General Questions
Q1: Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Bulgaria for business?
Yes, all Indian ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Bulgaria for any purpose, including business. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for Indian citizens. However, holders of diplomatic and official passports are exempt from visa requirements for short-term visits up to 90 days.
Q2: Can I enter Bulgaria with a valid Schengen visa?
Yes! Since January 31, 2012, Bulgaria has unilaterally applied visa-free regulations for holders of valid Schengen visas. If you hold a valid Schengen visa issued by any Schengen member country, you can enter and stay in Bulgaria for up to three months within each six-month period without obtaining a separate Bulgarian visa. This is a significant advantage for Indian business travelers who frequently visit Europe.
Q3: What is the difference between Type C and Type D business visas?
Type C (Short-Stay) Business Visa:
- For stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period
- Suitable for business meetings, conferences, trade fairs
- Does not permit employment or establishing business
- Processing time: 15-20 business days
- Fee: ₹9,450
Type D (Long-Term) Business Visa:
- For stays exceeding 90 days
- Required for employment or establishing business operations
- Prerequisite for residence permit
- Processing time: 35 business days to 6 months
- Fee: ₹9,450
- Requires work permit or business registration
Q4: How long does it take to get a Bulgaria business visa from India?
The standard processing time is 15-20 business days for Type C business visas and 35 business days for Type D visas. However, processing can extend up to 45 days in exceptional cases. It's recommended to apply at least 4-5 weeks before your intended travel date to account for any delays.
Q5: What is the visa fee for Indian citizens in 2025-2026?
The visa fee for both Type C and Type D business visas is ₹9,450 (approximately €90) for adults. Children aged 6-12 years are exempt from visa fees, as are children under 6 years. Additionally, VFS Global charges service fees of approximately ₹1,500-₹2,000. All fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is rejected.
Application Process Questions
Q6: Where can I apply for a Bulgaria business visa in India?
As of November 2025, you can apply at any of the six VFS Global Bulgaria Visa Application Centres across India:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Bengaluru
- Ahmedabad
You can choose any center regardless of your location, but passport collection must be from the same center where you submitted your application.
Q7: Can I apply for a Bulgaria visa online?
No, Bulgaria does not offer e-visas or fully online applications for Indian citizens. You must submit your application in person at a VFS Global center for biometric enrollment (fingerprints and photograph). However, you can fill out the application form online and book your appointment online before visiting the VFS center.
Q8: How early can I apply for a Bulgaria business visa?
You can apply no earlier than 3 months (90 days) before your intended departure date. It's recommended to apply at least 4-5 weeks before your travel date to allow sufficient processing time. Applying too early will result in your application being rejected.
Q9: Do I need to submit original documents?
Yes, you must bring original documents for verification at the VFS center. However, you should also prepare one complete set of photocopies of all documents. The VFS staff will verify the originals and retain the photocopies. Most original documents (except passport) will be returned to you after verification.
Q10: Is a personal interview required for Bulgaria business visa?
Generally, personal interviews are not mandatory for Bulgaria business visa applications from India. However, the embassy reserves the right to call applicants for an interview if they need additional clarification or have concerns about the application. If called for an interview, you must attend promptly.
Document-Related Questions
Q11: What documents do I need for a Bulgaria business visa?
The essential documents include:
- Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Completed visa application form
- 2 recent passport-size photographs
- Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Business invitation letter from Bulgarian company
- Proof of accommodation
- Flight itinerary
- Financial documents (bank statements, salary slips)
- Employment proof from Indian employer
- Company registration documents (both Indian and Bulgarian)
For a complete checklist, refer to the "Complete Document Checklist" section above.
Q12: What should a business invitation letter include?
A proper business invitation letter must include:
- Full name and address of the inviting Bulgarian company
- Company registration number
- Purpose of the visit (specific business activities)
- Duration of stay and exact dates
- Details of meetings or business events
- Who will bear the costs (travel, accommodation)
- Contact person's name, designation, and contact details
- Company stamp and authorized signature
The letter should be on company letterhead and accompanied by the company's registration documents.
Q13: How much bank balance do I need to show?
You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover your entire stay in Bulgaria. The minimum requirement is:
- €50 per day of stay, OR
- Minimum €500 total
Recommended bank balance: ₹90,000 - ₹1,35,000 (€1,000 - €1,500)
Provide bank statements for the last 6 months showing consistent income and sufficient balance. Avoid large, sudden deposits just before application, as these raise suspicion.
Q14: What travel insurance do I need?
You must have travel medical insurance that:
- Covers minimum €30,000 (approximately ₹27,30,000)
- Is valid for the entire duration of your stay
- Covers all Schengen countries
- Includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Is issued by a Schengen-approved insurance provider in India
Recommended providers: ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, HDFC ERGO, Reliance General, Digit Insurance.
Q15: Do I need to book flights and hotels before getting the visa?
