Bulgaria, strategically located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, is becoming a preferred residence for many foreigners from third countries - i.e. from countries outside the European Union. According to Bulgarian legislation, an individual categorized as a foreigner can be both a citizen of another country and a stateless person. The process of regulating the residence of these persons in the country is in accordance with national laws, as well as international treaties and directives of the European Union.
The protection of the rights of foreigners is a fundamental principle in the Bulgarian Constitution, which guarantees that persons legally residing in the territory of the country may not be expelled or extradited to another state against their will, except under specific conditions regulated by law. Such legal residence can be carried out through various legal grounds such as visas, international agreements on visa-free regime, acts of EU law and permits issued by the relevant Bulgarian administrative authorities.
It is important to emphasize that residence in Bulgaria can be for different purposes - both for temporary and permanent settlement. Specific conditions and arrangements for residence on the basis of asylum or other humanitarian considerations are also part of the legal framework, and these regimes are regulated in accordance with national and international law. This opens up opportunities for many people looking for a new life in Bulgaria to realize it within the legal framework offered by the country.
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The residence permit of a foreigner in Bulgaria is a key official document that legalizes the stay of foreigners in the country. It is mandatory for all those who wish to stay in Bulgaria for a period exceeding that of the standard tourist visa or visa-free regime, and is issued by the relevant migration and administrative authorities of the country.
In general, the competent authority to issue residence permits to foreigners is the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and its subdivisions - sectors that are located in the regional centers.
There are different types of residence permits, which are distinguished by the duration and purpose of the foreigner's stay - for example, for work, study purposes, family reunification or other specific circumstances. The process of applying for a residence permit involves submitting the necessary documents and observing certain conditions that depend on the type of permit and the purposes of residence.
It is important to note that the residence permit is an essential element of the legal status of foreigners in Bulgaria. It provides the legal basis for their residence in the country and is linked to a number of rights and obligations, including access to jobs, education, health and social services, depending on the specific status and conditions of the permit.
The difference between a residence permit and a visa is substantial and relates to the purpose, duration and scope of the rights they grant to foreigners in Bulgaria.
It is important to note that the visa is the first step to enter Bulgaria, while the residence permit is associated with the longer-term establishment in the country. While the visa gives the right to stay only, the residence permit is associated with additional rights such as work, access to education and social services, depending on the type of permit.
Residence permits for foreigners in Bulgaria are diverse and adapt to the different needs and circumstances of these persons. The possibility of staying in the country ranges from short-term stays for tourism or business commitments, to long-term or even permanent settlement. Each permit has its own specific conditions and requirements, which are tailored to the purpose of the residence and the personal circumstances of the foreigner.
Short-term residence, usually regulated by a “C” visa, allows foreigners to enter Bulgaria for purposes such as tourism, business connections, or to participate in cultural and scientific events. This type of stay is limited to 90 days within any 180-day period and is suitable for persons who do not plan a long-term stay in the country.
For longer stays, including for work, study purposes or family reunification, a long-term residence permit is required. Such permits can be issued on the basis of a “D” visa and are usually valid for up to 1 year, allowing for work and access to local services.
Permanent residence is an option for foreigners who have long-term ties to Bulgaria, such as those of Bulgarian origin or family members of permanent residents. It provides wider access to rights and services, including long-term employment and social security.
Each residence permit represents an important aspect of the migration process in Bulgaria and is key for the integration of foreigners into the Bulgarian society and economy.
Address registration of foreigners in Bulgaria is an important procedure that depends on the length of their stay in the country. This registration is necessary for both short-term and long-term resident foreigners and is governed by various legal requirements.
For foreigners residing in Bulgaria for a short period of time, the procedure for address registration is relatively simple. According to Art. 18 of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria (Aliens in the Republic of Bulgaria), upon entering the country, the foreigner must declare the purpose of his visit and indicate in writing the address at which he will reside, by filling in an address card according to a template. This procedure is mandatory and helps the authorities to keep up-to-date information about the whereabouts of foreigners during their stay.
