Articles
VISAS FOR BULGARIA
source http://www.bulgarianembassy-london.org/
Visas
Passport validity for traveling to Bulgaria
Short-Stay Visa (type “C”)
Long-Term Visas (Type “D”)
The Bulgarian visas are issued by the Bulgarian embassies and consulates abroad, not at the airports or the land and sea passport control points in Bulgaria.
By applying for a Bulgarian visa, the applicant agrees that his/her personal
data appearing on the application form would be electronically stored and
processed, and if necessary, passed over to the appropriate authorities
of other countries in execution of Bulgaria's international commitments.
A visa is issued only to holders of passports or travel documents that are
valid for Bulgaria for at least 3 months after the end of the intended stay
and that contain a blank page for affixing of visa vignettes.
As from 1 January 2006, all children entering Bulgaria will need to have their own passport. Children included in their parents' passports will only be allowed in if the passport also contains their photograph.
Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement.
². Holders of valid ordinary passports from the following countries do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for up to 90 days within each period of six months:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium,Brazil, Brunei,Canada,
Chile, Costa Rica,Croatia,Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dànmark, El Salvador,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,Luxembourg,
Malaysia,Malta,Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway,
Panama, Poland, Ðortugal, Paraguay, Republic of Korea, Romania, San
Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore,
UK (British Citizen Passport Holders and British Nationals/Overseas/ only),
USA,Uruguay, the Vatican, Venezuela, SAR – China (Hong Kong, Makao)
Important Notice!
• Family members of EU citizen, who do not have the nationality of
the EU Member State, are entitled to the same rights as the EU citizens,
for their travel to Bulgaria. This only applies to those having permanent
residence in an EU country (ILR) and travelling together, or going to Bulgaria
to join their family member (s) who is (are) already in the country. Family
members of the EU citizen should be in a position to present on request
a Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate, legalized and translated into
the official language of an EU member country.
• Persons with refugee status in an EU member country, and in possession of regular travel document issued of this EU member country, do not need a visa to enter Bulgaria.
• The citizens of the Republic of Turkey possessing valid ordinary Turkish passports and Shengen visas or visas from other EU member countries, Switzerland and Lichtenstein, do not need visas for a transit trip through Bulgaria (up to 5 days) in case they travel to Turkey or from Turkey to the country for which they have the visa in question.
• The holders of the following types of the British Passports need
visas for travel to Bulgaria:
British Overseas Territories Citizen without Right to Abode
British Overseas Citizens
British Subjects without Right to Abode
British Protected Persons
II. All holders of passports from countries not mentioned in the List above,
need visas to enter Bulgaria.
Visa applications are usually processed for a period of up to 10 working
days, since each application needs to receive clearance by the Bulgarian
Foreign Ministry in Sofia.
Foreign nationals entering Bulgarian territory on a motor vehicle need to
present a document of ownership for that vehicle, in cases such is not explicitly
mentioned in the registration documents of the vehicle.
All foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they
are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their
arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will
be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel
management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.
Passport
validity for traveling to Bulgaria
Foreign citizens entering Bulgarian territory have to present a passport
valid for at least three months beyond the holder's period of stay in Bulgaria.
It is important to note that citizens entering through the Bulgarian border checkpoints are required to present their valid passports.
A short-stay visa is issued to an alien for a single or multiple entry into
Bulgaria and a cumulative duration of the stay not exceeding 90 days within
any six-month period, reckoned from the date of first entry.
A multiple entry short-stay visa may be with a period of validity not exceeding
12 months, save in so far as otherwise provided in an international treaty
in force for the Republic of Bulgaria or in an act of the Council of Ministers.
Note: The duration of a short stay may not exceed 90 days, reckoned from
the date of entry into Bulgaria. This duration may be extended by the aliens
administrative control services for humanitarian reasons.
The purpose of travel may be:
• Private visit, for which the applicant must present:
- A standard invitation to an alien's private visit to the Republic of Bulgaria
(mandatorily presented in the original!)