You need to provide:
- Flight Itinerary: A confirmed reservation (not necessarily a purchased ticket)
- Hotel Booking: A confirmed reservation
Many travel agencies provide dummy flight reservations specifically for visa applications. For hotels, make refundable bookings that you can cancel if the visa is rejected. However, be aware that embassies may verify these reservations, so they must be genuine.
Processing and Tracking Questions
Q16: How can I track my visa application?
You can track your application through:
- Online Portal: Visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/bgr and enter your reference number and passport number
- SMS Updates: Opt for SMS service (additional charge) during application
- Email Updates: Automatic notifications sent to your registered email
- Phone Inquiry: Contact VFS Global customer service (after 15 days)
- In-Person: Visit the VFS center with your acknowledgment receipt
Q17: What if my visa processing is taking longer than expected?
If your application is taking longer than the standard 15-20 business days:
- Check the online tracking portal for updates
- Wait at least 15 calendar days before making inquiries
- Contact VFS Global customer service: bgconsuldelhi@yahoo.com
- If it exceeds 30 days, escalate to VFS management
- If it exceeds 45 days, contact the Embassy of Bulgaria directly
Do not make non-refundable travel bookings until you receive your visa.
Q18: Can I expedite my visa processing?
No, Bulgaria does not officially offer expedited or rush processing for business visas. All applications are processed in the order received. Premium lounge service at VFS provides better facilities and dedicated assistance but does not speed up embassy processing time.
If you have genuinely urgent business travel needs, mention this in your cover letter with supporting documentation, but there's no guarantee of faster processing.
Q19: What happens after my visa is approved?
Once your visa is approved:
- You'll receive SMS/email notification
- Your passport will be ready for collection within 1-2 business days
- Collect from the VFS center (bring acknowledgment receipt and ID)
- Or receive via courier if you opted for this service
- Verify all visa details immediately upon receipt
- Check: name spelling, passport number, validity dates, number of entries, duration of stay
Report any errors to VFS Global immediately.
Visa Validity and Usage Questions
Q20: How long is a Bulgaria business visa valid?
Type C Business Visa:
- Typically valid for 90 days within a 180-day period
- Can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry
- Validity depends on your application and business needs
- Multiple-entry visas may be valid for 6 months to 5 years (for frequent travelers)
Type D Business Visa:
- Typically valid for up to one year
- Can be extended in Bulgaria
- Serves as basis for residence permit
Q21: Can I extend my Bulgaria business visa?
Type C Visa: Generally cannot be extended except in exceptional circumstances (force majeure, humanitarian reasons, serious personal reasons). Extensions are rare and must be applied for in Bulgaria before the visa expires.
Type D Visa: Can be extended in Bulgaria by applying for a residence permit before the visa expires.
Q22: Can I work in Bulgaria on a business visa?
No, a Type C business visa does NOT permit employment or paid work in Bulgaria. It only allows:
- Attending business meetings
- Participating in conferences and trade fairs
- Negotiating contracts
- Exploring business opportunities
- Conducting market research
For employment or establishing a business, you need a Type D long-term visa with appropriate work permits.
Q23: Can I visit other Schengen countries with a Bulgaria business visa?
Yes, a Bulgaria business visa (Type C) allows you to travel to other Schengen countries, provided Bulgaria is your main destination or first point of entry. However, Bulgaria is not yet a full member of the Schengen Area, so there may be border checks.
Q24: How many times can I enter Bulgaria with a business visa?
This depends on the type of visa issued:
- Single-Entry: You can enter Bulgaria once
- Double-Entry: You can enter Bulgaria twice
- Multiple-Entry: You can enter Bulgaria multiple times within the visa validity period
The number of entries is indicated on your visa sticker.
Rejection and Reapplication Questions
Q25: What are the common reasons for Bulgaria business visa rejection?
The most common rejection reasons are:
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Insufficient financial proof
- Inadequate travel insurance
- Weak or suspicious business invitation
- Inconsistent information across documents
- Doubts about return to India
- Previous visa violations
- Unclear purpose of visit
- Invalid or insufficient passport
- Suspicion of immigration intent
For detailed information on each reason and how to avoid them, refer to the "Common Rejection Reasons" section above.
Q26: What should I do if my visa is rejected?
If your visa is rejected:
- Read the rejection letter carefully to understand the reason
- Analyze what went wrong
- Gather missing or corrected documents
- Address the specific rejection reason
- Wait until you can properly address the issues
- Reapply with a stronger application
- Consider seeking professional visa consultation
You can reapply immediately, but it's better to wait until you can address the rejection reasons properly. Visa fees are non-refundable, so you'll need to pay again.
Q27: Can I appeal a visa rejection?
