How long can I stay in Bulgaria?

 

 

An EU citizen or members of his/her family can stay in the country with a current passport or ID card for up to 90 days without any need for registration.

For a long term stay of up to 5 years, a Resident's Permit will have to be applied for at the local immigration office. This is now a simple procedure and the permit is issued the same day.

For permanent residence you will have to apply for a "Certificate of Permanent Residence", usually after a 5 year long term stay.

For non EU citizens there are different conditions required for entry and these should be available on the Bulgarian Embassy web site for your country.

What is a Residency Permit?

 

 

A Residents Permit is a card which entitles EU members and their families to live in Bulgaria for up to 5 years. It replaces the former visa 'D' application form and the issue of the Lichna Carte.

What documents do I need to provide for a Residency Permit?

 

 

If you are a EU citizen you will need the following documents for application:

Applicaton form

ID card or passport

For family members - marriage, birth certificate or document that prove co-habitation with the person - EU citizen

A confirmation letter from the education institution for Students

A receipt for paid governmental fees.

How much does a Residency Permit cost?

 

 

It will cost 7 leva plus a nominal fee charged by the banks for their administrative charges. This is the standard fee whatever period it covers.

What conditions would entitle me to a Residency Permit?

 

 

The Residency Permit will be granted to a person who:

• Are citizens of the EU and employed or self-employed
• Have health insurance and financial assests to cover their expenses as well as those for members of their family
• A student

How long does a Residency Permit last?

 

 

You can apply for up to 5 years.

However, if you do apply for 5 years the immigration office may well count the time you have been in Bulgaria taking the start date for the permit from the last stamp of entry in your passport.

When do I have to renew the card?

 

 

You should apply a few weeks before your current Residents Permit expires. However, after 2009 there may well be no need for any residence permits or any other visa requirements for EU members.

NOTE: Also after five continuous years of residency in Bulgaria you can apply for Permanent Residency Certificate or sooner under some conditions such as marriage to a Bulgarian Citizen.