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Bulgaria
Bulgaria flag — visa destinationType D, >90 daysVerified 29 Apr 2026

Long-Term Visa (Type D, >90 days)

Apply for a Bulgaria Long-Term Visa (Type D) from India — for stays >90 days for work, family reunification, study, or other long-stay purposes. ₹11,000 visa fee + ₹3,080 VFS.

Our service feeOur licensed firm files it

₹24,999–₹34,999

incl. GST · Long Term Visa Type D. Embassy and VFS fees are separate.

Embassy / government fee
₹11,000
VFS / application-centre fee
₹3,080

Fees per VFS Global, checked 29 Apr 2026

If the embassy refuses, the ₹14,080 embassy and VFS fees are not refunded — a weak file is the expensive option.

Pro Lifeset Overseas Pvt Ltd · Govt of Punjab Licence 849/DC/PTA/PLA/LC-3/2024. The visa decision is the embassy's — we make the file as strong as it can be.

Stay
More than 90 days
Processing
15
up to · calendar days
Apply at
10
VFS centres

Good to know before you apply

Rules that apply to every Bulgaria visa type — worth a quick read so nothing trips up your file.
  1. 1Indian-resident applicants apply via VFS Global India. Direct Embassy submission only by prior appointment for special EU-family or compassionate cases.
  2. 2Status queries and missing-document submissions go to bgconsuldelhi@yahoo.com — emails to other Embassy addresses are disregarded.
  3. 3Bulgaria became a full Schengen member on 1 January 2025. Holders of Schengen Type C (two/multiple entry), Type D (long-stay), or Schengen-state residence permits can enter Bulgaria WITHOUT a separate Bulgarian visa for stays up to 90 days in 6 months.
  4. 4Diplomatic and Official Indian Passport holders can transit / enter Bulgaria visa-free for short-term visits up to 90 days in 6 months (since 02 July 2009).
  5. 5The applicant bears responsibility for ALL content of the application — an authorised representative cannot accept liability.
  6. 6The Embassy can request additional documents at any time during examination and may call applicants for an interview.
  7. 7Possessing a valid Bulgaria / Schengen visa does NOT guarantee entry — final entry decision rests with the border immigration officer.

Who Can Apply

  • Work — with a positive Migration Directorate notification for labour-market access (FRBA Art. 24i / 24и / 33k)
  • Family reunification — joining a family member with Bulgarian residence (FRBA Art. 24, para 1, item 13)
  • Specialised stay — defined in FRBA Art. 24, para 1, item 18 (with proof of family relationship + accommodation + financial means)
  • Study — admission to a Bulgarian university with Ministry of Education and Science confirmation (FRBA Art. 24в)

What it costs

Government & VFS fees

Paid directly to Bulgaria / VFS — these are not our service fee, and we never mark them up.

Long-Term Visa (Type D, >90 days)Set by the Embassy of Bulgaria for Indian and other citizens
₹11,000
Children 6–12 yearsApplicants aged 12 and below are exempt
FREE
VFS Logistics service charge (Long-Term)Higher than short-stay; inclusive of SGST 9% + CGST 9%
₹3,080
Optional Courier
₹735
Optional Courier with assurance
₹1,260
Optional SMS service
₹420
Optional Premium Lounge
₹3,360

Figures per VFS Global, last verified 29 Apr 2026. Fees change without notice — the official page is final.

Visa fees and VFS service charges are non-refundable, regardless of visa outcome. From 12 August 2024, applicants can pay visa fees and VFS logistics via Card / Cash / UPI. Approximate total for an adult short-stay visa: ₹12,430 (₹9,900 + ₹2,530). Long-Term D total: ₹14,080. Diplomatic and Official Indian Passport holders can transit / visit Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days within 6 months.

Flights · Hotels · Insurance · Itinerary

What Bulgaria actually requires — and what it does not.

Bulgaria applies the Schengen rules, so travel insurance is not a nice-to-have — it is a legal condition of the visa.

2 of 4 are compulsory for Bulgaria

Flight reservation

ExpectedThe Bulgaria consulate wants a return itinerary with a real PNR covering your exact dates. It does not want a paid ticket, and buying one before a decision puts your money at risk for nothing.

Where people slip: Flying into one city and out of another with nothing showing how you travel between them. Officers read the whole route, and an unexplained gap reads as a plan that does not hold together.

How to hold a flight without paying

Hotel booking

RequiredAccommodation for EVERY night of the stay. Not most nights — every one. A gap is a documented refusal ground under the Schengen code.

Where people slip: Free-cancellation bookings are accepted, but if the entire file is free-cancellation the officer sees a trip nobody has committed to. Some of it should be real spend.