• Business trip, for which the applicant must present:
- A standard invitation to an alien's business trip to the Republic of Bulgaria
(mandatorily presented in the original!)
• Cultural exchange, for which the applicant must present:
- An invitation letter from the Ministry of Culture or a mayor of the relevant
municipality (mandatorily presented in the original!)
• Sports, for which the applicant must present:
- An invitation letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sports or from a relevant
sports club (mandatorily presented in the original!)
• Medical treatment, for which the applicant must present:
- A certificate issued by the medical-treatment facility according to the
established procedure, stating a plan for treatment and recovery.
• Tourism
For Non-pre-arranged (individual) tours, the applicant must present:
- a foreign-travel document (passport) issued in good and due form and
a photocopy of the pages of the foreign-travel document containing the personal
data and the valid visas or residence permits held;
- an application completed in a standard form and 1 colour photograph (passport
size; glued to the application form);
- a reservation from a Bulgarian collective tourist accommodation establishment
(hotel);
- a reservation or a two-way airline ticket (a reservation may be presented
upon submission of the visa application, and the ticket itself must be presented
upon the issuing of the visa itself), or proof of possession of financial
means to cover the costs of the applicant's return.
For pre-arranged (individual) tours, the applicant must present:
- a tourist voucher issued by the sending tour operator
- a list of the tourists in the group.
Solely accredited tour operators may submit documents of package tourists.
A multiple entry short-stay visa may be issued to an alien who:
1. maintains continuous business contacts with Bulgarian natural persons
or for-profit legal entities or with representative offices of non-resident
legal entities, registered in the Republic of Bulgaria, upon presentation
of documentary proof of the existence of such contacts;
2. has invested more than EUR 50,000 in the Republic of Bulgaria, as shown
by a certificate issued by the InvestBulgaria Agency;
3. is an authorized representative of any persons referred to in Items 1
and 2;
4. satisfies the conditions referred to in Items 2, 4, 6 and 11 of Article
24 (1) of the Aliens in the Republic of Bulgaria Act and is in a position
to certify this, while keeping his or her habitual residence abroad;
5. has contributed substantially to the promotion of bilateral relations
with the Republic of Bulgaria;
6. is a family member or an antecessor or descendant up to the second degree
of a Bulgarian citizen, while keeping his or her habitual residence abroad;
7. is in possession of a multiple entry short-stay visa issued by any of
the following States: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Canada,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic
of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia,
Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
United Kingdom, United States of America, provided that the period of validity
of this visa is equal to or exceeds 12 months.
Upon submission of an application for the issuing of a short-stay visa,
the applicant must present:
• a foreign-travel document issued in good and due form;
• a photocopy of the pages of the foreign-travel document containing
the personal data and the valid visas or residence permits held;
• an application completed in a standard form and 1 colour photograph
(passport size (3.5 by 4.5 cm), glued to the application form);
• documents supporting the visa application, and copies of these documents;
• proof of possession of sufficient financial means to cover the subsistence
costs, to the minimum amount of EUR 50 for each day of the stay as requested
by the visa application or the equivalent of this amount in another freely
convertible currency, but not less than a total of EUR 500 or the equivalent
of this amount in another freely convertible currency, or a document of
pre-paid tourist services;
• proof of possession of sufficient financial means to cover the accommodation
costs, to the minimum amount of EUR 50 for each day of the stay as requested
by the visa application or the equivalent of this amount in another freely
convertible currency, or a document of pre-paid overnight stay in a collective
tourist accommodation establishment, or standard invitation from a Bulgarian
natural person certifying that accommodation will be provided;
• proof of possession of sufficient financial means to cover the costs
of leaving Bulgaria or a ticket and, in the case of crossing the border
by land, sea or river by means of transport operated by the applicant, financial
means to the minimum amount of EUR 300 or the equivalent of this amount
in another freely convertible currency.
