What is the difference between Visa C and Visa D?

Visa C is a short-stay visa (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) for tourism or business. Visa D is a long-stay national visa required if you plan to live, work or study in Bulgaria.

Can I work on a Visa D in Bulgaria?

It depends on the basis of the visa. A Visa D for employment allows you to work. A visa for study or medical treatment generally does not permit employment. We recommend a consultation before applying.

Can I apply for a Visa D from inside Bulgaria?

As a rule, no — the application is filed at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate abroad. A few categories are exempt from the visa requirement; we check whether yours is one of them.

Do I need an apostille for all foreign documents?

Not for all. Documents from countries that have signed the Hague Convention require an apostille. From countries outside the convention, full legalisation and consular endorsement are required.

Visa A, C & D — IMMIGRO, Plovdiv

The three visa types

—Visa A – airport transit: for certain nationalities changing flights at a Bulgarian airport without entering the country.
—Visa C – short stay: for tourism, business trips or visiting family for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Since Bulgaria became a full Schengen member on 1 January 2025, it is valid across the whole Schengen Area.
—Visa D – long stay: the national visa for everyone who plans to live in Bulgaria – for work, study, family reunification, business, investment or as a digital nomad. It is the first step towards a residence permit.

Visa D – your gateway to living in Bulgaria

A Visa D allows you to enter Bulgaria and stay for up to 180 days, during which you apply for a residence permit on your chosen ground. It is issued by a Bulgarian embassy or consulate abroad, so careful preparation before your appointment is essential.

Not sure which visa you need?

Tell us your nationality and the purpose of your trip – we will confirm the exact visa type and the documents your embassy will ask for.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change and depend on your nationality and circumstances — we confirm exactly what applies to you in a consultation.

From first consultation to final decision.

Assessment

We review your situation and identify the legal ground and route that fit your case.

Preparation

Every document, translation, apostille and declaration is prepared and checked before filing.

Submission

Your application is filed with the competent institution, with appointments arranged where needed.

Resolution

We follow the case until the final decision — you always know what stage it is at and what comes next.

Packages from €10 — information, templates or full personal support.

View pricing →

Visa A, C & D

The right visa for your plans in Bulgaria

The three visa types

Visa D – your gateway to living in Bulgaria

Not sure which visa you need?

From first consultation to final decision.

Assessment

Preparation

Submission

Resolution

What clients ask us.

How to apply for a Visa D in Bulgaria: complete guide 2025

Student Visa for Bulgaria: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Discuss your case directly with our partners.