The Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa is a type of long-term visa that allows foreign nationals to stay in Bulgaria for an extended period. This visa is designed specifically for family members of Bulgarian nationals who wish to obtain a permit for long-term residence in Bulgaria.
The purpose of this visa is to enable families to reunite in Bulgaria and allow them to live together for a more extended period. This visa is ideal for spouses, children, and dependent relatives of Bulgarian nationals who want to join them in Bulgaria.
To apply for the Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa, the applicant must provide documentation proving their relationship with the Bulgarian national, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or proof of dependency. The applicant must also provide proof of financial means to support themselves during their stay in Bulgaria.
It is important to note that the Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa is a long-term visa and not a permanent residency permit. However, after five years of continuous residence in Bulgaria, the visa holder may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
The Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa is an excellent opportunity for families to reunite and live together in Bulgaria. This visa allows family members to enjoy the benefits of living in Bulgaria, such as access to healthcare, education, and the ability to work and do business in Bulgaria.
The Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa is a long-term visa designed for family members of Bulgarian nationals who want to obtain a permit for long-term residence in Bulgaria. This visa enables families to reunite and live together in Bulgaria for a more extended period, providing them with an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of living in Bulgaria.
To be eligible for a Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Relationship with a Bulgarian national: You must be a spouse, child, or dependent relative of a Bulgarian national who is residing in Bulgaria with a long-term residence permit.
Proof of relationship: You must provide documentation proving your relationship with the Bulgarian national, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or proof of dependency.
Financial means: You must have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Bulgaria. This includes having a stable income, savings, or other financial resources to cover your expenses.
Accommodation: You must have a place to live in Bulgaria during your stay, such as a rental agreement or a property owned by the Bulgarian national.
Health insurance: You must have health insurance that covers your medical expenses in Bulgaria.
No security or public health risks: You must not pose a security or public health risk to Bulgaria.
No criminal record: You must not have a criminal record or have been deported from Bulgaria or another EU country in the past.
It is important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that your visa application will be approved. The Bulgarian authorities will assess your application on a case-by-case basis and may request additional documentation or information.
The required documents for a Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa:
Application Form
The applicant must fully complete the application form in English or Bulgarian, sign and date it. For minors below the age of 18, both parents must sign it.
Passport
The passport must have a minimum of 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months after the date of departure from Bulgaria.
Two Photos
The photos should be passport-sized with a light background, colored, and the head should take up 70-80% of the photo. The applicant must look straight at the camera with a neutral expression.
ID Card Copy
The copy of the ID card must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure from Bulgaria.
Residence Permit/Visa Copy
If the applicant's country of residence and citizenship are different, a copy of the residence permit or visa valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure from Bulgaria is required.
Photocopies
The following photocopies must be submitted: a copy of the main page of the passport and copies of previous visas or Bulgaria resident permits.
Details of Spouse
A copy of the spouse's passport, a copy of the partner's residence permit for Bulgaria (if applicable), and a certificate of residence of the spouse living in Bulgaria not older than 6 months are required.
Marriage Certificate
For Bulgarian marriage certificates, a certificate of marriage or extract from the Family Register, along with certified copies, are required. For foreign marriage certificates, documents or certificates must be recognized by the authorities of a state with a special procedure.
Divorce Decree of Previous Marriages or Death Certificate of Former Spouse
Foreign documents or certificates must be recognized by the authorities of a state with a special procedure.
Proof of Accommodation in Bulgaria
A copy of the lease certificate of an apartment in Bulgaria or title deed of owned property, or a rental agreement allowing to lodge guests at the location is required.
The Criminal Record
A criminal record or another document with the same legal value issued by the authorities from the country of domicile or residence is required.
Proof of Sufficient Means of Substance
For self-funding, a personal bank statement indicating financial movements for the last three months, credit card, cash, payslips, or proof of employment are required. For sponsorship, a sponsor's latest 6 months current account bank statement, sponsorship letter, and copy of the sponsor's passport are required.
Proof of Professional Status, if any
Employment contract, certificate of employment, extract from the trade and companies’ register, school attendance certificate, or proof of pension is required.
Health Insurance
Proof of health insurance for the stay in Bulgaria is required, along with an offer letter from a Bulgarian Health Insurance company stating the expected monthly fees.
*Note that the embassy may require additional documents.
The application process for a Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa is as follows:
Determine the appropriate visa type: The first step is to determine the appropriate visa type based on your family situation. The type of visa you need will depend on the status of the relative you wish to join in Bulgaria.
Gather the required documents: Once you have determined the appropriate visa type, you need to gather all the required documents. The required documents may include a valid passport, proof of relationship, proof of financial means, and a medical certificate.
Schedule an appointment: You will need to schedule an appointment at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Attend the visa interview: You will need to attend an interview at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your relationship with the family member you are joining in Bulgaria, your financial situation, and your purpose for traveling to Bulgaria.
Pay the visa fee: You will need to pay the visa fee when you submit your application.
Wait for the visa decision: After you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for the visa decision. The processing time for a Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa can vary depending on the country where you apply.
Collect your visa: If your visa application is approved, you will need to collect your visa from the Bulgarian embassy or consulate. You may also be required to provide additional documents at the time of collection.
It is important to note that the application process may vary depending on your country of residence and the specific requirements of the Bulgarian embassy or consulate.
The processing time for a Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa is generally around 5-25 working days. However, the exact processing time can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case and your country of application. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing.
The cost of a Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa includes the visa fee and any additional costs that may be required for supporting documentation, such as health insurance or proof of accommodation. The visa fee for foreign nationals is 100 EUR, but additional costs may apply depending on your specific circumstances.
You can apply for a Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence or the country where you hold a legal residence permit. You should check the embassy's website or contact them directly to confirm the specific application procedures and requirements, as well as the necessary supporting documents you need to submit with your application. It is important to apply at the embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Bulgarian citizens or permanent residents who want to reunite with their non-EU family members, such as spouses, children, and parents.
The requirements may vary depending on the specific relationship between the applicant and the sponsor, but generally, you will need to provide proof of the relationship, a valid passport, travel medical insurance, sufficient funds to support yourself, and a clean criminal record.
The processing time for a Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa is typically 5-15 working days, depending on the specific circumstances of the application.
Yes, you are eligible to work in Bulgaria with a Family Reunion Visa, but you will need to obtain a work permit before starting any employment.
Yes, you can study in Bulgaria with a Family Reunion Visa, but you will need to obtain a student visa and enroll in a recognized educational institution in Bulgaria.
Yes, you may be able to extend your Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa, but you must submit an application for an extension before your current visa expires, and you must meet the eligibility requirements for an extension.
No, you cannot apply for Bulgarian citizenship with a Family Reunion Visa. You must first obtain a permanent residence permit, and then meet the eligibility criteria for citizenship, such as residing in Bulgaria for a specified period of time and passing a language exam.
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