Applies via: VFS Global + embassySources checked on
Indian citizens apply for a Bulgaria visa through VFS Global and the embassy. The published fee for Short Term Visa (C) - citizens of India and other citizens is INR 9900. Processing time (Short Term (C)): Around 15 working days (VFS); MFA Bulgaria: a decision is taken within 15 calendar days of an admissible application, extendable up to 45 calendar days in individual cases (the VFS checklist still quotes the older 30/60-day limits) Application locations listed include New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata (10 more listed below). Sources checked on October 15, 2026.
VFS Global manages Bulgaria short-term (C) visa services in India and, from 1 November 2025, also long-term (D) visa applications, at centres in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai; appointments are booked online at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/bgr. The Embassy of Bulgaria in New Delhi (16/17 Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri) decides applications and also accepts consular applications by appointment requested via consular.delhi@mfa.bg. First-time applicants to Bulgaria/Schengen must apply in person; later trips can be submitted by a representative with an authorization letter. Since 31 March 2024 Bulgaria issues uniform Schengen visas valid for the whole Schengen area, and checks at its internal land borders were lifted on 1 January 2025. A visa refusal may be appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sofia (the higher administrative authority) or to the Administrative Court Sofia-City.
Not available: Indian citizens holding ordinary passports need a visa to enter Bulgaria (MFA Bulgaria visa-regime table, updated 2 July 2026), obtained before travel from the Embassy in New Delhi via VFS; India is on the EU visa-required list (Annex I, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806).
eVisa / online visa
Not available: Bulgaria has no eVisa for Indians. A signed application form is lodged with photo and ten fingerprints at a VFS centre or the Embassy - in person on a first application to Bulgaria/Schengen, later through an authorised representative.
Visa-free entry
Not available: Indian ordinary-passport holders need a visa for Bulgaria (MFA visa-regime table, updated 2 July 2026), though a valid Schengen (uniform) visa can be used there since Bulgaria joined the Schengen area on 31 March 2024; only Indian diplomatic and service passports are visa-exempt. No visa is needed to stay in the international transit area of a Bulgarian airport (India is on neither the EU common nor Bulgaria's airport-transit-visa list), and MFA Bulgaria waives the transit visa for holders of a Schengen visa, long-stay visa or residence permit of a Schengen country, or a Cyprus national visa or residence permit; US and UK visas are not on these lists.
How to apply from India — step by step
1
Prepare your documents
Gather the documents listed in the "Documents required" section — the common list plus the checklist for your visa category.
2
Book an appointment
Book an appointment as described on the VFS Global / embassy pages linked below.
3
Submit your application
Submit at a VFS Global centre or other listed location: New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and others listed below.
4
Pay the fees
Pay the visa fee shown in the "Visa fees" section, plus the service fee.
Steps follow the official pages in the Sources section; always follow the latest instructions there.
How much is the Bulgaria visa fee for Indian citizens?
Short Term Visa (C) - citizens of India and other citizens
INR 9900
No fees for children between 6 and 12 years / applicants aged 12 and below, and for members of Bulgarian and EU citizens' families. Visa fees not refundable. Payable by card/cash/UPI
Long Term Visa (Type D)
INR 11000
Long Term Visa (Type D) - work (labour market access, Art. 24i / Art. 33k FRBA)
INR 11000
VFS India lists this one Type D fee (citizens of India and other citizens) above the document lists for all D categories, including work and study. Extra VFS charges for long-term visas: VFS Logistics INR 3080 and VC Interview INR 1650 (incl. GST). INR as published by VFS India, checked October 2026.
Long Term Visa (Type D) - studies at university (Art. 24v(1) FRBA)
INR 11000
VFS India lists this one Type D fee (citizens of India and other citizens) above the document lists for all D categories, including work and study. Extra VFS charges for long-term visas: VFS Logistics INR 3080 and VC Interview INR 1650 (incl. GST). INR as published by VFS India, checked October 2026.
Work: labour market access permit - state fee (Employment Agency, paid in Bulgaria after a positive decision)
BGN 100 - 400
Depends on the type of permit (single residence and work permit, EU Blue Card, intra-corporate transfer, work permit). Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry guide (updated 18 June 2025); from 1 January 2026 the euro equivalent at the official exchange rate applies.
