Bulgaria Business Visit Visa

Bulgaria, located in Southeast Europe, is a country known for its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. As an emerging economy, Bulgaria has a thriving business sector that attracts investors and entrepreneurs from all over the world. For those looking to conduct business in Bulgaria, a Business Visit Visa is required.

A Bulgaria Business Visit Visa is a short-term visa that allows the holder to enter Bulgaria for business purposes such as attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or conducting market research. This visa is typically valid for up to 90 days within a six-month period, and can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, depending on the needs of the traveler.

The Bulgarian embassy or consulate in the traveler's country of residence is responsible for processing Business Visit Visa applications. The visa application process typically involves submitting a range of documents and paying a visa fee. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate, and provide biometric data such as fingerprints.

It is important to note that a Business Visit Visa does not grant the holder the right to work in Bulgaria. If the traveler intends to work in Bulgaria, they must obtain a work permit in addition to the Business Visit Visa.

In order to be eligible for a Bulgaria Business Visit Visa, the traveler must meet certain requirements. These requirements may include having a valid passport, providing evidence of the purpose of the visit and the nature of the business activities to be conducted, having sufficient funds to cover expenses during the stay in Bulgaria, and having health insurance that covers medical expenses in Bulgaria.

Once issued, the Business Visit Visa allows the holder to enter Bulgaria and conduct business activities for the duration of the visa's validity period. During their stay in Bulgaria, travelers may be required to register with the local authorities and obtain a residence permit, depending on the length of their stay.

The Bulgaria Business Visit Visa is an essential requirement for those looking to conduct business in Bulgaria. It is important for travelers to familiarize themselves with the visa application process and eligibility requirements before planning their trip to ensure a smooth and successful business visit to Bulgaria.

Eligibility Requirements for a Bulgaria Business Visit Visa

Documents Required for Bulgaria Business Visa

If you are planning a business trip to Bulgaria, you need to apply for a Business Visa. To do so, you will have to provide several documents along with your application form. Here are the necessary documents that you need to submit for a Bulgaria Business Visa:

Application Form

The application form must be completed in English and accurately filled out.

Two Photos

The photos should be passport size, recently taken with a light background, and in color. The head must take up 70-80% of the photo, and you must look straight at the camera with a neutral expression. Uniforms or colors matching the background should be avoided.

Foreign Passport and Copy of the Main Page

Your passport must have a minimum of two blank pages and be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave Bulgaria. You will also need to submit a copy of the main page of your passport.

Copy of Previous Visas

You must present a copy of all visas you have obtained before.

National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

If you are a non-citizen in the country where you are applying for the visa, you need to submit a valid residence permit card that is valid for three months after leaving Bulgaria.

Insurance

You must provide proof of valid medical insurance for the duration of your stay in Bulgaria, covering all costs for repatriation and emergency medical care. The insurance amount must not be less than 30,000 EUR.

Proof of Professional Status

You need to provide proof of your professional status, such as an employment contract, a certificate of employment, an extract from the trade and companies' register, a school attendance certificate, or proof of pension.

Means of Subsistence

You must provide proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay, such as bank statements.

Proof of Accommodation

You need to submit a document from the accommodation provider or an appropriate document indicating the accommodation. If this document is not available, a written description of your planned journey is sufficient.

Proof of Itinerary

You need to provide a flight ticket reservation indicating the date of entry and departure from Bulgaria.

Proof of Civil Status

You need to submit a proof of civil status, such as a marriage certificate, a birth certificate of children, or a death certificate of a spouse.

Proof of Business Invitation

If you are traveling to Bulgaria for business purposes, you must provide an invitation declaration from the Bulgarian company inviting you.

Purpose of visit and business activities

• The purpose of the visit must be related to business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiating contracts, or conducting market research.
• The applicant must provide proof of the nature of the business activities and the purpose of the visit, such as letters of invitation, conference registration, or business contracts.

