Visa requirements

Bulgaria

General visa requirements for travelling to Bulgaria. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Student visa (Long-Stay Visa (Type D) - Student)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

• Maximum stay: 365 days
• Processing time: 35 business days (may take up to 6 months in specific cases)
• Fee: EUR 100 (6-month visa) or EUR 200 (12-month visa)
• Validity: 6 or 12 months
• Entry: Multiple entry

Long-stay visa (Type D) for full-time students enrolled at accredited Bulgarian universities. Issued for 6 or 12 months with multiple entries. Not granted for language courses. Processing may take up to 6 months in specific cases. Must apply at the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in the applicant's country of permanent residence. Personal interview is mandatory. After arrival, applicants must apply for a residence permit.

Eligibility

• Nationality

  Non-EU/EEA nationals who have been admitted as full-time students at an accredited Bulgarian university

• Purpose of visit

  Must be enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited Bulgarian higher education institution. Language courses do not qualify.

  Includes

  • Full-time study at accredited university
• Financial

  Must demonstrate access to at least BGN 4,000 per academic year plus tuition fee coverage

  Minimum funds: BGN 4,000

• Health

  Must have valid health insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage valid in EU member states

  Required vaccinations: None

Documents you need

• Passport

  Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

• Photo

  Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, color, light background, face covering 70-80% of photo, taken within last 6 months

• Proof of funds

  Accepted forms: Bank statements showing at least 6 months of minimum monthly salaries; Minimum amount: BGN 4,000 per academic year (approximately EUR 2,045) plus tuition fees

• Accommodation proof

  Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

  Accepted types: University dormitory confirmation, rental agreement, or invitation from host; Must cover full stay: Yes

• Admission letter

  Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes

• Application form

  Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

  Form name: Long-Stay Visa Application Form (Type D); Form url: https://www.mfa.bg/upload/99380/2_Visa_D.pdf

• Visa fee payment

  Accepted methods: Cash, bank transfer; Amount: EUR 100 (6-month) or EUR 200 (12-month)

• Academic transcript

  Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

  Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes

• Good conduct certificate

  Issuing authority: Issuing authority; Validity months: 6

• Private health insurance

  Coverage territory: European Union member states; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000

How to apply

1. Document gathering

   Receive acceptance letter from an accredited Bulgarian university confirming full-time enrollment

2. Fee payment

   Pay EUR 100 for 6-month visa or EUR 200 for 12-month visa

3. Appointment booking

   Schedule in-person appointment at the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in the applicant's country of permanent residence

4. Document submission

   Submit all documents in person. Personal interview is mandatory and no exceptions are made.

5. Processing wait

   Standard processing takes up to 35 business days. May take up to 6 months in specific cases.

6. Visa collection

   Collect passport with long-stay visa sticker from the embassy or consulate

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.