Work: residence permit state fee (Migration Directorate, after arrival)
BGN 100 - 1,000 per year
Depends on the grounds of the residence permit; plus BGN 45 - 225 for the residence document depending on regular, fast or express service. Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry guide (updated 18 June 2025); from 1 January 2026 the euro equivalent at the official exchange rate applies.
Service fee: Short term: VFS Logistics INR 2530 (incl. GST). Long term: VFS Logistics INR 3080 (incl. GST); VC Interview INR 1650. Optional: SMS INR 420, Premium Lounge INR 3360, Courier INR 735, Courier with assurance INR 1260, Photograph INR 315, Prime time collection INR 735, Hold at Location INR 735, Prime Time Submission INR 2100
Checklist
What documents are required for a Bulgaria visa from India?
All applicants
13 items
Application form fully completed in English or Bulgarian and signed in two places (field 37 and last field) by applicant or parent/guardian for minors
Passport valid at least three months after intended departure from Bulgaria, at least two empty pages (back to back), issued within previous 10 years, no alteration to data page
One recent colour photograph 3.5 x 4.5 cm against light-coloured background
Proof of residence (if applicable): copy of stay permit for applicants staying temporarily in another state
Travel medical insurance, minimum EUR 30,000
Cover letter explaining purpose and duration of stay
Means of transportation: return ticket or confirmed booking
Proof of social and professional status - Service: employer letter (position, years of service, leave) and salary certificate of last three months; Business/self-employed: visa request letter on letterhead with company registration papers; Student: school/university leave letter and copy of ID
Proof of sufficient funds: minimum EUR 50 per day of stay but at least EUR 500 (or inviting organisation's letter covering expenses); three months bank statement; three years income tax returns
ITR: Income Tax Acknowledgement / ITR-V for last three (3) years
Minors: birth certificate or guardianship decision; original notarized consent of other parent (if with one parent) or both parents (if alone), plus copies of their passports/ID
Copy of current passport (data pages, previous visas and travels)
Original(s) of previous passport(s) or proof of loss
Transit Visa
2 items
Valid visa for the destination country
Return/onward ticket or confirmed booking
Private Visit
3 items
Invitation - Declaration for a private stay (Enclosure No 3 form) signed by the inviting person, certified by a Notary Public and by the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior of Bulgaria (VFS invitation letter format to be followed)
Proof of accommodation: hotel booking or accommodation provided by inviting person in the Invitation-Declaration
For spouses/children accompanying - tourist visa procedure to be followed
Business Visit
2 items
Invitation - Declaration for business visit (Enclosure No 4 or No 6 form) signed and stamped by inviting person/company, certified by Notary Public and Migration Directorate (VFS invitation letter format to be followed)
Proof of accommodation: hotel booking or accommodation provided by inviting company/person
Tourist Visit
3 items
Cover letter with itinerary and detailed location(s) for duration of stay
Proof of accommodation: hotel booking, private accommodation (confirmed in applicant's name), real estate title deed or lease, boat ownership/lease etc.
Proof of funds (min EUR 50/day, at least EUR 500) or document of prepaid tourist services
Medical Treatment visit
3 items
Certificate from the medical facility with specified treatment plan; discharge summary from local hospital
Proof of accommodation (hotel or provided by host organisation)
If unable to appear in person for medical reasons, application may be submitted by an authorized person
Sports / Cultural / Artistic & Scientific visa
1 item
Per VFS checklist PDF (CHECKLIST-SPORTS-CULTURAL-STUDENTS-SCIENTISTS-BULGARIAN-VISA.pdf) - not extracted
Long Term D - work (Art. 24i / Art. 33k)
5 items
Application
Passport
Copy of Notification from the Migration Directorate with positive opinion for access to the labour market
Paid fee
Medical insurance for the period of initial entry
Long Term D - family reunification (Art. 24(1) item 13)
5 items
Application
Passport
Notification from the Migration Directorate with positive decision for family reunification
Medical insurance for initial entry
Paid fee
Long Term D - family (Art. 24(1) item 18)
7 items
Application
Passport
Documents certifying family relationship recognised under Bulgarian law (marriage/birth certificate or family status)
Proof of secured accommodation (ownership or lease with notarised owner declaration)
Medical insurance for initial entry
Proof of financial means not less than the minimum monthly salary for the period of residence
Criminal record / police certificate
Long Term D - studies (Art. 24v(1))
11 items
Application
Passport
Proof of secured accommodation
Medical insurance for initial entry
Confirmation letter from Ministry of Education and Science
Confirmation letter from the University of admission
Proof of financial means; notarized parental declaration covering education and stay expenses with parents' bank/financial documents
3 months bank statements for supporting person and applicant
Minor: notarized parental consent to study in Bulgaria
Criminal record / police certificate
All documents issued abroad must bear necessary certifications, legalisations and translation
Photo
What are the Bulgaria visa photo specifications?
