Bulgaria Type D Visa s your first step. It’s not residence — it’s the entry permit that unlocks residence. You use it once to enter Bulgaria, trade it for a Residence Card, and then it’s done forever.

This guide breaks down everything: what Type D actually is, the six routes to get one, what documents you need, how much it costs, and the mistakes that catch people out.

What Is a Bulgaria Type D Visa?

A Type D is a long-stay entry visa. It gives you 6 months to enter Bulgaria and apply for your Residence Card (Карта на чужденец) at the Migration Office. Without it, you cannot get residency — a 90-day tourist visit won’t do it.

Since Brexit, UK citizens follow the same process as other non-EU nationals. No shortcuts.

The 6 Routes to a Type D Visa

There are six ways to qualify. Each has different documents on top of the common requirements.

Route 1 — Property Owner + EOOD Company

For buying a house with land. British citizens cannot own Bulgarian land personally — it must go through a Bulgarian company (EOOD). This is the most popular route for UK buyers moving long term.

Route 2 — Employment

For those with a confirmed job at a Bulgarian employer. The employer must secure the work permit first. Bulgaria does not issue open work permits — no arriving and job hunting.

Route 3 — Pensioner

One of the simplest routes. If you receive a UK state or private pension, you just need your pension letter (apostilled and translated) plus proof of funds and accommodation. No company, no employer needed.

Route 4 — Property Owner (Apartment Only)

Buying an apartment with no land? You can own it in your personal name — no EOOD company required. Simpler paperwork than Route 1.

Route 5 — Student

Full-time enrolment at a licensed Bulgarian university. Part-time and language courses don’t qualify.

Route 6 — Family Reunification

Joining a spouse, parent, or family member who already holds Bulgarian residence or citizenship.

Documents You’ll Need (Every Route)

Regardless of which route you take, these are mandatory:

• Passport — minimum 18 months validity, 2 blank pages

• Passport photo — 3.5cm × 4.5cm, light background

• Visa application form — download from mfa.bg, fill in English

• ACRO Criminal Record — apostilled at FCDO, translated to Bulgarian

• Bank statements (3 months) — minimum €3,721 (6× Bulgarian minimum wage 2026)

• Health insurance — minimum €30,000 coverage, 12 months, from a Bulgarian-licensed insurer

• Proof of accommodation — notarial deed or lease agreement

• Bulgarian translations of all non-Bulgarian documents via a sworn translator

Watch out for the ACRO timing trap: Your criminal record certificate is only valid for 6 months. It needs to still be valid when you apply at the Migration Office in Bulgaria — not just when you visit the embassy in London. Plan backwards.

Good news: A UK bank account is perfectly fine. Your funds don’t need to be in a Bulgarian bank.

How Much Does It All Cost?

The Long-Term Pathway

Type D is just the beginning. Here’s the full trajectory:

Type D Visa → Temporary Residence (1 year, renew annually) → Long-Term Residence after 5 years → Permanent Residence → Bulgarian Citizenship & EU Passport

To qualify for permanent residence, you need to have lived in Bulgaria for at least 30 months within any 5-year period.

Critical Rules to Remember

• You cannot apply for Type D from inside Bulgaria — it must be done at the London embassy

• You cannot get a Residence Card on a 90-day tourist visit — Type D is mandatory

• UK citizens cannot own land personally — an EOOD company is required for houses

• Your ACRO must still be valid at the Migration Office stage, not just the embassy

• Apply at the Migration Office as soon as you enter Bulgaria on your Type D — don’t wait

• Type D is used once — after your Residence Card is issued, it’s finished forever

• Renewals happen yearly at the Migration Office in Bulgaria, not at the embassy

Download the Full Guide

We’ve put together an 18-page PDF covering every route step by step, including document checklists, embassy-approved translator contacts, health insurance providers, and the complete application form walkthrough.

👉 Download the Bulgaria Type D Visa Complete Guide.md

👉 Download the Bulgaria Type D Visa Complete Guide.pdf

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Need Help With Your Move?

At Move2BG, we help British citizens navigate the entire process — from property purchase to company registration, visa applications, and settling in. Visit our Visa & Immigration page for more resources, or get in touch to discuss your route.

This guide reflects rules as of 2026. Always verify current requirements with the Bulgarian Embassy London before applying.