Bulgaria Business Visa
A Bulgaria Business Visa is a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) issued for non-employment business activities, such as attending meetings, negotiations, conferences, or trade fairs. It falls under the same visa category as tourism and family visits, distinguished by the business purpose stated on the application and supported by documentation from the applicant’s employer and the host company in Bulgaria.
This visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, and — since Bulgaria fully joined the Schengen area — permits travel throughout the wider Schengen area during its validity. It does not permit the holder to take up employment or be paid by a Bulgarian entity. Foreign nationals intending to actually work for a Bulgarian employer, invest in a Bulgarian company, or relocate for business purposes beyond 90 days require a long-stay Type D visa instead, applied for under separate grounds.
Applications are submitted at a Bulgarian embassy, consulate, or authorised VFS Global visa centre, and must be lodged no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before the intended travel date. Approval remains solely at the discretion of the Bulgarian consular authorities.
Eligibility
- Applicant must have a genuine, documented business purpose — meetings, negotiations, conferences, or trade fairs.
- Applicant must hold a valid travel document, issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area.
- Applicant must provide a letter from their employer confirming the business purpose and covering travel costs, where applicable.
- Applicant must provide an invitation letter from the host company or organisation in Bulgaria.
- Applicant must hold travel medical insurance covering the Schengen area.
- Applicant must demonstrate sufficient funds and intent to leave before the visa expires.
- For those intending to establish or invest in a Bulgarian business rather than visit short-term, a long-stay Type D visa is the correct category instead.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (EUR) |
| Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Business Purpose | EUR 90 (harmonised EU-wide fee, effective since 11 June 2024) |
| VFS Global Service Fee (where applicable) | Confirmed at application |
| Long-Stay Visa (Type D) — for establishing/investing in a business | EUR 100 (up to 180-day validity) or EUR 200 (up to 360-day validity) |
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
For a short-term Business Visa (Type C), decisions are generally made within 15 calendar days of submission, in line with the standard Schengen visa processing timeframe. This period may be extended to 30 days in individual cases, and up to 60 days in exceptional circumstances requiring additional scrutiny.
For applicants pursuing the long-stay Type D route to establish or invest in a Bulgarian business, processing is considerably longer — Bulgarian consular missions have cited a standard timeframe of up to 35 working days for Type D applications, and a mandatory personal interview is generally required. Applicants pursuing either route should apply as early as the permitted window allows and avoid finalising business commitments in Bulgaria until the visa is confirmed. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Required Documents Checklist
For a short-term Business Visa (Type C):
- Valid Passport
- Completed Harmonised Schengen Visa Application Form
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Government Fee Receipt
- Employment Letter confirming the business purpose and cost coverage
- Invitation Letter from the host company or organisation in Bulgaria
- Travel Medical Insurance covering the Schengen area
- Proof of Accommodation
- Confirmed Flight Itinerary
- Financial Proof
For a Long-Stay Business Visa (Type D):
- Valid Passport
- Completed Type D Visa Application Form
- Business Plan or Investment Documentation
- Company Registration Documents (Commercial Register extract, where applicable)
- Evidence of Investment Amount or Local Employment Commitments
- Proof of Accommodation in Bulgaria
- Financial Proof
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Previous Passports (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Whether you need a short-term Business Visa for meetings in Bulgaria or the long-stay Type D route to establish or invest in a Bulgarian company, Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support and a clear Eligibility Assessment to identify the right path for your situation.
We provide thorough Application Review, Personalized Guidance on structuring your business and investment documentation, and a Transparent Process throughout. With End-to-End Assistance, we help you present a complete, accurate application. We do not guarantee visa approval, as this decision rests entirely with the Bulgarian consular authorities.