Size
3.5 x 4.5 cm (face 30-36 mm chin to hair)
Background
Light background (VFS fee section mentions white background)
Up-to-date, preferably max 6 months old, colour, on normal photographic paper
Face takes up 70-80% of the photo
No sunglasses; no tinted/reflecting spectacle lenses; frames must not cover eyes
No hat or head covering unless for religious reasons
Mouth closed; non-professional or cut-out amateur photos ineligible
Insurance
Is travel medical insurance required for a Bulgaria visa?
Required
Valid travel medical insurance covering the entire period of planned stay with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, covering repatriation for medical reasons, emergency medical care and/or hospital treatment in case of emergency or death in Bulgaria. Multiple-entry applicants must prove insurance for the first visit and sign a statement for subsequent stays (prescribed form). Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt.
Processing
How long does Bulgaria visa processing take?
Short Term (C)
Around 15 working days (VFS); MFA Bulgaria: a decision is taken within 15 calendar days of an admissible application, extendable up to 45 calendar days in individual cases (the VFS checklist still quotes the older 30/60-day limits)
Long Term (D)
Around 15 working days excluding the day of submission
Long Term (D) - work (Art. 24i / Art. 33k)
Around 15 working days excluding the day of submission (VFS India Type D page); legal term: a D-visa decision within 35 working days of filing (Ministry of Economy guide). Before that, the employer's labour-market access application to the Employment Agency is decided within up to 30 days; after arrival, the residence permit is reviewed within up to 14 days (extendable by 1 month) and the residence document takes 3 working days to 30 calendar days
Long Term (D) - studies at university (Art. 24v(1))
Around 15 working days excluding the day of submission (VFS India Type D page); legal term for a D-visa decision: within 35 working days of filing (Ministry of Economy guide). The Ministry of Education and Science and university confirmation letters must be in hand before applying
When to apply (short-stay C visa)
No earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before the start of the planned visit, in person or through an authorised agent except for humanitarian cases (MFA Bulgaria)
Visa types
Which Bulgaria visa types can Indian citizens apply for?
Art. 15(1) FRBA with Art. 33k (labour market access)
Art. 15(1) FRBA with Art. 24(1) item 13 (family reunification)
Art. 15(1) FRBA with Art. 24(1) item 18 (family members)
Art. 15(1) FRBA with Art. 24v(1) (studies at university)
Long stay
Bulgaria study and work visas for Indians
Multiple-entry Schengen short-stay (C) visa - EU 'cascade' for Indian nationals
Other
A short-stay visa (max 90 days in any 180 days), not a residence route. Under an EU rule addressed to Bulgaria and the other Schengen states, Indian nationals living in India who have a good Schengen visa history are issued a two-year multiple-entry visa; Bulgaria's MFA says a multiple-entry short-stay visa may be issued to applicants who meet the EU 'cascade' conditions.
Indian national residing in India, applying in India for a short-stay visa (Commission Implementing Decision C(2024) 2434 of 18 April 2024)
Has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years
Meets the entry conditions of Article 6(1)(a), (c), (d) and (e) of the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399)
Result: multiple-entry visa valid for two years; if the passport expires sooner, the visa ends three months before passport expiry
Consulates may still shorten the validity in individual cases (Visa Code Art. 24(2a)) or issue up to 5-year multiple-entry visas in justified cases (Art. 24(2c))
Stay limit on any multiple-entry visa: 90 days in any 180-day period; travel insurance needs to cover only the first intended visit (MFA Bulgaria)
Long-stay (Type D) visa for work - labour market access (Art. 15(1) FRBA with Art. 24i or Art. 33k)
Work
For Indians hired by an employer in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian employer first obtains access to the labour market for the worker (single residence and work permit, EU Blue Card, intra-corporate transfer or work permit); the worker then applies for a Type D visa at a VFS Global centre in India (D visas accepted since 1 November 2025) or at the Embassy, and after arrival gets a residence permit and residence document before starting work.