A long-term stay in Bulgaria can be continuous with a one-year leave to
remain
(D-type visas), and permanent with an indefinite leave to remain (permanent
residence).
Applications for D-type visas can be submitted to Bulgaria's consular representations abroad. Applications for permanent residence can only be submitted in Bulgaria.
To apply for D-type visas, foreign citizens need to submit any of the following documents as stipulated by the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act:
1. Work permits D-type visas can be granted to foreigners who have a work permit subject to clearance by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. (Reference to Art. 24 (1) 1 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents required for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* Evidence of accommodation during the applicant's stay in the country,
and address
* Work permit issued by the Employment Agency at the Ministry of Labour
and Social Policy.
Documents for D-type visas are submitted in person.
2. Companies and Businesses D-type visas can be granted to foreigners involved in commercial activities inside the country and who, as part of these activities, have hired Bulgarian citizens. (Ref. to Art. 24 (1) 2 of the Foreigners in Bulgaria Act).
Documents required for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* Certified copy of a court ruling for entry in the commercial register
* Certified copy of the tax registration document
* BULSTAT registration
* Court certificate about the current state of the company (the document
is valid for three months from the date of issue; applicants are required
to submit the original or a certified copy)
* A certificate from the National Social Security Institute (applicants
are required to submit the original or a certified copy) for the company.
The certificate should contain the following sections establishing that
the applicant: à) is self-insured; b) is registered as a self-insured
person; c) has hired Bulgarian citizens under an employment contract; d)
has no outstanding tax payments
* A certificate from the tax office about the applicant's declared financial
results showing the amount of the taxes paid (applicants are required to
submit the original or a certified copy);
* A bank certificate: à) for no outstanding payments; b) for an existing
account and a recent full bank statement
* A document certifying the status of the applicant in the company (manager,
associate, etc.)
* Evidence of accommodation in Bulgaria and address in Bulgaria.
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
3. Students D-type visas can be granted to foreigners admitted to licensed educational establishments for full-time education. (Ref. Art. 24, (1) 3 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents required for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* A certificate from the Ministry of Education and Science showing that
the applicant has been admitted for tuition during the respective academic
year (an original or a certified copy is required)
* A money transfer document issued by a Bulgarian bank
* The number of the bank account to which the fee had been transferred
* Evidence of accommodation and address in Bulgaria
* Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the student’s living expenses.
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
4. Foreign specialists D-type visas can be granted to foreigners who are foreign specialists residing in Bulgaria by force of international agreements to which Bulgaria is party. (Ref. Art. 24 (1) 4 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents required for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* A document from the hoste organization in Bulgaria certifying that the
applicant is residing in the country by force of an international agreement
* Evidence of accommodation and address in Bulgaria
* Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the applicant’s living expenses.
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
5. Married to a Bulgarian citizen D-type visas can be granted to foreigners who have reasons to be granted a permanent leave to remain status or who have married a Bulgarian citizen/ or a foreigner residing permanently in the country. (Ref. Art. 24 (1) 5 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents require for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* A certificate for marriage to a Bulgarian citizen or to a foreigner residing
permanently in the country;
* If the marriage has been entered into with a foreigner residing permanently
in the country, a photocopy of the foreigner’s ID needs to be submitted
* Evidence of accommodation and address in Bulgaria.
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
6. Company representatives D-type visas can be granted to foreigners representing a foreign commercial company registered with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (Ref. Art. 24 (1) 6 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents required for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* A court ruling for entry in the commercial register of the Bulgarian Chamber
of Commerce and Industry (the document should have been issued no earlier
than one month before submitting)
* Company tax registration document (legalized with a notary public)
* Evidence of availability of sufficient funds to cover the applicant’s
living expenses
* Evidence of accommodation and address
* Official authorization by the company whose representative office is being
opened in Bulgaria stating explicitly the powers that are being delegated
to the applicant
* A bank account opened in the name of the representative office
* A document for registration with the National Social Security Institute,
stating that the company has no outstanding payments.
