bulgaria business visa

Bulgaria Business Visa for Indian Passport Holders

Summary

  • Visa Type: Short-Stay (Type C) for Business Purposes


  • Validity: Up to 90 days within 180 days


  • Key Requirements:

    • Valid Indian Passport
    • Invitation Letter from Bulgarian Company
    • Proof of Business Relationship
    • Financial Means (approx. €40/day)
    • Travel Health Insurance (min. €30,000)


  • Application Process:

    • Check Visa Requirements
    • Gather Documents
    • Fill Application Form
    • Submit in Person or through VACs
    • Pay €35 Fee
    • Provide Biometric Data (if first-time)
    • Wait 7-10 days for Processing


  • Important:

    • Apply at least 3 weeks in advance
    • Ensure all documents are complete and valid
    • Check for updates on the Bulgarian Embassy's official website

 

Table of Contents

  1. Overview of Bulgaria Business Visa
  2. Eligibility Criteria for Indians
  3. Required Documents in Detail
  4. Step-by-Step Application Process
  5. Fees and Payment Methods
  6. Processing Time and Tracking
  7. Collecting Your Passport
  8. Common Reasons for Rejection
  9. Tips for a Successful Application
  10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  11. Contact Information for Bulgarian Embassies/Consulates in India
  12. Additional Resources

1. Introduction of Bulgaria Business Visa

The Bulgaria Business Visa (Short-Stay Type C) allows Indian travelers to visit Bulgaria for business purposes, including meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and establishing business relationships. It is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Although Bulgaria is a member of the European Union (EU), it is not part of the Schengen Area and follows its own visa policy.

2. Eligibility Criteria for Indians

  • Indian Citizenship: Applicants must hold a valid Indian passport.


  • Business Purpose: Clearly defined business objective for visiting Bulgaria.


  • Financial Sufficiency: Proof of having sufficient funds for the stay.


  • Health Insurance: Valid travel health insurance covering Bulgaria.


  • No Threat to Public Policy: Applicants must not pose a threat to public policy, internal security, public health, or the international relations of Bulgaria.

3. Required Documents in Detail

A. Travel Documents

  • Valid Indian Passport:

    • At least 3 months' validity beyond the intended stay.
    • At least two blank pages for visa stamps.


  • Previous Passports (if applicable):

    • To show previous Bulgarian or Schengen visas (if any).


  • Copies of All Pages:

    • Of the current and previous passports.

B. Business Related Documents

  • Invitation Letter from the Bulgarian Company:

    • Company’s name, address, and contact details.
    • Applicant’s name, position, and the purpose of the visit.
    • Dates of the planned visit.
    • Signature and stamp of the inviting company.

  • Proof of Business Relationship:

    • Contracts, invoices, or other documents showing the business link between the Indian and Bulgarian companies.

  • Indian Company’s Registration Documents:

    • Certificate of Incorporation.
    • Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA).

C. Financial and Insurance Documents

  • Proof of Financial Means:

    • Bank statement showing sufficient funds (approximately €40 per day for the entire stay in Bulgaria).
    • The statement should not be older than 3 days from the application date.

  • Travel Health Insurance:

    • Covering Bulgaria.xddf
    • Minimum coverage of €30,000.
    • Policy should cover the entire duration of stay.

D. Personal and Additional Documents

  • Recent Photographs:

    • 2-3, depending on the application requirements.
    • Following Bulgarian visa photo guidelines (35x45 mm, white background, etc.).

  • Filled Application Form:

    • Download, fill, print, and sign the Bulgarian Visa application form.
    • Ensure all information matches your passport.

  • Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans:

    • Showing entry and exit from Bulgaria.

  • Accommodation Proof:

    • Hotel reservation.
    • Rental agreement.
    • Letter from the host (if staying with the inviting party).
  • Cover Letter:

    • Explaining the purpose of the visit, duration of stay, and other relevant details.
    • Signed by the applicant.

4. Step-by-Step Application Process

4.1 Check Visa Requirements

  • Purpose: Verify if you need a visa to enter Bulgaria for business purposes.

  • Steps:

    • Visit the Official Website:

      • Check the Bulgarian Embassy in India's official website (www.mfa.bg/en/).
      • Alternatively, visit the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for general information on visa requirements.

    • Use the Visa Wizard Tool (if available):

      • Some official websites offer tools to determine if you need a visa based on your:
        • Nationality (Indian)
        • Purpose of visit (Business)
        • Duration of stay

    • Confirm Your Status:

      • Ensure you understand whether you need a visa, and if so, the type (Short-Stay Type C for business).
      • Take note of any specific requirements or exemptions that may apply to your situation.

4.2 Gather Documents

  • Purpose: Collect all necessary documents to support your visa application.

  • Steps:

    • Review the Required Documents List:

      • Refer to the detailed list provided earlier (Section 3 of the original response).
      • Check the official Bulgarian Embassy website for the most current requirements.

    • Collect Each Document:

      • Valid Indian Passport
      • Invitation Letter from the Bulgarian Company
      • Proof of Business Relationship
      • Financial Means (bank statement)
      • Travel Health Insurance
      • Recent Photographs
      • Filled Application Form (to be completed in the next step)
      • Any Additional Documents (as specified by the embassy/consulate)

    • Ensure Document Validity and Compliance:

      • Check Expiration Dates:

        • Passport (at least 3 months beyond the intended stay)
        • Insurance policy

      • Verify Document Formats:

        • Photo size and background (35x45 mm, white background, etc.)
        • Paper quality and printing

4.3 Fill the Application Form

  • Purpose: Correctly complete the Bulgarian Visa application form.

