Bulgaria Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Documents required for issuance of visa type D


DOCUMENTS REQUIRED WHEN A VISA TYPE D IS APPLIED FOR

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
1. Wish to work under an employment contract, after obtaining permission from the bodies of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging and means of subsistence have been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A certified copy of the work permit issued by the Employment Agency with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
2. Perform commercial activities in Bulgaria in accordance with the legally regulated procedure, provided that, and as a result of such activities, at least 10 jobs have been created for Bulgarian citizens, unless otherwise provided for in an international treaty ratified by, promulgated in, and effective for, the Republic of Bulgaria;

2.1. Upon first entry:
• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A certificate from the Registry Agency;

• A certified copy of the tax registration document;

• A certified copy of the BULSTAT registration document;

• A certified copy of a certificate issued by the National Revenue Agency and evidencing that the taxes and social insurance contributions due have been paid, and that 10 jobs have been created for Bulgarian citizens;

• Proof that the foreigner will be provided for during his/her stay in Bulgaria;

2.2. Upon each subsequent request for a long-term residence permit for a foreigner on the same grounds:
• A court certificate of good standing based on the company file;

• A certificate issued by the relevant regional unit of the National Revenue Agency operating at the location of the entity’s seat showing the financial results declared and evidencing that the taxes and social insurance contributions due have been paid;

• Documents evidencing that the foreigner will be provided for during his/her residence in Bulgaria.

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
3. Have been admitted to full-time courses of study at licensed educational institutions;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A document certifying that the applicant has been admitted to a full-time course of study and attends the relevant educational institution during the relevant academic year.
For first-year students – a certificate from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science
For students after their first year – a current certificate from the institution providing higher education
• Documents evidencing that the foreigner will be provided for during his/her residence in Bulgaria and that the fees due have been paid.
• /documents under Paragraph 1, Item 2 – proof that the foreigner will be provided for – shall not be required from foreigners of Bulgarian nationality/

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
4. Are foreign specialists residing in Bulgaria on the authority of international treaties whereto the Republic of Bulgaria is a party;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A document evidencing that the state fee under Article 10, Paragraph 4 of Tariff No. 4 of the charges to be collected in the system of the Ministry of Interior under the Stamp Duty Act has been paid;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• Documents issued by competent authorities and proving that the foreigner is to reside in Bulgaria on the authority of an international treaty:
A document from the sending party concerned;

A document from the host party in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
5. Have grounds to be allowed permanent residence or have contracted a civil marriage with a foreigner permanently residing in Bulgaria;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A translated and legalised civil marriage certificate – for spouses.
• A certificate of registered civil marriage issued by the municipality where the permanently residing foreigner resides.
• Translated and legalised birth certificates for the children of the permanently residing foreigner.
• A certificate of civil status issued by the municipality where the permit holder resides.
• A photocopy of the identity card of the permanently residing foreigner.
Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:

6. Are representatives of foreign companies registered with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A certified copy of the representative office’s registration with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry;

• A recent certificate by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry issued no more than one month before it is presented;

• A certified copy of the tax registration certificate;

• Documents evidencing that the foreigner will be provided for during his/her residence in Bulgaria.

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
7. Are financially self-sufficient parents of foreigners permanently residing in Bulgaria or of Bulgarian citizens;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• An official birth document of the descendant;

• A certificate issued by the foreigners administrative control authorities stating that the persons under Item 1 have been granted permission to reside in Bulgaria, or a document evidencing Bulgarian citizenship;

• Documents evidencing that the foreigner will be provided for during his/her residence in Bulgaria.

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
8. Have been admitted to a medical institution for a long period of treatment and possess the treatment funds and means of subsistence needed;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A duly issued certificate from the medical institution, indicating a treatment and rehabilitation plan;

• Documents evidencing that the foreigner will be provided for during his/her residence in Bulgaria.

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
9. Are correspondents of foreign mass media and are accredited in the Republic of Bulgaria;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• An accreditation document issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
10. Have pension insurance and possess sufficient means of subsistence in Bulgaria;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A document issued by the competent authorities of the relevant state and certifying that the foreigner has pension insurance;

• A document from a bank in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria evidencing that an account is available to which the relevant pension payments will be transferred.

