Entry, visa requirements and residence in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria

EU nationals, citizens of EEA member states and citizens of Switzerland. EU nationals, citizens of EEA member states and citizens of Switzerland may benefit fully from the right of free movement. They may enter Bulgaria based on a valid identification card or international passport and reside freely in the country. Individuals who intend to spend more than three months in Bulgaria should register with the Bulgarian Immigration Office. A long-term residence certificate is obtained through this registration.

Other nationals enjoying a visa-free regime. Nationals of countries under Annex II of Council Regulation 539/2001, as well as holders of Schengen visas and residence permits issued by Schengen countries, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, are not required to obtain visas. They may stay in Bulgaria for 90 days within each 6-month period, beginning on the date of the first entry into Bulgaria. These individuals are required to possess valid international passports to enter the country. If they intend to work or engage in self-employment activities in Bulgaria, they are subject to the same regime as citizens of nonpreferred countries.

Holders of valid residence cards issued by other EU member states are not subject to visa requirements for Bulgaria.

Citizens of nonpreferred countries. Citizens of nonpreferred countries (countries whose nationals do not enjoy a visa-free regime) need a valid international passport and a Bulgarian visa to enter the country. Citizens of some nonpreferred countries may require a Type C visa to travel through the country or an air transit visa to stay in the international transit zone of a Bulgarian airport.

Visas. Visas are issued by the Bulgarian diplomatic and consular offices abroad. The following are the types of visas:

• Type A: air transit visa.
• Type C: short-term visa for a total stay of up to 90 days during a 6-month period beginning from the date of first entry. A Type C visa may be issued for tourist or business purposes. The Type C visa can be a single- or multiple-entry visa.
• Type D: long-term visa for a total stay of up to 180 days. The Type D visa is also a prerequisite for a temporary residence permit. In exceptional cases, a Type D visa may be issued for a period of 360 days, such as for seconded personnel of an employer certified in accordance with the International Investments Act. The Type D visa also allows multiple entries into Bulgaria.