  • Steps:

    • Download the Application Form:

      • From the official Bulgarian Embassy in India's website.
      • Ensure it's the latest version for a Short-Stay Type C (Business) Visa.

    • Fill the Form:

      • Online: Fill the form on your computer, then print.
      • Manually: Print and fill by hand using block letters.

    • Required Information:

      • Personal Details:

        • Name
        • Date of Birth (DOB)
        • Passport Number
        • Nationality

      • Travel Plans:

        • Dates of entry and exit from Bulgaria
        • Accommodation details

      • Business Details:

        • Purpose of the visit
        • Inviting company's name and address

    • Sign the Form:

      • Once completed, sign the form in the designated area.
      • Ensure your signature matches the one in your passport.

4.4 Submit Your Application

  • Purpose: Present your application and supporting documents.

  • Options:

A. In Person

  • Locations:

    • Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi
    • Bulgarian Consulate in Mumbai (if applicable)
    • Authorized Visa Application Centers (VACs) across India

  • Steps:

    • Visit the Chosen Location: During their working hours for visa submissions.
    • Meet with the Visa Application Staff: They will review your documents.
    • Submit Your Application: Hand over your filled form and supporting documents.

B. Through an Authorized Representative

  • Condition: Only if explicitly allowed by the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate.
  • Steps:
    1. Obtain Written Authorization: From the applicant, permitting the representative to act on their behalf.
    2. Representative Submits the Application: At the embassy, consulate, or VAC, with the written authorization.

4.5 Pay the Application Fee

  • Current Fee: Approximately €35 for adults (check for the latest fees on the official website).

  • Payment Methods:

    • Cash: At some VACs or the embassy/consulate (if allowed).

    • Credit/Debit Card: At most submission locations.

    • Bank Transfer: In some cases, for VAC services (check in advance).

4.6 Provide Biometric Data (if First-Time Applicant)

  • Purpose: To capture your biometric information (fingerprints) for the Bulgarian visa system.

  • Steps:

    • Biometric Data Capture: At the submission location (embassy, consulate, or VAC).

    • Process:

      • Your fingerprints will be scanned.
      • This process is usually quick and straightforward.

4.7 Wait for Processing

  • Typical Processing Time: 7-10 calendar days (but can vary; apply at least 3 weeks in advance).

  • Tracking Your Application:

    • Online Tracking: If the submission platform offers this service.

    • Contacting the Submission Location: For updates on your application status.

5. Fees and Payment Methods

  • Application Fee: Approximately €35 for adults (check for updates).

  • Payment Methods:

    • Cash: At some VACs or the embassy/consulate (if allowed).

    • Credit/Debit Card: At most submission locations.

    • Bank Transfer: In some cases, for VAC services.

6. Processing Time and Tracking

  • Typical Processing Time: 7-10 calendar days.

  • Tracking:

    • Online Tracking: If the submission platform offers this service.
    • Contacting the Submission Location: For updates on your application status.

7. Collecting Your Passport

  • In Person:

    • At the submission location (VAC or embassy/consulate).

  • Through an Authorized Representative:

    • If allowed, with a written authorization.

  • Courier Service:

    • If the embassy/consulate or VAC offers this service.

8. Common Reasons for Rejection

  • Insufficient Financial Means.

  • Incomplete or Incorrect Application.

  • Lack of Proof for the Purpose of Stay.
  • Invalid or Inadequate Travel Insurance.

  • Previous Visa Rejections or Entry Bans.

9. Tips for a Successful Application

  • Apply Well in Advance.

  • Ensure All Documents Are Complete and Valid.

  • Clearly State Your Business Purpose.

  • Be Prepared for an Interview (if required).

  • Stay Updated with the Latest Visa Requirements.

10. Contact Information for Bulgarian Embassies/Consulates in India

  • Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in New Delhi

    • Address: EP 16/17, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
    • Phone: +91 11 2611 5549
    • Email: embassy.newdelhi@mfa.bg

  • Consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria in Mumbai (if applicable)

    • Note: As of the last update, there's no Bulgarian Consulate in Mumbai. Applications might be processed through the New Delhi embassy or authorized VACs.

11. Additional Resources

  • Official Website of the Bulgarian Embassy in India: For the latest visa requirements and application process.

  • Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: For general information on Bulgarian visas.

  • Authorized Visa Application Centers in India: For specific requirements and additional services offered.

Need more clarity on the Bulgaria business visa? Check out helpful resources below

Bulgaria Visa Requirement
Bulgaria Tourist Visa Requirement
Bulgaria Business Visa Requirement
Bulgaria Visit Visa Requirement
Bulgaria Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Bulgaria for business?

Yes, if you're an Indian citizen. Check eligibility first.

 

 

How long does the application process take?

Typically 7-10 days, but apply at least 3 weeks in advance.

 

 

Can I submit my application through a representative?

Check with the embassy/consulate or VAC for their policy.

 

 

Can I convert my Bulgaria business Visa into a tourist visa?

 

It may be possible to convert your business visa into a tourist. Since both the visas are type C, this process can be possible. To do so, you will have to apply to the embassy again with the difference of documents that have occurred, meaning, you may need to submit the documents that were not submitted at the time of getting your business visa. These documents may be required for the issuance of the tourist visa. The possibility may vary from country to country.

 

 

 

Do you want to check Visa Guide for other country?

Apply Now

Apply for Visa Online

Thanks! we will get back to you soon.