How do you apply for a Visa D in Bulgaria?
2023-04-15
If you're a British citizen looking to stay in Bulgaria for an extended period of time, you may need to apply for a D visa. In this article, we look at the steps involved in applying for asuch a visa. 

Firstly, determine if you need a D visa: British citizens who plan to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days within a 180-day period need to apply for a D visa. If you're planning to study or work in Bulgaria, you'll also need a D visa.

Gather your documents: You'll need to provide the Bulgarian embassy with a number of documents, including your passport, proof of travel insurance, proof of accommodation in Bulgaria, and a statement of purpose explaining why you want to stay in Bulgaria.

Proof of accommodation can be the address of a property you own, the address of your lawyer or a trusted friend in Bulgaria. 

Proof of income. To be approved for permanent residency in Bulgaria, you will need to provide documentation and evidence of a reliable source of income or financial support. This is to ensure that you can support yourself and your family financially while living in Bulgaria.

Typically, applicants will need to provide bank statements, employment contracts, or other proof of income (such as a pension) to demonstrate that they have a stable and sufficient income to support themselves without relying on public assistance.

There are several other requirements that must be met to qualify for permanent residency in Bulgaria. Here are some of the main requirements:

Health insurance: You must have valid health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay in Bulgaria. Health insurance costs in Bulgaria are extremely reasonable in comparison to Western countries and high quality care is available. 

Clean criminal record: You must have a clean criminal record in your home country and in any other country where you have lived for more than six months.

Residence permit: You must have a valid long-term residence permit that allows you to stay in Bulgaria for more than six months.

Accommodation: You must have a registered address in Bulgaria where you will reside during your stay.

Taxes: You must be up-to-date on your taxes in Bulgaria and any other country where you are required to pay taxes.

Submit your application: You can submit your application for a D visa at the Bulgarian embassy in London. You'll need to schedule an appointment and pay the visa fee at the time of application.

Wait for processing: Processing times for a D visa vary, but it can take up to a few weeks for your application to be reviewed.

Receive your visa: If your application is approved, you'll receive a D visa in your passport that will allow you to stay in Bulgaria for up to 180 days.

The cost for a British citizen to apply for a long-term D visa in Bulgaria may vary depending on the purpose of the stay and the specific consulate or embassy where the application is submitted. It's recommended to check with the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in the UK for the most up-to-date information on visa fees and requirements but as of 2022 it was in the region of 60 Euros per application.

The cost of a legal professional would be in additional to the above fee. 

It's important to note that the process for applying for a D visa can sometimes be complex and may require additional steps depending on your specific situation.

It's a good idea to consult with a legal professional or the Bulgarian embassy to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information before submitting your application.

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