for your Bulgaria visa before booking any appointment. A well-organized file speeds up appointments and reduces issues at the borders.

Short-stay and student visas: documents you’ll bring

Passport: valid for at least three months after your planned exit from Bulgaria and with two blank pages; include a photocopy of the data page.

Visa application form: one signed form completed in your language; attach a recent biometric photo (35×45 mm).

Photos: two recent biometric photos on a white background, 35×45 mm.

Flight reservation or travel itinerary: show entry and exit dates; provide a booking that matches your plan to enter Bulgaria via airports or land borders.

Proof of accommodation: hotel booking or invitation letter from a Bulgarian host; if staying with someone, include their contact details and a copy of their ID or passport.

Proof of funds: bank statements for the last three months; ensure the name matches the passport and provide translations if needed.

Travel medical insurance: international coverage valid in Bulgaria for the duration of stay; ensure minimum coverage meets the embassy’s requirement (often €30,000).

Police clearance or criminal record: from your country of residence, issued within the last 3 months; required mainly for long-stay or student routes, not always for short-stay.

Education and employment documents: university admission letter or enrollment proof for students; employment contract or sponsor letter for workers; include related transcripts or CV as applicable.

Translations: all documents not in Bulgarian or English must be translated into Bulgarian by a certified translator; attach the translator’s certificate and stamp.

Notarization and legalization: notarization is not always required for copies, but some consulates insist on legalized or apostilled copies for documents issued abroad; check if an apostille is accepted for your country (for example, korea, mexico, salvador, herzegovina, congo).

Copies and originals: bring originals plus two photocopies for each document; keep digital copies accessible during the appointment; note whose documents belong to you and ensure consistency of names across all papers.

Additional notes: if a police certificate was issued in Ontario, queenston, or another Canadian locale, ensure it is recent and properly certified; for ceremonies or confirmations, you may also need a local notary from queenston or ferrybelleville to corroborate signatures.

Practical tips: when you plan the submission, prepare to enter Bulgaria via different entry points such as airport or land crossings like carway or creek routes; have all translations ready to avoid delays for international observers.

Long-stay and work/residence visas: documents and notarization tips

Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria: lease agreement, hotel contract, or invitation letter with host details; include contact information for the host if applicable.

Proof of financial means: bank statements or proof of income for the duration of residence; include sponsor letters if someone else funds your stay; translations may be required.

Employment or study documents: contract of employment or internship, university acceptance letter, enrollment proof, and the corresponding diplomas or transcripts; add copies in case originals are not available at the appointment.

Medical certificate: general health certificate or immunization records if requested by the consulate; ensure it is issued by a recognized health authority.

Criminal background check: from all countries of residence in the last year; some destinations require apostille or legalization; if issued abroad, plan ahead for processing time.

Translations and apostilles: translate all non-Bulgarian documents into Bulgarian by a certified translator; attach the translator’s certificate. If a document originates from a country with an active apostille system (for example, mexico or salvador), obtain apostille where required and confirm with the consulate whether legalization is needed for internal uses.

Notarization: not always mandatory, but certified copies of critical documents (birth/marriage certificates, educational diplomas) can be requested; in some cases you’ll need a notary public to attest signatures before apostille.

Appointments and booking: track your appointment slot closely; some offices require you to bring all originals to the appointment for verification; keep a spare set of copies ready in case you’re asked to present them at the gate or at internal checks.

Country-specific considerations: if any document is issued in countries like korea, congo, or herzegovina, verify whether an apostille or legalization is necessary; for Canadian elements you might reference ontario records or regional offices such as queenston or ferrybelleville when obtaining police checks.

Document integrity: label files clearly (e.g., “Long-stay_Certificate_of_Residence_Last_Name_First_Name.pdf”) and include a cover page listing all documents to speed up the process at the appointment. Keep both originals and certified copies ready to present at the border if requested.

Visa fees: breakdown by type and payment methods, plus potential extra costs

Pay online with a credit or debit card to lock in the fee, then print the receipt and save the reference number for your tracking. If you must pay by bank transfer, initiate it promptly and include the payment reference so processing begins on time. Expect additional charges if you choose rush processing, courier delivery to the airport or your home, or translation and document legalization–plan for these before you submit. For families, the total outlay can rise quickly when you add multiple applicants, especially if some are children or dependents who qualify for reduced rates.

Fees by visa type

Standard short-stay visas (up to 90 days) commonly fall in a baseline range, with adults paying roughly sixty to eighty euros and children under twelve often receiving a discount around half the adult rate. Long-stay or national visas carry higher fees, typically around one hundred to one hundred forty euros, depending on nationality, purpose of visit, and the issuing consulate’s policy. Applicants from countries such as Morocco, Mexico, Singapore, Sweden, or Burkina Faso may see small regional adjustments, but the official sum posted by the consulate is the amount you’ll be charged pursuant to the latest schedule. Always verify the exact fee on the official site just before you pay, because the figure can shift with policy updates tied to accession milestones or international agreements.

For example, a family visit involving a parent and two children might approach a thousand euros when you include long-stay elements and related service costs, while a single adult applying for tourism could stay within the lower end of the range. If you’re planning a visit from Uganda, Myanmar, or Burkina Faso, check whether a delegated rate applies or if your case qualifies for any exemptions under the current rules. If you’re unsure, contact representatives in your country who can confirm the amount under your specific circumstances.