Valid passport and supporting documents

• The applicant must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of 3 months beyond the intended period of stay in Bulgaria.
• The applicant must submit a completed visa application form and any additional supporting documents required by the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. This may include proof of accommodation and travel arrangements, proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the visit, and a criminal record certificate.

Financial requirements and health insurance

• The applicant must have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Bulgaria, including accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses.
• The applicant must have valid health insurance that covers medical expenses in Bulgaria, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

Applying for a Bulgaria Business Visit Visa

To apply for a Bulgaria Business Visit Visa, follow these steps:

Determine if you need a visa: Check the visa requirements for your country of residence on the Bulgarian embassy or consulate website.

Gather required documents: Collect all necessary documents for your visa application, including a valid passport, a completed visa application form, proof of accommodation and travel arrangements, proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the visit, and a letter of invitation or other proof of business activities.

Submit your application: You can submit your visa application in person or through a travel agency or visa application center authorized by the embassy or consulate. Make sure to include all required documents and pay the visa fee.

Attend an interview (if required): Some applicants may be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate or through video conferencing. Be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your visit and your ties to your home country.

Provide biometric information (if required): Applicants may be required to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and photographs, as part of the visa application process.

Wait for processing: The processing time for a Bulgaria Business Visit Visa is usually between 5 to 10 working days, but it may take longer during peak travel seasons or if additional processing is required. Once the visa is processed, you will be notified if it has been approved or denied.

Collect your visa: If your visa is approved, you can collect it from the embassy or consulate or have it sent to you by mail, depending on the visa application center's procedures.

It is important to apply for the visa well in advance of the intended travel date to allow for processing time. Meeting the eligibility requirements and providing all required documents does not guarantee that the visa application will be approved. 

Visa application process and required documents

• The applicant must complete a visa application form and provide any additional supporting documents required by the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
• The application can be submitted in person or through a travel agency or visa application center authorized by the embassy or consulate.
• The processing time may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but it usually takes between 5 to 10 working days.

The visa application form and required documents may include:

• A valid passport with at least three months of validity beyond the intended stay in Bulgaria.
• A recent passport-size photograph.
• Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a Bulgarian company.
• Proof of financial means, such as bank statements, credit card statements, or a letter from the applicant's employer.
• A copy of a round-trip airline ticket or travel itinerary.

Visa fees and processing time

• When applying for a Bulgaria business visa, a fee must be paid to cover processing expenses.
• The fee for a Bulgaria business visa is 60 EUR.
• Children between the ages of 6 and 12 pay a reduced fee of 35 EUR.
• The fee amount may differ depending on the applicant's nationality or the country in which the visa is being submitted.
• The visa fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the visa application is approved or denied.
• The processing time for a Bulgaria Business Visit Visa usually takes between 5 to 10 working days, but it may take longer during peak travel seasons or if additional processing is required.

Interview and biometric requirements

• Applicants may be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate, depending on their nationality, the purpose of the visit, or if the embassy or consulate deems it necessary.
• The interview may be conducted in person or through video conferencing, and may include questions related to the purpose of the visit, the applicant's financial situation, and their ties to their home country.
• Applicants may also be required to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and photographs, as part of the visa application process.

Renewing or Extending a Bulgaria Business Visit Visa

If you wish to extend or renew your Bulgaria business visa, you must apply for an extension or renewal before your current visa expires. You can apply for an extension or renewal by submitting an application to the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior in Bulgaria.

To apply for an extension or renewal, you must provide a written statement explaining the reasons for your extension or renewal request. Additionally, you must submit the required supporting documents, which may include proof of financial means to support your stay, proof of accommodation, proof of insurance coverage, and any other documents required by the Bulgarian authorities.

It is important to note that an extension or renewal of a Bulgaria business visa is not guaranteed and is subject to approval by the authorities. The processing time for an extension or renewal may vary, and you may be required to attend an interview or provide additional information or documents to support your request.

It is recommended that you apply for an extension or renewal of your Bulgaria business visa at least two weeks before your current visa expires to avoid any potential issues or delays. If your extension or renewal request is denied, you must leave the country before your current visa expires to avoid any legal issues.