Last updated 2025-08-26
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Designed for third-country nationals intending to work in Bulgaria on a freelance basis, upon obtaining the relevant permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. This visa permits entry into the country for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
6 months
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
A long-term visa is issued for a duration of 6 months, with right to stay for up to 180 days. Upon arrival in Bulgaria, the visa holder must obtain a residence permit from the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior.
6 months
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
Upon arrival in Bulgaria, the visa holder must obtain a residence permit from the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior. The residence permit is issued for the same duration as the self-employment (freelance) permit, which is valid for up to 1 year and renewable annually for a maximum of 3 years. After 3 years, the individual must return to their home country for at least 1 month before reapplying under the same procedure.
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
A long-term visa cannot be extended. The residence permit is issued for the same duration as the self-employment (freelance) permit, which is valid for up to 1 year and renewable annually for a maximum of 3 years. After 3 years, the individual must return to their home country for at least 1 month before reapplying under the same procedure.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The long-term visa is issued for multiple entries.
from 1 month 5 days to 6 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The processing time for a visa application depends on the legal grounds for the request. As a general rule, decisions on visa applications are taken within 35 working days from the date of submission. In exceptional cases, the period may be extended up to a maximum of 180 days.
€100 - for adults
free - for children under 12 years old
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Fees may be waived or vary depending on the applicant's nationality, marital status, age, and specific purpose of the visit. Visa fees are waived for the following categories of persons: - children under 12 years of age; - family members of Bulgarian or EU citizens. Consular fee is the official charge for processing a visa application by an embassy or consulate of the country and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, the cost of permits or other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Photograph
Must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), in color, clear, and sized 35x45mm. The face should occupy 70-80% of the image, printed on high-quality, matte paper with a plain, light background. Hair must not cover the eyes or eyebrows. Headwear is not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must remain visible.
Travel health insurance
Valid for the entire Schengen area and the full duration of stay, covering at least €30,000, and include emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, including in case of death.
Passport
Issued less than 10 years ago, valid for at least 18 months beyond the visa application date and with at least two blank pages. Both the original and copies of the passport pages containing personal data, as well as any visas or residence permits issued by other countries, must be submitted.
Visa application form
Official D-visa application form, completely filled and signed by the applicant.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Proof of accommodation
Notarial deed confirming ownership of property; or lease agreement for an apartment, with the signatures of both the landlord and tenant notarized (with copies). Applicants submitting a lease agreement must also provide a declaration from the property owner, certified by a Bulgarian notary.
Work permit
A certified copy of the permit authorizing freelance or self-employed professional activity, issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Proof of financial means
Bank statements issued by a bank operating in the Republic of Bulgaria, confirming that the applicant holds an active account with a balance of no less than 6 times the minimum monthly wage in Bulgaria (approximately 6,462 BGN or 3,297 EUR). Both the original document and a photocopy must be submitted.
Letter from the employer
An official letter issued by the employer confirming that accommodation will be provided for the applicant, clearly stating the full address of the designated residence.
Criminal record certificate
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country. The original document must be accompanied by an accredited translation and a consular certification of the translator’s signature. Required for applicants aged 18.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
D
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Long-term/national
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Employment
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
6 months
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
€100
