🇧🇬 Bulgaria Family Visit Visa
This page provides detailed information on the documents, application procedures, and important considerations for the Bulgaria family visit visa, effective as of April 2024. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs applies the Schengen visa procedure, and fingerprint registration is mandatory. Applicants must schedule an appointment through the online system and appear in person at the visa application center to provide fingerprints. Recently, a criminal record including archive information, translated into Bulgarian, has also become a required document.
Applicants must have a passport issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiration date, with at least two blank pages. Those without a passport must apply at their local District Population Directorate. A biometric photograph measuring 35x45 mm with a white background is required, and for women wearing head coverings, the forehead and ears must be visible.
A full copy of the population registry is necessary, including family and address information. Barcoded documents obtained through the e-Government portal under the "nüfus aile" option are also accepted. Bank statements should be no older than ten days, with a minimum balance of 80,000 TL, and must be stamped, signed by the bank, and accompanied by the bank’s signature circular. The original invitation letter from the family member, relative, or friend in Bulgaria, approved by the Aliens Directorate, must be included. If the applicant is under 18, a notarized consent form from both parents is required.
Supporting documents reflecting professional status vary by applicant. Business owners must provide a stamped visa request letter on company letterhead, photocopies of the tax certificate, activity certificate, signature circular, and a barcoded social security document. Employees need a stamped visa request letter, photocopies of tax certificate, activity certificate, signature circular, employment entry statement, barcoded social security document, and the last three months’ payroll. Retirees submit a barcoded retirement document from the e-Government system. Public employees provide employment entry statements, social security documents, three months’ payroll, leave and employment letters, and a stamped employer letter on company letterhead. Students present a recent student certificate, parental sponsorship letter, and ID copy, along with documents relevant to the appropriate professional category. Children under 18 must present a notarized consent form even when traveling with parents. Non-working or homemakers may receive sponsorship from a first-degree relative and provide documents according to the relevant professional category. Contract employees must submit a stamped visa request letter, tax certificate, activity certificate, signature circular, and notarized employment contract.
The person sending the invitation must provide a copy of their Bulgarian passport, ID card, or residence card, a copy of their property deed or rental contract, and a handwritten letter stating the purpose of the invitation. If the inviter is a first-degree relative, these documents also support longer-term visa approval.
Applicants married to a Bulgarian citizen must ensure their passport is issued within the last 10 years, valid at least six months beyond the visa expiration, and contains at least two blank pages. Biometric photos must be 35x45 mm, white background, with forehead and ears visible. The full population registry, a bank statement with a minimum balance of 80,000 TL, and a marriage certificate approved in Bulgaria must be included. Identification documents include the Bulgarian spouse’s passport and Lična Karta, and the Turkish spouse’s ID. Additionally, a Turkish marriage certificate or population registry copy, name equivalency document (if dual citizenship and name differs), and e-Government barcoded residence certificate with history should be included.
Applications begin by sending documents by courier. Missing or incorrect documents are communicated to the applicant. Fingerprint submission is mandatory, requiring in-person attendance. Visa fees may be paid in TL or foreign currency. After processing, passports can be collected in person or delivered by courier. Upon receipt, applicants should verify the visa page for correct photo, name, entry count, and validity dates.
Applications begin by sending documents by courier. Missing or incorrect documents are communicated to the applicant. Fingerprint submission is mandatory, requiring in-person attendance. Visa fees may be paid in TL or foreign currency. After processing, passports can be collected in person or delivered by courier. Upon receipt, applicants should verify the visa page for correct photo, name, entry count, and validity dates.
In case of refusal, the reason is provided in writing, and applicants can reapply. The consulate may request additional documents, so travel plans should not be finalized before processing. Marriage certificates are required for visa applications based on a Bulgarian spouse. Initial visas are usually granted for six months or one year. Divorced individuals should not apply with outdated documents. This information serves as a general guide for the Bulgaria Family Visit Visa. For details on other visa types, visit the Bulgaria visa page.