Step 1 (employer, in Bulgaria): the Bulgarian employer applies to the Employment Agency for labour-market access; the Executive Director decides in writing within up to 30 days; state fee BGN 100-400 after a positive decision (Ministry of Economy guide)
Step 2 (worker, in India): Type D visa application with a copy of the Notification from the Migration Directorate with a positive opinion for granting access to the labour market, application, passport, paid fee (INR 11000) and medical insurance for the period of initial entry (VFS Type D checklist); legal decision term 35 working days
Personal interview: MFA Bulgaria states that no exception is made from the requirement for a personal interview when applying for a long-stay visa; VFS lists a VC Interview charge of INR 1650 for long-term applications
Step 3 (after arrival): residence permit from the Migration Directorate or a District Directorate of the Ministry of Interior, showing accommodation and funds of at least the minimum monthly wage (or minimum scholarship or pension) for the period of residence; review within up to 14 days, extendable by 1 month; state fee BGN 100-1,000 a year
Step 4: Bulgarian residence document (3 working days to 30 calendar days; BGN 45-225); the worker may start work only after receiving it, and the employer must notify the General Labour Inspectorate within 7 days of the actual start
The D visa (Art. 15(1)) is valid up to 6 months with a right to stay up to 180 days and allows multiple entries; it is cancelled when a residence permit is issued in Bulgaria (MFA)
Applicants over 18 present a criminal record certificate on the initial application for a residence permit (MFA)
From 1 January 2026 BGN fees are charged as the euro equivalent at the official exchange rate
Long-stay (Type D) visa for university studies (Art. 15(1) FRBA with Art. 24v(1))
Study
For Indians admitted to a Bulgarian university. The applicant needs confirmation letters from the Ministry of Education and Science and from the university, then applies for a Type D visa at a VFS Global centre in India or at the Embassy in New Delhi, which issues the visa.
Confirmation letter from the Ministry of Education and Science and confirmation letter from the university of admission
Proof of secured accommodation (ownership document or lease; for a lease, a notarised declaration from the owner giving the address)
Medical insurance for the period of initial entry into Bulgaria
Proof of financial means for subsistence, including a notarised declaration from the parent(s) covering education and stay expenses with their bank statement and other financial documents; no minimum amount is stated on the VFS study checklist
Three months' bank statements for the supporting person and for the applicant
Minors: notarised parental declaration agreeing to study in Bulgaria
Certificate of criminal record or police registration from the country of citizenship, origin or habitual residence
All documents issued abroad must bear the necessary certifications, legalisations and translation
Personal interview: MFA Bulgaria makes no exception from the personal interview requirement for long-stay visas (VFS lists a VC Interview charge of INR 1650)
Visa length: a D visa is normally valid up to 6 months (stay up to 180 days); students on programmes of up to one year, post-graduate and trainee students may get a D visa valid up to one year with a stay of up to 360 days (MFA, Art. 15(2) FRBA)
Fees and processing times for these routes are listed in the Visa fees and Processing sections above.
Where to apply
Where do Indian citizens apply for a Bulgaria visa?
New Delhi
Ahmedabad
Bengaluru
Chennai
Kolkata
Mumbai
Chandigarh
Cochin
Goa
Gurgaon
Hyderabad
Jaipur
Jalandhar
Pune
Puducherry
Which office covers your state
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria, New Delhi
All of India: the Embassy decides short-stay (C) and, since 1 November 2025, long-stay (D) applications lodged at VFS centres across India, so applicants no longer need to visit New Delhi (D-visa centres: New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai).
Long-stay (D) visa applications in India moved to VFS Global, starting at New Delhi and then Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai, instead of only at the Embassy in New Delhi.
Checks on persons at internal land borders with and between Bulgaria and Romania were lifted, completing Bulgaria's Schengen membership (Bulgaria has issued Schengen visas since 31 March 2024).