Refundable hotel booking, explained

Travel insurance

RequiredMinimum EUR 30,000 medical cover, valid in every Schengen state, including repatriation and emergency medical evacuation, for the full period of stay. Regulation (EC) 810/2009 — this is law, not preference.

Where people slip: Buying cover for the adults and forgetting the children. Every traveller needs their own EUR 30,000, infants included — a real refusal we have seen on a family of four.

What the cover must actually say

Travel itinerary

ExpectedA day-by-day plan matching your flights, your hotels and the country you applied to. Bulgaria must be your main destination or your first point of entry, or you are at the wrong consulate.

Where people slip: Spending more nights in another Schengen country than in Bulgaria. That gets a file rejected before it is even assessed.

The letter your itinerary attaches to

We arrange all four for your Bulgaria file.

We are a B2B travel agency as well as a visa consultancy, working with partners including Riya Travel — so the flight, the hotel and the policy all come from us, issued the same day, and you deal with one team instead of four. Every booking is a real one under your own name.

Tell us your dates — we will say which of the four you actually need

What to gather

Documents required

Having a document isn't the same as presenting it right — that's the part we handle.

Work — FRBA Art. 24i / 24и (labour-market access)

5 items
  • Application form (Bulgaria Visa Application Form)Required
  • Valid passportRequired
  • Copy — Notification from Migration Directorate with positive opinion for granting access to the labour marketRequired
  • Paid fee receiptRequired
  • Medical insurance for the period of initial entry into BulgariaRequired

Work — FRBA Art. 33k (alternative work category)

5 items
  • Application formRequired
  • Valid passportRequired
  • Copy — Notification from Migration Directorate with positive opinion for granting access to the labour marketRequired
  • Paid fee receiptRequired
  • Medical insurance for the period of initial entry into BulgariaRequired

Family Reunification — FRBA Art. 24, para 1, item 13

5 items
  • Application formRequired
  • Valid passportRequired
  • Notification from Migration Directorate with positive decision for family reunificationRequired
  • Medical insurance for the period of initial entry into BulgariaRequired
  • Paid fee receiptRequired

Specialised stay — FRBA Art. 24, para 1, item 18

7 items
  • Application formRequired
  • Valid passportRequired
  • Documents certifying family relationshipRequired

    Recognised and registered or allowed for enforcement under Bulgarian legislation: marriage certificate, birth certificate, or certificate of family status

  • Proof of secured accommodationRequired

    Ownership document OR lease agreement; in case of lease — notarised declaration from the property owner providing the address of residence

  • Medical insurance for the period of initial entry into BulgariaRequired
  • Proof of financial means for subsistenceRequired

    In an amount not less than the minimum monthly salary for the period of residence

  • Certificate of criminal record OR criminal / police registrationRequired

    Issued in accordance with the legislation of the country of citizenship, country of origin, or habitual residence

Study — FRBA Art. 24в, para 1 (Education)

11 items
  • Application formRequired
  • Valid passportRequired
  • Proof of secured accommodationRequired

    Ownership document OR lease agreement; if lease — notarised declaration from property owner providing address of residence

  • Medical insurance for the period of initial entry into BulgariaRequired
  • Confirmation letter from Ministry of Education and ScienceRequired
  • Confirmation letter from the University of admissionRequired
  • Proof of possession of financial means for subsistenceRequired
  • Notarised declaration from parent(s) covering education + stay expensesRequired

    With bank statements + other financial documents from the parent(s)

  • 3 months bank statements — for both supporting person AND applicantRequired
  • If applicant is a MINOR — Notarised declaration from parents agreeing to study in BulgariaRequired
  • Certificate of criminal record OR criminal / police registrationRequired

All applicants — additional

1 item
  • All documents issued abroad must bear necessary certifications, legalisations, AND translationRequired

    Apostille for documents from Hague Convention countries; Embassy / MEA legalisation otherwise. Bulgarian translation may also be required.

Required · optional / if applicable

The journey.

10 steps from intake to approval — never as linear as government sites pretend.

  1. 01

    Identify your specific FRBA legal basis

    Work (Art. 24i or 33k), Family Reunification (Art. 24 para 1 item 13), Specialised Stay (Art. 24 para 1 item 18), or Study (Art. 24в).

  2. 02

    Get the Migration Directorate notification (Work / Family Reunification)

    For Work and Family Reunification, the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior in Bulgaria must issue a positive notification BEFORE you apply for the visa. Your Bulgarian employer / family member files this on your behalf — process takes 2-3 months.

  3. 03

    For Study — secure admission letter + Ministry of Education confirmation

    Bulgarian university admission letter PLUS Ministry of Education and Science confirmation. Both required.

