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Visa guide · Indian passport holders

Bulgaria visa for Indian citizens

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); checklist note: up to 15 calendar days, extendable to 30 or maximum 60 calendar days. Application locations listed include New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata (1 more listed below). Sources checked on October 10, 2026.

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Bulgaria visa for Indians — key facts

Visa fee
INR 9900Short Term Visa (C) - citizens of India and other citizens
Processing time
Around 15 working days (VFS)Short Term (C)
Where to apply
6 locations listedNew Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru…
Insurance required
Yes

Overview

How do Indian citizens apply for a Bulgaria visa?

Applies via: VFS Global + embassy

Who handles applications in India

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.

How to apply from India — step by step

  1. 1

    Prepare your documents

    Gather the documents listed in the "Documents required" section — the common list plus the checklist for your visa category.

  2. 2

    Book an appointment

    Book an appointment as described on the VFS Global / embassy pages linked below.

  3. 3

    Submit your application

    Submit at a VFS Global centre or other listed location: New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai.

  4. 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.

Before you apply

Visa fees

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

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); checklist note: up to 15 calendar days, extendable to 30 or maximum 60 calendar days
Long Term (D)
Around 15 working days excluding the day of submission

Visa types

Which Bulgaria visa types can Indian citizens apply for?

Short Term Visa (C)

  • Airport Transit Visa
  • Transit Visa
  • Sports / Cultural / Artistic & Scientific visa
  • Private Visit
  • Business Visit
  • Tourist Visit
  • Medical Treatment visit

Long Term Visa (Type D)

  • Art. 15(1) FRBA with Art. 24i (labour market access - work)
  • 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)

Where to apply

Where do Indian citizens apply for a Bulgaria visa?

  • New Delhi
  • Ahmedabad
  • Bengaluru
  • Chennai
  • Kolkata
  • Mumbai

FAQ

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. 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); checklist note: up to 15 calendar days, extendable to 30 or maximum 60 calendar days; Long Term (D): Around 15 working days excluding the day of submission.

Where do Indian citizens apply for a Bulgaria visa?

Applications go via VFS Global + embassy. Locations listed: New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai.

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.

Sources

Sources

Machine-readable version: /visa/india/bulgaria/markdown

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