Bulgaria · long-stay visa routes and official sources
4 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for Bulgaria: Medium (42/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Student / company representative D visa.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to Bulgaria?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Student / company representative D visa. Overall difficulty is rated "Medium" (42/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to Bulgaria without a local job offer?
Yes — 1 of the 4 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Student D visa. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
Be admitted to a full-time higher-education programme at an eligible Bulgarian institution.
Obtain a Bulgarian type D student visa from the embassy or consulate in the home country, then apply for the residence permit through the Migration Directorate after arrival.
Provide admission, accommodation, health-insurance, sufficient-funds, medical-certificate, passport, and any language-exam evidence required for the programme.
Notify the competent authorities of the residence address within five days after arrival and complete the required residence formalities.
For people with an EU employer offer and qualification/salary fit.
Typical timeline / duration: 3-9 months
Have a valid employment contract or binding job offer for highly qualified work in Bulgaria lasting at least six months.
Meet the Bulgarian EU Blue Card salary threshold, which is set at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary under the applicable national rules.
Show higher professional qualifications for an unregulated profession, or recognition of the national requirements for a regulated profession.
Provide a valid travel document, health insurance, criminal-record evidence, accommodation, and the type D visa or residence documents required for the application.
For people willing to manage company setup, office, and renewal paperwork.
Typical timeline / duration: 3-8 months
MFA confirms long-stay Visa D is issued to foreigners wishing to settle long term or permanently and requires documents substantiating the purpose, financial resources, accommodation/home and health insurance.
A longer-stay route based on its specific eligibility requirements.
Typical timeline / duration: Visa D up to 6 months/180 days for long-term settlement; residence permit follows through migration authorities.
MFA confirms long-stay Visa D is issued to foreigners wishing to settle long term or permanently and requires documents substantiating the purpose, financial resources, accommodation/home and health insurance.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.