Yes, you can appeal a Bulgaria visa rejection. The appeal process:
- Must be filed within the timeframe specified in the rejection letter
- Requires additional evidence supporting your case
- Can take several weeks to process
- Has a generally low success rate
Alternatively, you can reapply with a stronger application addressing the rejection reasons.
Q28: How long should I wait before reapplying after rejection?
There is no mandatory waiting period. However, it's advisable to:
- Wait until you can properly address the rejection reasons
- Gather additional supporting documents
- Strengthen weak areas of your application
- Ensure all issues are resolved
Rushing to reapply without fixing the problems will likely result in another rejection.
Special Circumstances Questions
Q29: I have a previous Schengen visa refusal. Will it affect my Bulgaria visa application?
A previous Schengen visa refusal can affect your Bulgaria visa application, as all Schengen countries share visa information. However, it doesn't automatically mean rejection. To improve your chances:
- Be transparent about the previous refusal
- Provide an explanation letter
- Show how you've addressed the previous rejection reasons
- Demonstrate changed circumstances
- Provide stronger supporting documents
Q30: Can I apply for a Bulgaria visa if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it can significantly affect your application. You must:
- Disclose any criminal record honestly in your application
- Provide court documents and details
- Explain the circumstances
- Show rehabilitation and changed circumstances
Failure to disclose a criminal record can result in permanent visa ban.
Q31: I'm self-employed. What additional documents do I need?
Self-employed applicants should provide:
- Business registration certificate
- GST registration
- Company bank statements (last 6 months)
- Income tax returns (last 2 years)
- Proof of business ownership
- Business license or trade license
- Client contracts or purchase orders
- Professional tax receipts
Additionally, provide a detailed cover letter explaining your business and the purpose of your Bulgaria trip.
Q32: Can I apply for a Bulgaria visa for my family members?
Yes, family members can apply for Bulgaria business visas if they're accompanying you for business purposes. However, if they're traveling for tourism, they should apply for tourist visas instead. Each family member needs a separate application with their own documents.
For children under 18:
- Birth certificate
- Parental consent (notarized)
- Parents' passport copies
- School no-objection certificate
Q33: What if I need to change my travel dates after getting the visa?
If your visa is already issued:
- Minor changes: If your new dates fall within the visa validity period, you can travel on the new dates
- Major changes: If your new dates are outside the visa validity, you may need to apply for a new visa
- Before visa issuance: Contact VFS Global immediately to update your application
Always ensure your travel dates fall within your visa validity period.
Cost and Payment Questions
Q34: Are visa fees refundable if my application is rejected?
No, visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application. This includes:
- Visa application fee (₹9,450)
- VFS service charges
- Optional services (SMS, courier, premium lounge)
Even if you withdraw your application before processing, fees are not refunded.
Q35: What payment methods are accepted at VFS centers?
VFS Global centers accept:
- Cash (Indian Rupees)
- Demand Draft (in favor of "VFS Services India Pvt Ltd")
- Online payment (credit/debit cards, net banking)
- UPI payment (at select centers)
Cash is the most commonly used and convenient method.
Q36: Are there any hidden costs I should know about?
Beyond the visa fee and VFS service charges, consider these additional costs:
- Travel medical insurance: ₹500 - ₹2,000
- Document translation: ₹500 - ₹1,500 per document
- Notarization: ₹100 - ₹500 per document
- Passport photos: ₹100 - ₹300
- Travel to VFS center: ₹200 - ₹6,000 (depending on distance)
- Optional VFS services: ₹50 - ₹4,000
Total estimated cost: ₹15,000 - ₹25,000
Miscellaneous Questions
Q37: Do I need to provide biometrics for Bulgaria visa?
Yes, biometric enrollment (fingerprints and photograph) is mandatory for all applicants aged 12 years and above. Biometrics are collected at the VFS Global center during your appointment. Once collected, biometric data is valid for 59 months (approximately 5 years), so you may be exempt if you've provided biometrics within this period.
Q38: Can I travel to Bulgaria immediately after getting the visa?
Yes, you can travel as soon as your visa is issued, provided your travel dates fall within the visa validity period. However, it's recommended to:
- Verify all visa details are correct
- Ensure you have all supporting documents
- Confirm your travel insurance is active
- Make final travel arrangements
Q39: What should I carry when traveling to Bulgaria?
Essential documents to carry:
- Valid passport with Bulgaria visa
- Travel medical insurance policy (physical copy)
- Flight tickets (confirmed bookings)
- Hotel reservations (confirmed)
- Business invitation letter (original)
- Financial documents (bank statements, credit cards)
- Contact details of Bulgarian host company
- Emergency contact information
- Copies of all important documents
Q40: Who can I contact for visa-related queries?
VFS Global:
Embassy of Bulgaria in New Delhi:
- Contact details available on embassy website
- For visa policy and decision-related queries
For Emergencies:
- Contact VFS Global customer service
- Email the embassy directly
- Seek assistance from your employer or travel agent