Payment methods and potential extra costs

Most offices accept online payments via Visa or Mastercard, with some centers opening payment options for local cards or bank transfers. International transfers may go through banks such as Coutts or equivalent intermediaries; if you use these, keep the receipt and ensure funds clear before your appointment. You can also pay in person at certain visa centers where this option is permitted. After you complete payment, you’ll receive a digital receipt you should store and carry when you track the post-processing status throughout the timeline.

Extra costs to budget for include express processing fees, courier or post-delivery charges, and translation or legalization of documents. If you’re applying with a large group or as part of a household, add up the per-person fee and multiply for children, ensuring you account for any “thousand” euro-scale totals that can appear when you combine services. In some cases, applicants in remote areas–such as Yukon or small towns near airports–may incur additional remote-location surcharges to cover handling and transport time. For children, families should expect reduced base fees but may pay for accompanying documents, travel insurance requirements, and biometrics altogether.

To minimize risk, gather documents well in advance, confirm the required translations and apostilles, and plan your visit to the visa center with enough time to avoid last-minute rush post. If you’re visiting from places like Vietnam, Sweden, or Singapore, align your order and payment method with the consulate guidance and ensure you’re prepared to show proof of payment at the post or counter. If you miss a step, a quick call to the local representatives can fix the issue and prevent delays that could affect your trip time before departure. After you complete the submission, stay engaged with the status updates that come through the portal, and keep your eye on any messages from Pierre or other contact points at the Lansdowne office or similar venues to avoid surprises during your visit. You’re building a smooth path from application to approval, under international rules and local procedures, so plan carefully and keep all receipts handy for your records.

Processing times and milestones: typical timelines, express options, and how to monitor your status

Set up online status alerts immediately after submitting your Bulgarian visa application. Use the official tracking portal with your reference number to monitor progress, and enable notifications so you know when new steps appear. If you have visits or personal plans, consider express options and submit a complete dossier in accordance with the embassy guidelines to keep the process moving.

Typical timelines and milestones

1. Submission acknowledged and case opened – 0–3 days after you submit; in december peaks, allow extra days for queueing and scheduling biometrics.
2. Biometrics and fingerprints collected – most holders complete this within 1–7 days at a local center or consulate; bring all needed personal documents.
3. Document review and requests for additional information – if issues arise, authorities may ask for missing items; respond within 3–14 days to minimize delays.
4. Decision issued – for short-term visas, expect 7–30 days in ordinary conditions; long-term or citizenship-related cases can extend longer depending on the council and bureau workload.
5. Passport return and visa issuance – passports are returned by courier or pickup within 3–7 days after a favorable decision; delays are possible if extra verification is requested.

Express options and monitoring your status

• Express or priority processing – some posts offer expedited handling for urgent visits or business needs. Availability and fees vary by country and post; check where to apply and whether your case qualifies.
• Monitoring status – log in to the official portal using your reference number, check the case status page, and review any notes from officers. Expect updates to appear under the milestones such as fingerprints, documents needed, or decision.
• Response timings – if the system requests additional documents, provide them promptly (usually within 24–48 hours) to avoid unnecessary days of delay. Have scanned copies ready for quick uploads, especially if you travel between airports like Windsor-Detroit or international routes via places such as St. John’s or Douglas-area offices.
• Practical planning – plan around your intended travel window and the countries involved in your visits (for example, Mexico, Sweden, Russia, Trinidad, Barbados, Rwanda, or Saskatchewan) to avoid conflicts with peak periods and ensure you meet all fingerprinting and background check requirements.
• Where to check guidance – if you are in a regional hub, use the resources provided by your local consulate and the council’s official pages; this helps you stay aligned with full accordance of rules and reduces the chance of missing needed items.

Biometrics collection sites: locations, who must provide biometrics, and what to bring to your appointment

Book the biometrics appointment at the nearest approved site as soon as you receive the invitation to avoid delays in your visa processing.

Who must provide biometrics

Biometrics are required for most applicants applying for a visa or residence permit. Each holder in a household scheduled for the same appointment may attend, but some sites require separate sessions for dependents. Biometrics include fingerprints and a photo captured at the collection site. Under the policy, exemptions apply for certain holders who previously provided biometrics within the specified period; if you are unsure, check the information and e-mail contact provided by the VAC. Eligible applicants from countries such as kyrgyzstan, ghana, romania, and paraguay typically need to present biometrics at a designated center. In remote north areas, including yukon and other communities, there may be fewer sites–plan ahead and confirm by phone or e-mail. london, vancouver, saskatoon, and sault ste. marie are common sites, but availability depends on your country of residence and appointment period. To bridge any delays, book early and monitor updates under your country’s policy.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your passport or national identity document, the appointment confirmation number, and a recent photo if required by your country’s policy. Carry any documents listed in the requirements, and keep the information you received by e-mail handy for quick reference. Ensure your fingertips are clean and free of nail polish; wash hands before the session and avoid lotions right before the appointment. If you have travel or health insurance, bring policy details; they may help staff verify information. For households with multiple holders, bring IDs and confirmations for each appointment. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete any pre-checks, and expect the full process to take about 15–30 minutes per appointment. If you need to reschedule, use the official resources and contact via e-mail. Before you go, confirm the site’s address, hours, available areas, and whether any regional restrictions apply.