The type D visa is the national visa issued to non-EU citizens who want to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days. It is obtained from a Bulgarian consulate and is the first step of the residence permit application. The visa is based on a purpose such as family, commercial representation, work, study or retirement. After entering Bulgaria with the visa, you apply to the Migration Directorate for a residence card before the visa expires.
The type D visa file is the foundation of the residence permit: the purpose and documents you submit for the visa are assessed in the same way at the residence stage. Building the file correctly from the start therefore saves time at both the visa and the residence stage. We determine the route that suits your purpose, prepare the documents and follow your application until the residence card is issued.
For which purposes is a type D visa issued?
| Purpose | For whom? | Related page |
|---|---|---|
| Family reunification | Spouses and children of Bulgarian citizens or of foreigners with residence in Bulgaria | Family reunification in Bulgaria |
| Commercial representation | People who will manage the Bulgarian representative office of a Turkish company | Residence permit through a commercial representation |
| Company and investment | Investors who set up a Bulgarian company and meet the conditions | Company formation in Bulgaria |
| Work | People with a contract and a work permit from a Bulgarian employer | Bulgarian residence permit |
| Study | Students admitted to a Bulgarian university | Bulgarian residence permit |
| Retirement | People who want to live in Bulgaria on their pension | Bulgarian retirement residence permit |
If you are not sure which purpose suits you, we decide together by looking at your documents in the preliminary assessment. You can also compare the routes on our Bulgarian residence permit page.
How is it different from a type C visa?
A type C (Schengen) visa is only for short visits: it allows a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period and cannot be the basis for a residence application. A type D visa is issued to settle in Bulgaria and obtain a residence card. For tourist or business trips, see our Bulgarian tourist visa (type C) page.
General document list
The documents depend on the purpose of the visa. Requested in almost every file:
- Valid passport and visa application form
- Biometric photo
- A document showing the purpose of the visa (marriage certificate, representation registration, employment contract, university admission, pension certificate)
- Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria (rental contract or title deed)
- Health insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement)
- Criminal record certificate, apostilled and translated into Bulgarian
Consulates may ask for additional documents depending on the file. We prepare the apostille and Bulgarian sworn translation of documents from Türkiye together with the file. For health insurance, see the options on our travel health insurance page.
The process step by step
- Preliminary assessment: we review your purpose and documents and determine the right visa route.
- File preparation: we arrange the documents, apostille, translation, insurance and proof of accommodation.
- Consulate application: we book your appointment and submit the complete file.
- Visa decision: we follow the file during the decision period and quickly complete any additional documents requested.
- Residence application: after you enter Bulgaria with the visa, we also support you with the residence card application at the Migration Directorate.
Common mistakes
- Applying with the wrong purpose: the purpose on the visa must match the residence application.
- Missing the visa deadline: the residence application must be made while the visa is valid.
- Leaving accommodation to the last minute: the file cannot be completed without an address.
- Name differences in translations: if your name is spelled differently in your documents, a name equivalence certificate may be needed.
Related guides
- What is a Bulgarian type D visa?
- Family reunification visa and documents
- Type D visa documents for representatives
- How to get a Bulgarian residence permit
Frequently asked questions
Does a type D visa replace the residence permit?
No. The D visa is issued so that you can enter Bulgaria and apply for a residence card. To stay long term you must obtain a residence card from the Migration Directorate.
Where do I apply for a type D visa?
The application is made to the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulates General in Türkiye. Which consulate you apply to depends on where you live.
Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a D visa?
A valid D visa allows you to stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, the visa is issued for living in Bulgaria.
What happens if the D visa is refused?
The reason for the refusal is reviewed; if it is due to a missing document, the file is completed and a new application is made. Legal appeal routes also exist. In the preliminary assessment we identify the points that reduce the risk of refusal from the start.
Fill in the form below for a free preliminary assessment; our expert will call you and explain the steps for your file. If your documents are ready, you can also upload them to our free document review.