  4. 04

    Get all foreign documents apostilled and translated

    Apostille via Indian MEA for Hague Convention countries; otherwise full legalisation. Bulgarian translation by a certified translator may be required.

  5. 05

    Prepare proof of accommodation + financial means

    Ownership / lease + notarised owner's declaration. Financial means at least minimum Bulgarian monthly salary for the residence period.

  6. 06

    Get criminal-record certificate

    From your country of citizenship / origin / habitual residence. Apostilled + translated.

  7. 07

    Download and complete the Bulgaria Visa Application Form

    From VFS Global Bulgaria. Sign in TWO places.

  8. 08

    Get ICAO-compliant photographs

    3.5 × 4.5 cm, light background.

  9. 09

    Book VFS appointment + submit in person

    Pay ₹11,000 visa fee + ₹3,080 VFS Logistics. First trip MUST be in person.

  10. 10

    Track and collect

    Up to 15 calendar days from Embassy receipt — but May extend significantly for Type D applications. After approval, enter Bulgaria and apply for residence permit at the local Migration Directorate.

Biometrics and the visit to the visa centre are yours to attend in person — no consultancy can do those for you. How we work

What works

23 levers that flip a borderline case.

  • Travel medical insurance must be issued by an APPROVED EU / VFS-listed insurer with minimum €30,000 cover. Without it your application will be rejected outright.
  • Bank statements must show last 3 months of activity — both saving + current accounts where applicable.
  • Three years of ITR / ITR-V are mandatory — personal AND company (if you are self-employed).
  • Application form MUST be signed in TWO places: field 37 + the last field. A common mistake.

What kills cases

Top 3 refusal triggers we see.

  1. 1Migration Directorate notification missing OR not yet issued
  2. 2Foreign documents not properly apostilled / legalised / translated
  3. 3Insufficient proof of secured accommodation

Download official forms

Each link opens the official Bulgaria page on VFS Global (we never host third-party forms): pick your visa category there and use its "Download Form" section for the current version.

VFS application centres

  • VFS Global New Delhi
  • VFS Global Mumbai
  • VFS Global Bengaluru
  • VFS Global Chennai
  • VFS Global Kolkata
  • VFS Global Hyderabad
  • VFS Global Ahmedabad
  • VFS Global Pune
  • VFS Global Chandigarh
  • VFS Global Jalandhar

Schengen Tourist Visa Eligibility Check

Answer 10 quick questions to see your likelihood of approval. This is not a guarantee — final decision is always with the Embassy — but it flags common weak spots so you can address them before applying.

0 / 10

What's the primary purpose of your trip?

How long do you plan to stay?

Have you previously visited any Schengen country?

Have you ever been refused a Schengen (or any country's) visa?

Past refusals must be disclosed — they show up in VIS database across Schengen countries.

Do you have confirmed travel bookings?

Reservations are enough — don't buy tickets until visa approval.

What's your current employment status?

What's your typical 3-month bank balance?

Schengen needs ~₹700/day covered. For a 10-day trip, minimum ₹70,000 stable balance.

How many years of Income Tax Returns (ITR) can you show?

What are your strongest ties to India (return-intent)?

Embassies want evidence you'll come back — not overstay.

Who are you travelling with?

Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered straight

What's the difference between Type C and Type D Bulgaria visa?

Type C is short-stay (≤90 days). Type D is long-stay (>90 days) — for work, family reunification, study, or other long-stay purposes. Type D is the gateway to a Bulgarian residence permit issued by the Migration Directorate.

How long does Type D processing take?

VFS quotes 'up to 15 calendar days' but Type D applications often take significantly longer — 30-60 days is common. The bottleneck is the Migration Directorate notification (for Work / Family Reunification), which itself takes 2-3 months. Plan 4-6 months total.

What is the total cost?

Approximately ₹14,080 for the visa portion alone — ₹11,000 visa fee + ₹3,080 VFS Logistics. Excludes apostille / legalisation costs (~₹500-2,000), translation (~₹500-1,500 per document), and the residence permit fees later in Bulgaria.

After the visa, what next?

Within 90 days of entering Bulgaria, you apply for a residence permit at the local Migration Directorate office. The visa allows you to enter and start the residence-permit process; the residence permit is the actual long-term legal status.

What's the Migration Directorate notification?

For Work and Family Reunification grounds, your Bulgarian employer / family member files a request with the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior. The Directorate issues a positive opinion (notification) for granting access to the labour market or family reunification BEFORE you can apply for the Type D visa.

Can SureshotVisa help with the Migration Directorate process?

We can coordinate with your Bulgarian employer / sponsor / university to ensure their Migration Directorate filing is complete, then handle the Indian-side visa application end-to-end. Book a ₹499 consultation to scope your case.