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
11. Perform activities under the Investment Promotion Act;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A certificate from the Ministry of Finance evidencing a direct investment made.

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
12. repealed

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
13. Are members of the family of a foreigner who has obtained a long-term residence permit;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• Translated and legalised birth certificates for the foreigner's children.
• A translated and legalised civil marriage certificate – for spouses.
• A document showing the address of residence;

• A declaration that the permit holder will provide for the foreigner;

• A copy of the permit holder’s document evidencing that he/she is allowed to reside in Bulgaria on a long-term basis;


Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
14. Are parents or cohabitants of a foreigner who has obtained a long-term residence permit on the grounds of Article 28, Paragraph 6 /foreigners accredited as members of international diplomatic or consular missions or trade representative offices or representative offices of intergovernmental organisations in the Republic of Bulgaria shall be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs/;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A diplomatic note by the relevant embassy;

• A document showing the address of residence;

• Where necessary, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs certifying the cohabitation.

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
15. Wish to pursue activities as freelancers, after obtaining a permission from the bodies of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy in accordance with Article 24a;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A certified copy of a freelance permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.

Article 24. /1/. A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who:
16. Wish to pursue non-profit activities, after obtaining a permission from the Ministry of Justice subject to terms and conditions determined by an ordinance by the Minister of Justice in coordination with the Minister of Interior;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A certified copy of a permit issued by the Ministry of Justice;

• A certificate from the Religions Directorate under the Council of Ministers, where representatives of religious communities are concerned.

Article 24. /1/
17. Have been granted a special protection status under Article 25 of the Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Act.
Article 24. /1/
18. Are members of the family of a Bulgarian citizen as provided for in Article 2, Paragraph 2
• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A civil marriage certificate issued in accordance with Bulgarian law;

• A Bulgarian birth certificate, and in case the child of a Bulgarian citizen was born in another country – a certificate of civil status issued by the municipality and evidencing the kinship;

• Documents proving the grounds – in the rest of the cases referred to in Article 2, Paragraph 2 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act.
• A photocopy of the Bulgarian citizen’s identity card.

Article 25, Paragraph 1. A permanent residence permit may be granted to foreigners:

1. Of Bulgarian nationality;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A certificate issued by the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad.

2. Five years after they contracted a civil marriage with a foreigner permanently residing in Bulgaria;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A civil marriage certificate.

3. Unmarried minor and underage children of a foreigner permanently residing in Bulgaria;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A birth certificate.

4. Parents of a Bulgarian citizen, in case they are providing his/her means of subsistence as required by law, or, in case of legitimised or adopted children – after the expiry of 3 years after the legitimisation or adoption;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A declaration of both parents’ consent.


5. Who have legally resided in the territory of Bulgaria continuously for the past 5 years, with only half of the duration of residence being recognised in the cases referred to in Article 24, Paragraph 1, Item 3;

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A document evidencing that the applicant has continuously resided in the Republic of Bulgaria for at least 5 years.


6. Who have invested in Bulgaria more than BGN 1,000,000 or have increased their investment by that amount through acquisition of:

a/ shares of Bulgarian companies listed in a Bulgarian regulated market;


b/ bonds and treasury bills, as well as derivative instruments thereof, issued by the State or by the Municipalities, with at least 6 months remaining to maturity;


c/ the title to a separate part of the property of a Bulgarian company in whose capital the State or the Municipalities hold more than 50 percent of interest, under the Privatisation and Post-Privatisation Control Act;


d/ shares or stocks in a Bulgarian company which are owned by the State or by the Municipalities, under the Privatisation and Post-Privatisation Control Act;


e/ Bulgarian intellectual property – objects of copyright and related rights, patented inventions, utility models, trademarks, service marks and industrial designs;


f/ rights under concession contracts in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;


• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;


• The procedure under which the Ministry of Finance is to verify the circumstances referred to in Paragraph 1, Item 6 shall be determined in the Rules on the Implementation of the Act.

