Bulgaria Visa for Indians Passport Holders

Indian citizens need a visa to enter Bulgaria. While Bulgaria is not yet part of the Schengen Area, it is in the process of joining. However, travelers holding a valid Schengen visa or visas from the US, UK, or Canada may be eligible for visa-free transit or short stays under specific conditions, making it essential to confirm with Bulgarian authorities before traveling. For short stays, visitors can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period, whereas longer stays exceeding 90 days require a separate application process.

• Short-Stay (Type C) Visa: For stays up to 90 days.
• Tourist/Visitor
• Business
• Cultural
• Sports
• Medical Treatment

• Long-Stay (Type D) Visa: For stays exceeding 90 days.
• Work
• Study
• Family Reunification
• Retirement
• Other (specified by Bulgarian authorities)

3.1 Tourist/Visitor Visa

• Purpose: Tourism, visiting family/friends.
• Required Documents (in addition to the general list):
• Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a Bulgarian citizen/resident.
• Proof of financial means (approximately €50 per day).
• Processing Time: Typically 15 calendar days.

3.2 Business Visa

• Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, trade fairs.
• Additional Documents:
• Invitation from a Bulgarian company.
• Documents showing business relations (contracts, invoices).
• Processing Time: Usually the same as tourist visas, but can vary.

3.3 Other Short-Stay Purposes

• Cultural, Sports, Medical Treatment: Specific documents related to the purpose of the visit are required (e.g., event invitation, medical appointment).

4.1 Work Visa

• Purpose: Employment in Bulgaria.
• Additional Documents:
• Employment contract.
• Work permit from the Bulgarian Employment Agency.
• Processing Time: Generally several weeks to a few months.

4.2 Study Visa

• Purpose: Education in Bulgarian schools/universities.
• Additional Documents:
• Admission letter from the educational institution.
• Proof of tuition payment.
• Proof of language proficiency (if required).
• Processing Time: Similar to work visas, often taking a few months.

4.3 Family Reunification Visa

• Purpose: Joining family members residing in Bulgaria.
• Additional Documents:
• Proof of family ties (marriage certificate, birth certificate).
• Sponsor’s residence permit in Bulgaria.
• Proof of accommodation and financial means.
• Processing Time: Can be lengthy, often several months.

4.4 Other Long-Stay Purposes

• Retirement, Others: Specific to the purpose, with documentation requirements provided by Bulgarian authorities on a case-by-case basis.

Step 1: Check Eligibility and Required Documents

• Purpose of Stay: Clearly define your reason for traveling to Bulgaria (e.g., tourism, business, study, work, family reunification).
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Ensure you have a valid Indian passport with at least 2 blank pages.
• Confirm your passport's validity extends at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Bulgaria.
• Check if you need to provide biometric data (usually required for long-stay visas).
• Required Documents:
• Refer to the Detailed Document List below for specifics based on your purpose of stay.
• Ensure all documents are:
• Up-to-date
• Meet the specified criteria (e.g., format, language, apostille if required)
• Translated into English or Bulgarian if not already in one of these languages
• Certified/approved as per the embassy/consulate's requirements

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

• Obtain the Form:
• Download from the official website of the Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate in Mumbai.
• Alternatively, pick one up in person from the embassy/consulate (if available).
• Fill Out the Form:
• Use a computer to fill out the form to ensure legibility.
• Answer all questions completely and accurately.
• Sign the form in the designated area.
• Print the Form:
• Once completed, print the form on high-quality paper.
• Ensure all information is clear and readable.

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

• Collect Each Document:
• Refer to the Detailed Document List above for your specific purpose of stay.
• Ensure each document meets the embassy/consulate's requirements.
• Arrange Documents in Order:
• Typically, the application form is on top, followed by the supporting documents in the order listed on the embassy/consulate's website or the application form.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• In Person:
• Location:
1. Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi: 16/17, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
2. Bulgarian Consulate in Mumbai: Maker Chamber V, 8th Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021
• Hours of Operation: Check the embassy/consulate's website for the most current hours.
• What to Expect:
1. Present your application and supporting documents to the reception.
2. Ensure all documents are complete and in order.
3. You might be asked questions about your application.
• Through a Trusted Representative:
• Requirements:
1. Notarized power of attorney authorizing the representative.
2. The representative's valid ID.
• Process:
1. Ensure your representative has all necessary documents and information.
2. They will submit the application on your behalf.
3. Confirm with the embassy/consulate if any additional steps are required.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

• Fee Amount:
• Type C (Short-Stay) Visa: Approximately €35 (check for updates).
• Type D (Long-Stay) Visa: Varies; check with the embassy/consulate for the current fee.
• Payment Methods:
• Cash: Accepted in the local currency (INR) at the current exchange rate.
• Bank Transfer: Details provided by the embassy/consulate.
• Credit/Debit Cards: If accepted, check the types of cards and any associated fees.
• Receipt:
• Ensure you receive a receipt for your payment.
• This might be required for tracking your application.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

• Processing Time:
• Type C Visas: Typically 15 calendar days, but can vary.
• Type D Visas: Several weeks to a few months, depending on the purpose and complexity.
• Tracking Your Application:
• Online Tracking: If available, use the reference number provided.
• Contacting the Embassy/Consulate: For updates, use the contact information provided on their website.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

• Notification:
• You will be notified once your visa is approved and your passport is ready for collection.
• Collection:
• In Person: Present your receipt and ID to collect your passport.
• Through a Representative: Ensure they have the necessary authorization and ID.
• Verify Your Visa:
• Before leaving the embassy/consulate, ensure all details on your visa sticker are correct.

• Valid Indian Passport: With at least 2 blank pages, valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
• Completed and Signed Visa Application Form.
• Recent Passport-Sized Photos: Meeting the specified requirements.
• Proof of Travel (for Type C): Flight tickets, travel itinerary, etc.
• Proof of Accommodation (for Type C): Hotel reservation, invitation letter, etc.
• Proof of Financial Means (for Type C): Bank statement, sponsorship letter, etc.
• Travel Insurance (Recommended): Covering the entire stay in Bulgaria.
• Specific Documents for Type D Visas: As outlined in Section 4.

• Type C Visa Fee: Approximately €35 (subject to change, check with the embassy).
• Type D Visa Fee: Varies based on the purpose, generally more than Type C (check with the embassy for the most current fee).
• Payment Methods: Typically cash, bank transfer, or credit/debit cards, as specified by the embassy/consulate.

• Type C Visas: Usually 15 calendar days, but can vary.
• Type D Visas: Several weeks to a few months, depending on the purpose and complexity.
• Collection: Once notified, collect your passport in person or through your authorized representative.

• Ensure Your Visa Matches Your Travel Purpose: Avoid discrepancies.
• Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for unexpected medical or travel-related issues.
• Register with Local Authorities (for Long-Stay): If required, to obtain a residence permit.

• Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi:
• Address: 16/17, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91 11 2611 5549, +91 11 2410 0700
• Email: embassy.newdelhi@mfa.bg

• Bulgarian Consulate in Mumbai:
• Address: Maker Chamber V, 8th Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021
• Phone: +91 22 2288 0934
• Email: consulate.mumbai@mfa.bg

Please Note: Visa regulations and requirements can change. Always verify the information with the Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate in Mumbai before your application.

Need more clarity on Bulgaria visas? 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