Skip to content
2 ways to enter

Bulgaria visas

Bulgaria business visa

Short business visits use the Schengen short-stay rules. Visa-free business visits are available to eligible passport holders.

Ways to get a Bulgaria business visa

  1. Visa-free business visit

    No visa needed

    Ordinary passport holders on the short-stay visa-free list. Kosovo is also on that list.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

  2. Short-stay Schengen visa for business

    Visa needed

    Business visitors who need a short-stay visa.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
    Valid for
    Up to five years, depending on the visa issued.
    Entries
    One, two or multiple entries.
    Fee
    Standard fee: EUR 90. An application centre may charge up to EUR 120 extra.
    Processing
    15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues.
    1. Apply to the embassy or consulate for your main destination.
    2. Apply no earlier than six months before entry.
    3. Attend your first application in person and complete the interview.
    4. Submit supporting documents and biometric details as required, and pay the fee.

Who needs it

Business visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another exemption need a visa.

Who doesn't

Passport holders on the short-stay visa-free list can visit for business for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

How to apply

  1. Apply to Bulgaria's embassy or consulate if Bulgaria is your main destination.
  2. Submit the application no earlier than six months before entry.
  3. Attend in person for your first application and interview.
  4. Provide supporting documents and biometric details if required, and pay the fee.

What to bring

  • A recognised travel document.
  • Relevant supporting documents.
  • Fingerprints and a digital photograph, if required.

Good to know

  • A visa-free business visit does not give permission to work in Bulgaria.
  • Bulgaria requires funds of EUR 50 per day, with a minimum of EUR 500 per stay.
  • Days spent in other Schengen countries count towards the same short-stay limit.

Questions

Do I need a business visa for Bulgaria?

Business visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another exemption need a visa. Passport holders on the short-stay visa-free list can visit for business for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

What are the ways to get a business visa for Bulgaria?

There are 2 options: Visa-free business visit (no visa at all); Short-stay Schengen visa for business (a visa from an embassy).

Who can go to Bulgaria without a business visa?

Ordinary passport holders on the short-stay visa-free list. Kosovo is also on that list.

How long can I stay on a Bulgaria business visa?

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

How much does a Bulgaria business visa cost?

Standard Schengen visa fee: EUR 90. An application centre may charge up to EUR 120 extra.

How long does a Bulgaria business visa take?

15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues.

How long is a Bulgaria business visa valid?

Up to five years; new applicants normally receive validity covering their trip. Entries: One, two or multiple entries..

What documents do I need for a Bulgaria business visa?

A recognised travel document.; Relevant supporting documents.; Fingerprints and a digital photograph, if required..

How do I apply for a Bulgaria business visa?

1. 1. Apply to Bulgaria's embassy or consulate if Bulgaria is your main destination. 2. 2. Submit the application no earlier than six months before entry. 3. 3. Attend in person for your first application and interview. 4. 4. Provide supporting documents and biometric details if required, and pay the fee.

What rules do I have to follow on a Bulgaria business visa?

A visa-free business visit does not give permission to work in Bulgaria. Bulgaria requires funds of EUR 50 per day, with a minimum of EUR 500 per stay.

Reviewed by