Bulgaria Spouse Visa
A Bulgaria Spouse Visa is a long-stay national visa (Type D), issued under Article 15, paragraph 1 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, to the foreign spouse of a Bulgarian national or of a foreigner holding the right of permanent residence in Bulgaria. It allows the spouse to join their partner and settle in the country for an extended period, rather than a short visit under a Schengen Type C visa.
This category is closely related to, but distinct from, the broader Family Reunification Visa: while family reunification can cover a range of relatives, the Spouse Visa route specifically concerns a legally recognised marriage to a person with the right of permanent residence in Bulgaria or Bulgarian citizenship. As with other Type D long-stay categories, the visa is the first step — after entering Bulgaria, the spouse must register with the local Migration Directorate and obtain a residence permit to continue the stay.
Applications are submitted at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate, generally with a mandatory personal interview. Approval is determined solely by the Bulgarian consular and migration authorities based on the documentation provided.
Eligibility
- Applicant must be legally married to a Bulgarian national, or to a foreigner holding the right of permanent residence in Bulgaria.
- The marriage must be genuine and properly documented, typically with an apostilled or legalised marriage certificate.
- Applicant must hold a valid travel document with sufficient remaining validity.
- Applicant must meet standard requirements, including health insurance and a clean criminal record.
- The sponsoring spouse in Bulgaria is generally expected to demonstrate adequate accommodation and financial means to support the applicant.
- Applicant must attend a mandatory personal interview at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (EUR) |
| Long-Stay Visa (Type D) — Article 15(1), Spouse of Bulgarian/permanent resident | EUR 100 |
Spouses of Bulgarian or EU citizens may in some cases qualify for a fee exemption — this should be confirmed directly with the relevant Bulgarian consular mission. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so confirm the current INR equivalent before payment.
Processing Time
Bulgarian consular missions have cited a standard Type D processing benchmark of up to 35 working days once a complete application has been submitted. Because the mandatory personal interview is a required step, and appointment availability can vary by mission, the practical timeline can be longer if interview slots are limited.
Processing can also be affected by the completeness of the marriage documentation and the sponsor’s supporting evidence in Bulgaria. Applicants are advised to prepare their documentation, including any required apostille or legalisation of the marriage certificate, well in advance, and to apply as early as their circumstances allow. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Required Documents Checklist
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
A Bulgaria Spouse Visa application depends heavily on correctly legalised marriage documentation and clear proof of your spouse’s status in Bulgaria — small procedural gaps here are a common source of delay. Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support, a clear Eligibility Assessment, and thorough Application Review before you attend your consular interview.
We provide Personalized Guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, backed by a Transparent Process and End-to-End Assistance from document preparation through to your interview. We do not guarantee visa approval, as this decision rests entirely with the Bulgarian authorities.