--- title: "What Is the Bulgarian Type D Visa?" url: https://yeniversiyon.pages.dev/en/what-is-the-bulgarian-type-d-visa/ lang: en published: 2022-05-06 updated: 2026-10-02 description: "What is the Bulgarian type D visa? See who can apply (spouse, representative, work, study), the documents and the steps, and get your file checked by experts." source: BulgaristanVatandas.com (https://bulgaristanvatandas.com) --- # What Is the Bulgarian Type D Visa? **The Bulgarian type D visa is a long-stay (national) visa for non-EU citizens who want to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days. You get it from a Bulgarian embassy or consulate before applying for a residence card. It is issued for family, commercial representation, work or study. The visa does not guarantee a residence permit: you collect the card in Bulgaria from the Migration Directorate.** ## What is a type D visa? The type D visa is the visa you need first if you plan to stay in Bulgaria for **longer than 90 days**. It is also called a national visa. It differs from a short-stay visa (type C) in one simple way: a short-stay visa only covers stays of up to 90 days, while the D visa lets you enter Bulgaria and **apply for a residence card** there. The visa is usually multiple-entry, so you can enter and leave several times while it is valid. The validity period is printed on the visa and is limited. After you receive it, travel to Bulgaria and file your residence application without delay. When the visa expires, your right to enter on it ends too. > **Important:** A D visa does not guarantee entry. Border police still check your visa and documents, so carry your full application file with you. ## What is the D visa issued for? | Purpose | Who it is for | |---|---| | Family reunification | Spouse and children of a Bulgarian citizen; parent of a Bulgarian-citizen child | | Commercial representation | A representative appointed at a commercial representation office in Bulgaria | | Work | A person who will be employed by an employer in Bulgaria | | Study | A student attending a university or similar school in Bulgaria | Each purpose has its own document list and route. This article explains the general framework and covers the family and representation routes in detail. ## D visa for a spouse or family member If you are married to a Bulgarian citizen, you can apply for a D visa as a "family member of an EU citizen". Your marriage must first be recorded in Bulgaria. To enter a marriage concluded in your home country (for example Türkiye) into the Bulgarian civil register, you need an apostille and an official Bulgarian translation. See our guide on [registering a marriage in Bulgaria](/en/registering-a-foreign-marriage-in-bulgaria/). After entering Bulgaria with the visa, you apply to the Migration Directorate (Дирекция „Миграция“). The foreign spouse of a Bulgarian citizen receives an **EU family member residence card**. It grants continuous residence of up to 5 years, and the card is issued within about 3 months of the application. After 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence you can apply for permanent residence. For every step and document of this route, read [Bulgaria family reunification visa and documents](/en/bulgaria-family-reunification-visa-documents/) and [residence permit through a Bulgarian spouse](/en/residence-permit-through-bulgarian-spouse/). ## D visa for a commercial representative If your company has a commercial representation office in Bulgaria, the person appointed as representative (at most 2 people per office) receives the D visa. The office must be entered in the register of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The consulate expects to see the registration, the parent company's documents and the office lease in Bulgaria. The document list is in [documents for a representative's D visa](/en/type-d-visa-for-commercial-representatives/), and the overall route is described in [residence permit through commercial representation](/en/residence-permit-through-commercial-representation/). ## How to get a Bulgarian D visa, step by step 1. **Decide the purpose.** Family, representation, work or study; the file differs for each. 2. **Prepare the documents.** Official papers (marriage record, police clearance, company documents) usually need an apostille and a Bulgarian translation. 3. **Book an appointment.** You apply at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in the country where you live. Appointments are usually booked online. 4. **Apply in person.** You attend with your passport, form and documents; photo and fingerprints are taken. 5. **Wait for the decision.** The time depends on the file and the workload of the consulate. Ask the consulate for the current timeframe. 6. **Enter Bulgaria and apply for the residence card.** Do so before the visa expires. ## General document list for the D visa The consulate gives you the current list at every application. In general, the following are requested: - a valid passport with enough validity and blank pages, - the completed application form and a biometric photo, - documents showing the purpose (marriage record, representation certificate, employment contract, school admission), - a police clearance certificate (apostilled), - proof of where you will stay in Bulgaria (lease or address declaration), - proof of means of subsistence (such as a bank statement), - health insurance, - the fee receipt (ask the consulate whether a fee applies to you). Required amounts for funds and insurance differ by purpose and consulate, so we do not quote figures here. Confirm them before you apply. For the full residence-permit file, see [documents required for a Bulgarian residence permit](/en/documents-required-for-a-bulgarian-residence-permit/). ## How long does it take, and what does it cost? The decision time depends on the file type, the consulate's workload and whether your papers are complete. It can range from a few weeks to a few months, so do not book flights before the visa is issued. The consular fee also depends on the purpose and on your status; some family applications may be exempt. Figures quoted in old articles may be out of date. Bulgaria has used the euro since 2026, so fees are published in euro. Check the current fee on the consulate's official page. ## Common mistakes - **Outdated documents:** official papers are normally expected to be no older than 6 months. - **Missing apostille or translation:** foreign official documents need both. - **Applying without a registered marriage:** for a spouse visa the marriage must appear in the Bulgarian record. - **Missing the visa validity:** do not delay the residence application after entry. - **Wrong visa type:** a short-stay type C visa is not enough for a long stay. ## After the visa: the residence card and renewal After you enter Bulgaria you apply to the Migration Directorate and receive your residence card. A renewal application must be filed **at least 14 days before the expiry date**. See [Bulgarian residence permit renewal](/en/bulgarian-residence-permit-renewal/). A general overview of all permit types is in [how to get a Bulgarian residence permit](/en/how-to-get-a-bulgarian-residence-permit/). ## Let us prepare your file with you If you are unsure which visa to apply for, send your documents for a [free document review](/en/document-review/) and we will tell you what is missing. You can read about our [visa service](/en/services/visa/) or [book an online appointment](/en/online-appointment/). ## Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a type C and a type D visa? A type C visa is for short stays of up to 90 days. A type D visa is for stays longer than 90 days and for applying for a residence card.
I have a D visa. Is my entry to Bulgaria guaranteed? No. The visa gives you the right to seek entry, but border police still check your documents. Carry your application file with you.
Can I get a D visa as the spouse of a Bulgarian citizen? Yes. The spouse of a Bulgarian citizen can apply as a family member. The marriage first has to be recorded in the Bulgarian civil register.
Can I work in Bulgaria with a D visa? It depends on the purpose of the visa. If you receive an EU family member card through your spouse, you have the right to work. In other cases, clarify the work conditions with your adviser before applying.
Can someone else apply for the visa on my behalf? The applicant normally has to attend the consulate in person. We help with preparing documents, booking the appointment and follow-up.