Bulgaria Visa Fee from India 2026: Every Charge in Rupees

Bulgaria has issued uniform Schengen visas since 31 March 2024, and the Embassy of Bulgaria in New Delhi decides applications lodged at VFS Global centres. Below is every charge you may meet, in rupees where an official rupee figure exists, as published on the official sources, checked on 15 October 2026.

What is the Bulgaria visa fee in rupees?

VFS India publishes one fee for citizens of India and other citizens in each visa type. You pay it at the centre by card, cash or UPI.

The VC interview charge exists because the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria makes no exception from the personal interview requirement for long-stay visas. Since 1 November 2025, D-visa applications are accepted at VFS centres in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai, so most applicants no longer travel to the Embassy.

Which optional VFS services cost extra?

None of these is required. Pick only what saves you a real trip or real waiting time.

If you live far from your VFS centre, compare the courier charge with the cost of a second journey to collect your passport. The photograph service only makes sense if your own photo does not meet the 3.5 x 4.5 cm, light-background specification.

Who does not pay the Bulgaria visa fee?

VFS India lists these exemptions for the short-stay visa fee:

• children between 6 and 12 years, described by VFS as applicants aged 12 and below;
• members of the families of Bulgarian citizens and EU citizens.

Indian diplomatic and service passport holders are visa-exempt for Bulgaria. Exempt applicants should still check whether the VFS logistics charge applies to them before the appointment, since the exemption notes cover the visa fee.

What do workers and students pay in Bulgaria after the visa?

The INR 11000 D-visa fee is only one part of a work or study move. The Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry lists further state fees in Bulgarian lev (BGN), charged as the euro equivalent at the official exchange rate from 1 January 2026:

• Labour market access permit: BGN 100-400, depending on the permit type (single residence and work permit, EU Blue Card, intra-corporate transfer or work permit). Paid in Bulgaria after a positive decision.
• Residence permit (Migration Directorate): BGN 100-1,000 per year, depending on the grounds.
• Residence document: BGN 45-225, depending on regular, fast or express service.

No official rupee amounts are published for these state fees. Students should also budget for legalising and translating documents issued in India, which the D-visa study checklist requires for all documents issued abroad.

Is the fee refunded if the visa is refused?

No. VFS India states that visa fees are not refundable, so a complete first application matters. Check every item on the checklist for your visa type before you pay.

According to European Commission statistics, 37.9% of Schengen visa applications lodged at Bulgarian consulates in India were not issued in 2025 (1,270 of 3,435). That figure describes past decisions on all applicants, not your individual chances. If you are refused, you may appeal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sofia or to the Administrative Court Sofia-City; a fresh application means paying the fees again.

Which other costs belong in your Bulgaria visa budget?

• Travel medical insurance: minimum cover of EUR 30,000 for the entire stay, including repatriation and emergency treatment.
• Proof of funds: at least EUR 50 per day of stay and no less than EUR 500, or an inviting organisation's letter covering expenses.
• Income documents: three months of bank statements and Income Tax Acknowledgement or ITR-V for the last three years.
• Travel bookings: a return ticket or confirmed booking and proof of accommodation. A verifiable flight reservation avoids paying for a ticket before the decision.

Timing affects cost too. Apply no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before your trip. Processing is around 15 working days at VFS; under MFA Bulgaria rules a decision is taken within 15 calendar days of an admissible application, extendable to 45 days.

For the full document checklist and centre list, see our Bulgaria visa guide for Indians or the VFS Global Bulgaria India page.

Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram prepares flight reservations, hotel bookings, travel itineraries and cover letters for visa files, with packages from INR 1,000 for a flight reservation to INR 3,000 for a reservation, hotel booking, itinerary and cover letter. WhatsApp +91 95230 91018 or use our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I pay the Bulgaria visa fee by UPI?

Yes. VFS India lists card, cash and UPI as payment methods for the Bulgaria visa fee. Pay at the centre at the time of submission.

Is the Bulgaria visa fee the same as other Schengen countries?

Each country's VFS page publishes its own rupee amount. For Bulgaria, VFS India lists INR 9900 for a short-stay visa; check the relevant country page if you are comparing destinations.

Do I need a separate visa for Bulgaria if I already hold a Schengen visa?

No. Bulgaria joined the Schengen area on 31 March 2024, so a valid uniform Schengen visa can be used there. Only Indian diplomatic and service passports are visa-exempt.

Can someone else submit my Bulgaria visa application and pay the fee?

First-time applicants to Bulgaria or the Schengen area must apply in person. For later trips, a representative with an authorisation letter can submit the application.