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Nowadays, more and more foreigners are looking for opportunities to live in Bulgaria, and our homeland is becoming a preferred destination due to the many advantages that our country has. Whether it is striving for a better standard of living, new professional horizons or personal reasons, the step towards moving to another country requires a thorough understanding of immigration procedures and laws. In the context of Bulgaria, a key component in this process is the immigration visa type “D” - an important prerequisite for those who wish to establish their residence on Bulgarian territory.
The “D” Immigration Visa is the first step for foreigners seeking long-term residence in the Republic of Bulgaria. This type of visa is intended for persons who intend to reside in the country for a period, exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period. Obtaining a “D” visa is a prerequisite for the subsequent application for a residence permit, which in turn legitimizes the long-term presence of the foreigner on Bulgarian territory.
Understanding the differences and similarities between a “D” visa and a residence permit is essential for any applicant. Although these two concepts are often confused, they serve different purposes and are part of the same immigration process. The “D” visa serves as the gateway to Bulgaria, while the residence permit is the key to long-term stay in the country.
Over time, interest in Bulgaria as an immigration destination has increased, leading to an increase in the number of refusals of “D” visa applications. This highlights the need for careful planning and preparation of documentation, as well as professional legal assistance. The options for obtaining a “D” visa are diverse and cover a wide range of legal grounds, including marriage to a Bulgarian citizen, work, study programs and others.
In the following sections, we will take a detailed look at the application process for a type “D” immigration visa, the necessary documents, the steps for converting a visa into a residence permit, and how we can help you in this important and often complex process. With the right preparation and support, the path to a new life in Bulgaria can be successful and trouble-free.
The immigration visa type “D” is a key element of the process of immigration and residence in Bulgaria, representing a gateway to the opportunities that the country offers to foreigners. This visa is intended for persons who plan to stay in Bulgaria for a period longer than 90 days within any 180-day period, and is the first step towards obtaining a long-term or permanent residence permit.
The correct name of the “D” visa is “Visa for long-term residence under Art. 15 of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria”. This visa is issued by the diplomatic and consular representations of the Republic of Bulgaria abroad. The validity period of the visa is up to 6 months, and it gives the right to stay on the territory of the country for up to 180 days. The issuance of this visa is a process that requires carefully prepared documentation and often faces challenges, including a high risk of refusal.
Obtaining a “D” visa can be a complex and difficult process, in which refusals are not uncommon. This often leads to difficulties for foreigners who want to reunite their families in Bulgaria or to live in the country together with their children who are Bulgarian citizens. Refusal to issue an “D” visa deprives the applicant of the opportunity to apply for a residence permit in Bulgaria, which can have serious personal and family consequences.
When applying for a “D” visa for long-term stay in Bulgaria, applicants often face a number of challenges and peculiarities that can complicate the process. Understanding these aspects and finding appropriate strategies to overcome them is essential for the success of the application.
In recent years, due to the growing interest in settling in Bulgaria, immigration authorities have subjected applications for “D” visas to a thorough and critical analysis. The conditions for obtaining the right of residence are tightened, which leads to increase in cases of refusals. This is particularly important for persons from third countries who are not members of the EU and are seeking long, long-term or permanent residence.
According to Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria (ZHRB)in order to obtain a long-term residence permit, applicants must necessarily hold a visa “D”. This makes the visa an absolutely necessary step in the process of settling in the country and puts an additional barrier for applicants.
Although There are some legal mechanismsfor obtaining a residence permit without a “D” visa, they are extremely complex and ambiguous. Precedents, such as won lawsuits for issuing a residence permit without a “D” visa, are rare and often provoke long legal battles with immigration authorities.
Proper preparation and understanding of the specifics of the process can significantly increase the chances of successfully obtaining a “D” visa and further establishment in Bulgaria.
The application process for a “D” visa for long-term residence in Bulgaria is strictly regulated and requires careful planning on the part of the applicants. It is important to know where and how you can submit your “D” visa application to ensure its successful consideration.
According to Bulgarian law, the application for a “D” visa must be submitted in Bulgarian embassy or consulate in the applicant's country. This means the state of which he is a citizen. If the applicant lives permanently in another country, in some cases it is possible to submit his application to the Bulgarian embassy or consulate there, although this possibility is not guaranteed for all cases.
If in the applicant's country there is no Bulgarian embassy or consulate, then the application for the “D” visa must be submitted to the embassy or consulate that is authorized for this state.