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
7. Parents Foreigners who are the financially independent parents of foreigners permanently residing in the country can be granted D-type visas. (Ref. Art. 24 (1) 7 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents required for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* An official birth certificate of the offspring
* A certificate issued by the foreigners control service authorizing the
parent's stay, ID card
* Evidence of sufficient funds to cover all expenses during their stay in
the country
* Evidence of accommodation and address; declaration by a Bulgarian citizen
certified by a notary public in cases where the parent will be staying in
rented accommodation.
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
8. Medical Treatment D-type visas can be granted to foreigners who have been admitted to a Bulgarian clinic for medical treatment and who have the required financial means. (Ref. Art. 24 (1) 8 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents required for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* Certificate issued by a medical establishment containing the applicant's
treatment plan
* Documents certifying that the applicant has sufficient funds for support
during the stay in the country (ˆ50 day).
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
9. Media Representatives D-type visas can be granted to foreigners who are foreign media correspondents and who have been accredited to Bulgaria. (Ref. Art. 24 (1) 9 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents required for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* Accreditation document issued by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
10. Pensioners D-type visas can be granted to foreigners who receive a pension and have sufficient funds to cover their living costs in the country. (Ref. Art. 24 (1) 10 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents required for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* Document, showing that they are entitled to a retirement income, issued
by the country of origin and legalised with a notary public
* Document from a bank in Bulgaria certifying that the applicant has a valid
bank account to which regular transfers of his/her pension will be made
* Evidence of accommodation and address in Bulgaria.
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
11. Foreign Investors D-type visas can be granted to foreigners who perform activities under the Foreign Investments Act. (Ref. Art. 24 (1) 11 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents required to apply:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* Document issued by the Bulgarian Ministry of Finance, in evidence of an
already existing direct investment
* A notary-certified copy of a document certifying the investment
* Evidence of accommodation and address in Bulgaria.
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
12. Members of Family D-type visas may be granted to foreigners who are members of the family of a foreigner with a D-type visa. (Ref. Art. 24 (1) 13 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents required for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* Document certifying the relationship (marriage/birth certificate bearing
a registration number, date and place of issue)
* Photocopy of the applicant's ID card
* Evidence of accommodation and address in Bulgaria.
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
13. Parents/Partners/ D-type visas can be granted to foreigners who are parents, partners (household assistants) of foreigners who have D-type visas under Art. 28 (5). (Ref. Art. 24 (1) 14 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents required for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* A note by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office addressed to the Bulgarian
Embassy
* A note by the British Embassy to the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry
* A work permit issued by the Employment Agency at the Bulgarian Labour
and Social Policy Ministry;
* A document certifying the address at which the applicant is residing
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
14. Free-lance Professionals Foreigners doing free-lance work may receive D-type visas subject to clearance by the Bulgarian Labour and Social Affairs Ministry. (Ref. Art. 24 (1) 15 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents required for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* Evidence of accommodation and address for the duration of the applicant's
stay in the country
* Work permit (or a certified copy) issued by the Bulgarian Employment Agency
at the Labour and Social Policy Ministry.
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
15. Foundations Foreigners wishing to perform not-for-profit activities may obtain D-type visas subject to clearance by the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice within the terms and conditions that have been set out in an ordinance of the justice minister in coordination with the interior minister. (Ref. Art. 24 (1) 16 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).
Documents required for applying:
* Application form and two passport-size photographs
* Passport
* Permit issued by the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice (original or a certified
copy) or a letter having the power of a certificate issued by the Denominations
Agency at the Bulgarian Council of Ministers
* Evidence of accommodation and address for the duration of the applicant's
stay in the country
* Document certifying that the applicant works for the foundation.
Documents for long-term visas are submitted in person.
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