7. Who have invested the amount referred to in Item 6 in a Bulgarian licensed credit institution under a trust agreement the period whereof may not be less than 5 years.

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• The procedure under which the Ministry of Finance is to verify the circumstances referred to in Paragraph 1, Item 7 shall be determined in the Rules on the Implementation of the Act.



8. Who have invested at least BGN 6,000,000 in the capital of a Bulgarian company not listed in a regulated market.

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• The procedure under which the Ministry of Finance is to verify the circumstances referred to in Paragraph 1, Item 8 shall be determined in the Rules on the Implementation of the Act.

9. Who are not citizens of Bulgarian origin born in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, have lost their Bulgarian citizenship under displacement agreements or at their own will, and wish to settle in the territory of Bulgaria on a long-term basis;


• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;



• A birth certificate;

• A document issued by the Ministry of Justice and evidencing that the applicant is not a Bulgarian citizen;

• A document issued by the administration of the municipality in whose territory the applicant used to live before losing his/her citizenship, evidencing that he/she appears in the population register.

10. Who entered, resided or were born in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria by 27 December 1998 and whose parent has contracted a civil marriage with a Bulgarian citizen

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which evidence the entry and residence in the Republic of Bulgaria, in case the applicant holds such a document;

• If the applicant does not present such a document, a check shall be performed with the Ministry of Interior’s databases;

• The bodies of the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior shall require documents evidencing birth, a civil marriage contracted by the parent concerned, or another document proving the foreigner’s stay in the Republic of Bulgaria.

11. Who are members of the family of a Bulgarian citizen and have resided in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria continuously for the past five years

• A valid international travel document;

• An application form;

• A 3.5 by 4.5 cm colour photograph;

• A photocopy of those pages of the international travel document which contain the photograph, the personal data, the entry visa and the stamp affixed upon the latest entry into Bulgaria;

• Proof that lodging has been provided for the period of the foreigner’s stay in Bulgaria;

• A civil marriage certificate issued in accordance with Bulgarian law;

• A Bulgarian birth certificate, and in case the child of a Bulgarian citizen was born in another country – a certificate of civil status issued by the municipality and evidencing the kinship;

• Documents proving the grounds – in the rest of the cases referred to in Article 2, Paragraph 2 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act.
• A photocopy of the Bulgarian citizen’s identity card.
• A document issued by the Migration Directorate and evidencing that the applicant has continuously resided in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for 5 years.
.

Article 25, Paragraph 2. The procedure under which the Ministry of Finance is to verify the circumstances referred to in Paragraph 1, Items 6, 7 and 8 shall be determined in the Rules on the Implementation of the Act.


General information on visa type D

(1) A long-stay visa valid for up to 6 months and giving entitlement to residence for up to 180 days shall be issued to a foreigner who wishes to settle in the Republic of Bulgaria for a long period or permanently.

(2) A long-stay visa valid for up to one year and giving entitlement to residence for up to 360 days may be issued to foreigners who are engaged in scientific research or are students in educational programs the duration whereof is up to one academic year, post-graduate students or trainees, foreigners sent on a business trip by a foreign employer in order to perform specific tasks related to the control and coordination of the implementation of a tourist services contract, as well as foreigners sent on a business trip by a foreign employer in order to make investments certified under the Investment Promotion Act.

(3) A long-stay visa gives entitlement to multiple entries in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria within the period of validity of such visa.

(4) A long-stay visa shall be invalidated upon the issuance of a residence permit by the foreigners administrative control authorities.


(5) Long-stay visa applications shall be submitted only at the diplomatic and consular missions at the applicant’s place of permanent residence or at the missions accredited to the applicant’s state of permanent residence.

(6) As an exception, those who reside legally in a third country other than their state of permanent residence may submit an application in that third country, after presenting valid grounds therefor and provided that their return to their country of permanent residence is guaranteed.

(7) In humanitarian and urgent cases visa applications may also be submitted in states other than those provided for by law.