In exceptional circumstances, it is possible to apply for an “D” visa and another countrydifferent from that of the candidate. This can be convenient for foreigners who are in Bulgaria and find it difficult to travel to their homeland. In such cases, they can apply in neighboring countries such as Serbia or Greece, but only after explicit permission from the Bulgarian authorities.
Important! According to Art. 11 of the Ordinance on the Conditions and Procedure for Issuing Visas and Determining the Visa Regimein Bulgaria“the application for a long-stay visa shall be submitted only at the diplomatic and consular posts of the applicant's permanent residence or at those offices which are accredited for the applicant's State of permanent residence. Visa applicants lawfully residing in a third country other than their country of permanent residence may exceptionally apply to that third country after justifying the reasons for doing so and if their return to the country of permanent residence is guaranteed.In humanitarian and delaying cases, a visa application may also be submitted in countries other than those mentioned above!
It is important to note that not possibleto apply for a “D” visa from Bulgaria. This is strictly regulated and applications must be submitted only through the diplomatic and consular representations of Bulgaria abroad.
By following these guidelines, you can facilitate the application process for a “D” visa and increase your chances of successfully obtaining the desired visa.
When applying for a “D” visa for long-term stay in the Republic of Bulgaria, it is important to prepare and submit all necessary documents in accordance with the requirements of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria (Aliens in the Republic of Bulgaria) and the relevant regulations.
Preparing the correct and complete package of documents is key to a successful application for a “D” visa. Includes:
The processing and issuance time for a “D” visa varies, but is usually 15 calendar days. Depending on the grounds on which the application is made, the deadline may be up to 35 working days.
Yes, applying for a “D” visa requires the payment of state fee, which amounts to 100 euro. This fee can be paid in cash, by bank card or by bank account of the respective diplomatic or consular mission. The amount of the fee is determined according to Tariff No. 3 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It is important to note that a successful application for a “D” visa requires careful preparation and submission of all necessary documents, as well as payment of the corresponding fee within the specified deadlines.
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.
Refusal to issue a “D” visa can be a big disappointment and call into question your plans to stay in Bulgaria. Although this is a common situation, it is important to know that you have options for action.
The most important step, which you must take when receiving a refusal to issue a visa “D” is appeal the decision immediately. The law provides for the possibility of appealing against visa refusals and other administrative acts related to the immigration process. Failure to accept the refusal and its immediate appeal may represent an important chance to reverse the decision and successfully obtain a visa.
IMPORTANT! If you do not appeal the refusal, then the chances of obtaining a subsequent visa D or even a tourist visa C are drastically reduced, with in some cases up to 1 percent success rate!
According to the legislation, you have the right to appeal the refusalin court in 14-day periodof its delivery. It is important to strictly observe this deadline, as delays can deprive your appeal of legal force. In the case of tacit refusal, which is considered as such in the absence of a response within the established statutory period, there is also an option to appeal under the same rules.
Due to the complexity of the appeal process, highly recommendedto search the help of a lawyer, which specializes in the field of immigration law. Professional legal support can significantly increase the chances of successfully appealing the refusal, while ensuring proper compliance with all procedural and time requirements.
Your appeal should include all the necessary evidence and argumentswho support your position and prove the illegality of the refusal. Include detailed information about your circumstances, as well as any supporting documents that may be crucial to your case.
In the event that you decide not to appeal the refusal or if the appeal period expires, you should be aware that this can significantly complicate obtaining a new visa in the future, including a tourist one. This is because “consent” to the refusal (non-appeal) can be interpreted as recognition of the grounds for refusal, which in turn negatively affects all future visa applications.
Getting a visa “D” refusal is not the end of the road. With the right actions and an effective appeal, you still have a chance to change your mind and move on with your plans for residence in Bulgaria.
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A “D” visa is an immigration visa that allows foreigners to enter and reside in Bulgaria for a long-term period for the purpose of establishing, working, studying or reuniting their family. It is the first step towards obtaining a long-term or permanent residence permit.
The required documents include: a completed application form, a valid passport, evidence of financial stability, medical insurance, documents supporting the purpose of the stay (e.g. an invitation from an employer, educational institution or family ties), and evidence of the presence of housing in Bulgaria.
The process of issuing an “D” visa usually takes from 15 to 35 working days, depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant and the completeness of the documents provided. It is important that applicants submit their application on time and provide all required documents to avoid delays.
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