A consultant at our licensed firm replies today · No obligation

Reviewed by Sherbir Singh Grewal, SureshotVisa — a government-licensed consultancy (Licence 849/DC/PTA/PLA/LC-3/2024). Verify us.

Done-for-you · End-to-end filing

Your whole Bulgaria Long Term Visa Type D, handled for one honest price.

A strong Bulgaria file clearly explains your travel purpose, funds, and ties to India. We structure and submit everything properly — so your case is presented clearly and professionally.

All-in · 18% GST included · no hidden charges

₹24,999–₹34,999all-in · GST incl.

File-ready in 3–5 working days after documents

5★ · 100+ reviews · reply in 5 min

Everything below — included, nothing extra

  • Document checklist
  • Application form guidance
  • Document review
  • Cover letter
  • Purpose of travel structure
  • Financial proof review
  • Sponsor document guidance
  • Submission & appointment support
  • Post-submission guidance
Our licensed consultancy files it Govt/VFS fees paid direct — never marked up

Not sure you qualify? Start with a refundable ₹499 possibility report — an honest Yes / Maybe / No, credited to this fee.

Price is for our consultancy service only and includes 18% GST. No agency can guarantee a visa — the final decision rests with the visa authority.

Your fee, in one glance

What the ₹24,999–₹34,999 fee covers for a Bulgaria file

  • We work out what your case actually is, before touching a form
  • We build the checklist around your profile, not a template
  • We read your documents against each other, not against a list
  • Financial proof review
  • Purpose of travel structuring
  • Cover letter / explanation support
  • Return ties review
  • Sponsor / invitation guidance
  • Application form guidance
  • Submission & appointment support
  • Biometrics guidance
  • Post-submission support

Government, VFS, insurance, ticket and hotel costs are separate and charged at cost. Read what each item means, in full.

How we get it done

Your Bulgaria Long-Term Visa, from your first message to your passport back.

3 questions about this visa specifically. The first two are open — tap any other to read it.

Refused? Our full service fee comes back. Government and visa-centre fees are the one part nobody can refund.

How long does a Bulgaria Long-Term Visa take, start to finish?

Three things sit between today and your trip: preparing the file properly, waiting for an appointment, and the mission's own processing. Bulgaria currently states Up to 15 calendar days from when the Embassy receives your complete application. May extend to 30 or up to 60 calendar days when further scrutiny is needed. VFS centres outside Delhi forward to the Embassy promptly. Applications cannot be lodged less than 15 calendar days before departure or more than 3 months ahead. for the decision itself. We control the first, which is usually days. The middle depends on slot releases. The third is entirely the mission's and no consultant can shorten it — anyone telling you otherwise is selling something they cannot deliver. Tell us your travel date and we will tell you honestly whether it is realistic.

How much of what I pay for the Bulgaria visa is actually your fee?

Most of it is not ours. The Bulgaria government fee (currently ₹11,000) goes to the mission and the visa-centre fee goes to VFS — both charged to you at cost, never marked up, and shown as separate lines on one GST invoice in the registered company name. Our service fee is the only part we set, and it is published rather than quoted case by case.

How does SureshotVisa handle my Bulgaria Long-Term Visa, from first message to passport back?

You send what you have on WhatsApp and a consultant at our licensed firm says the same working day whether the case is ready. We build the file around your profile, check every document against the others, write the cover letter to match them, and hold the file complete so the first workable appointment can be taken the moment it appears. You attend biometrics; we track the file to the decision (Bulgaria currently states Up to 15 calendar days from when the Embassy receives your complete application. May extend to 30 or up to 60 calendar days when further scrutiny is needed. VFS centres outside Delhi forward to the Embassy promptly. Applications cannot be lodged less than 15 calendar days before departure or more than 3 months ahead.). Government and visa-centre fees (₹11,000 for this visa) are charged at cost; our own fee is published, and if the visa is refused that fee comes back in full.

Before you file

A Bulgaria Long-Term Visa goes one of two ways.

Filed on a guessed checklist, the government fee is gone on a refusal and the refusal follows every future application. Filed after a consultant at our licensed firm has read the papers against each other, the file answers the officer's questions before they are asked. Same Bulgaria rules, different outcome. How we do that is written once, in full, on the method page rather than repeated here.

How we build a file Published fees Licence 849/DC/PTA/PLA/LC-3/2024

No obligation · A consultant at our licensed firm replies today

Other Bulgaria Visa Types

Source & Disclaimer

Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Bulgaria website and Embassy of Bulgaria. Last verified 2026-04-29. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.

Also relevant

More for Bulgaria applicants

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