Bulgaria visa for Indians — frequently asked questions
Answers built only from the VFS Global and embassy pages listed in the Sources section.
How much is the Bulgaria visa fee for Indian citizens?
Short Term Visa (C) - citizens of India and other citizens: INR 9900; Long Term Visa (Type D): INR 11000; Long Term Visa (Type D) - work (labour market access, Art. 24i / Art. 33k FRBA): INR 11000. 3 more fee rows are listed on this page. Service fee: Short term: VFS Logistics INR 2530 (incl. GST). Long term: VFS Logistics INR 3080 (incl. GST); VC Interview INR 1650. Optional: SMS INR 420, Premium Lounge INR 3360, Courier INR 735, Courier with assurance INR 1260, Photograph INR 315, Prime time collection INR 735, Hold at Location INR 735, Prime Time Submission INR 2100.
What documents are required for a Bulgaria visa from India?
Application form fully completed in English or Bulgarian and signed in two places (field 37 and last field) by applicant or parent/guardian for minors; Passport valid at least three months after intended departure from Bulgaria, at least two empty pages (back to back), issued within previous 10 years, no alteration to data page; One recent colour photograph 3.5 x 4.5 cm against light-coloured background; Proof of residence (if applicable): copy of stay permit for applicants staying temporarily in another state; Travel medical insurance, minimum EUR 30,000; Cover letter explaining purpose and duration of stay. Plus 7 more items listed on this page. Category-specific checklists are listed for 10 visa categories.
How long does Bulgaria visa processing take for Indians?
Short Term (C): Around 15 working days (VFS); MFA Bulgaria: a decision is taken within 15 calendar days of an admissible application, extendable up to 45 calendar days in individual cases (the VFS checklist still quotes the older 30/60-day limits); Long Term (D): Around 15 working days excluding the day of submission; Long Term (D) - work (Art. 24i / Art. 33k): Around 15 working days excluding the day of submission (VFS India Type D page); legal term: a D-visa decision within 35 working days of filing (Ministry of Economy guide). Before that, the employer's labour-market access application to the Employment Agency is decided within up to 30 days; after arrival, the residence permit is reviewed within up to 14 days (extendable by 1 month) and the residence document takes 3 working days to 30 calendar days.
Where do Indian citizens apply for a Bulgaria visa?
Applications go via VFS Global + embassy. Locations listed: New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Goa, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Pune, Puducherry.
Can Indians get a Bulgaria visa on arrival or an eVisa?
Visa on arrival — Not available: Indian citizens holding ordinary passports need a visa to enter Bulgaria (MFA Bulgaria visa-regime table, updated 2 July 2026), obtained before travel from the Embassy in New Delhi via VFS; India is on the EU visa-required list (Annex I, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806). eVisa — Not available: Bulgaria has no eVisa for Indians. A signed application form is lodged with photo and ten fingerprints at a VFS centre or the Embassy - in person on a first application to Bulgaria/Schengen, later through an authorised representative. Visa-free entry — Not available: Indian ordinary-passport holders need a visa for Bulgaria (MFA visa-regime table, updated 2 July 2026), though a valid Schengen (uniform) visa can be used there since Bulgaria joined the Schengen area on 31 March 2024; only Indian diplomatic and service passports are visa-exempt. No visa is needed to stay in the international transit area of a Bulgarian airport (India is on neither the EU common nor Bulgaria's airport-transit-visa list), and MFA Bulgaria waives the transit visa for holders of a Schengen visa, long-stay visa or residence permit of a Schengen country, or a Cyprus national visa or residence permit; US and UK visas are not on these lists.
What photo size is required for a Bulgaria visa?
Size: 3.5 x 4.5 cm (face 30-36 mm chin to hair). Background: Light background (VFS fee section mentions white background).
Is travel medical insurance required for a Bulgaria visa?
Yes. Valid travel medical insurance covering the entire period of planned stay with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, covering repatriation for medical reasons, emergency medical care and/or hospital treatment in case of emergency or death in Bulgaria. Multiple-entry applicants must prove insurance for the first visit and sign a statement for subsequent stays (prescribed form). Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt.
Which Bulgaria visa types can Indian citizens apply for?
Short Term Visa (C) and Long Term Visa (Type D). 12 visa types are listed on this page.