For foreigners planning a long-term stay in Bulgaria (including those applying for long-term, long-term or permanent residence), the requirements are stricter. According to §1, item 1, subsection 20 of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria, all foreign citizens are required to present “evidence of insured housing”. This can be, for example, a notarial deed, a document of ownership or use of property, or a statement from the owner of the property, which provides an address of residence to the foreigner. It is important to note that if the declaration is not submitted personally by the owner, it must be notarized or signed with a qualified electronic signature.
These procedures ensure control by the state over the place of residence of foreigners and help to ensure their security and lawful residence in the country. In addition, they facilitate access to various government and public services, such as medical care and social rights.
In the table below are direct links for downloading the necessary documents for applying for a visa “D” for long-term stay in the Republic of Bulgaria. This information is intended to facilitate applicants in the process of preparing their applications by providing easy access to all necessary forms in different languages.
Using the documents provided in the table is the first step towards a successful application for a “D” visa. We recommend that you carefully review all requirements and provide a complete and accurate package of documents to the relevant diplomatic or consular representation.
Notification to the Ministry of Interior upon the placement of a foreigner in Bulgaria (including for Ukrainian citizens) is a mandatory process that helps to maintain order and security, as well as to regulate migration flows in the country. According to Art. 28, para. 3 of the Law on Aliens in the Republic of Bulgaria, anyone who provides shelter to foreigners, including Ukrainian citizens, is obliged to notify the competent authorities in writing within three days of the granting of shelter. This mandatory procedure ensures that foreigners reside in the country legally and are duly registered.
The notification procedure includes providing the foreigner's personal identity documents, the document for foreign travel or the document for entry into the Republic of Bulgaria, as well as filling in an address card. The presence of the foreigner in this procedure is not mandatory, but the information that is provided must be accurate and complete. Address registration can be carried out at the nearest regional office of the Ministry of Interior in the territory where the foreigner will reside.
In cases where the asylum of the foreigner is provided by the respective municipality, the authorities of the Ministry of Interior must be notified within three days. It is necessary to send lists to the accommodated foreigners, which include their names, date of birth, nationality, number and series of the identity document, exact address of accommodation, as well as BULSTAT of the host.
Citizens of Ukraine, pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 of the European Parliament, have the right of visa-free entry and right of residence for a 90-day stay within any 6-month period in the Republic of Bulgaria. In cases of humanitarian circumstances related to emergency situations, the period of residence may be extended in accordance with Article 27, paragraph 2 of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria. Ukrainian citizens who wish to extend their stay can submit an application to the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior or to sectors and groups “Migration” at the Ministry of Internal Affairs before the expiration of the permitted period of residence. This makes it possible to legally regulate their stay in the country in case of need for extension due to specific circumstances, without the need for temporary protection!
Why is it important? Because according to the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria and the Law on Asylum and Refugees there are two types of status - the status of a foreigner and the status of a refugee.
When a Ukrainian citizen forms temporary protection, he receives the status of a refugee, with which automatically Loses the right to be treated as a foreigner within the meaning of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria. This means, in practice, that he cannot perform basic operations such as replacing a driver's license with a Bulgarianand is also set depending on how long the temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens will be in effect.
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Anyone who provides shelter to a foreigner is obliged to notify the authorities of the Ministry of Interior within three days from the date of accommodation. This notification must be made in writing at the nearest regional office of the Ministry of Interior or in the Migration group, providing the necessary documents and information about the foreigner.
The lists sent to the Ministry of Interior when accommodating foreigners must include the following information for each foreigner accommodated: Latin names, date of birth, nationality, number and series of the identity document, exact address of accommodation, as well as the BULSTAT of the host. These data are necessary for adequate reporting and control by migration authorities.
Ukrainian citizens who want to extend their 90-day visa-free stay in Bulgaria can apply to the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior or in sectors and groups “Migration” at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This must be done before the expiration of the authorized period of residence. The application can be obtained on the spot or downloaded from the website of the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior.
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