Bulgaria Family Reunification Visa
A Bulgaria Family Reunification 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 family members of a foreigner who holds prolonged, long-term, or permanent residence in Bulgaria, or of a Bulgarian national. This category allows family members to join their relative and settle in Bulgaria for an extended period, rather than a short visit.
The process typically begins in Bulgaria: the sponsoring family member submits a family reunification application to the Bulgarian migration authorities. Once that application is accepted and approved, the family member abroad is issued a visa “according to a relaxed procedure” — meaning the Bulgarian consular mission processes the visa application based on the favourable decision already reached on the family reunification request, rather than reassessing eligibility from scratch.
As with other Type D visas, this is the first step toward residence in Bulgaria: after entering the country, the family member must register with the local Migration Directorate and obtain a residence permit. Approval throughout the process is determined solely by the Bulgarian authorities.
Eligibility
- Applicant must be an immediate family member (as defined under Bulgarian immigration law) of a foreigner holding prolonged, long-term, or permanent residence in Bulgaria, or of a Bulgarian national.
- The sponsoring family member in Bulgaria must first submit and receive approval for a family reunification application with the Bulgarian migration authorities.
- Applicant must hold a valid travel document with sufficient remaining validity.
- Applicant must provide documentary proof of the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or equivalent).
- Applicant must meet standard requirements such as health insurance and a clean criminal record.
- The sponsor must generally demonstrate adequate accommodation and financial means to support the incoming family member.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (EUR) |
| Long-Stay Visa (Type D) — Article 15(1), Family Reunification | EUR 100 |
Certain family members of Bulgarian or EU citizens may qualify for a fee exemption — this should be confirmed 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
This category involves two stages with separate timelines: first, the sponsoring family member’s reunification application must be reviewed and approved by the Bulgarian migration authorities in-country; second, once approved, the consular mission abroad processes the visa itself. Bulgarian consular missions have cited a standard Type D processing benchmark of up to 35 working days for the visa stage specifically, once the favourable family reunification decision has been communicated to the mission.
The in-country reunification approval stage does not follow the same fixed benchmark and can vary depending on the completeness of the sponsor’s documentation and the specific circumstances of the case. Because of this two-stage structure, families should plan for a longer overall timeline than a standard Type D visa application and stay in close contact with the sponsoring relative in Bulgaria throughout the process. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Required Documents Checklist
Submitted by the sponsor in Bulgaria (Family Reunification application):
- Proof of the sponsor’s residence status in Bulgaria (residence permit or Bulgarian ID)
- Proof of Accommodation suitable for the incoming family member
- Proof of Financial Means to support the family member
- Documentary Proof of the Family Relationship
Submitted by the applicant abroad (visa stage):
- Valid Passport
- Completed Type D Visa Application Form
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Government Fee Receipt
- Documentary Proof of Family Relationship (marriage/birth certificate)
- Health Insurance covering the intended stay
- Police Clearance Certificate / Certificate of No Criminal Record
- Medical Certificate (where required)
- Previous Passports (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
A Bulgaria Family Reunification Visa involves coordinating two separate processes — the sponsor’s in-country application and the applicant’s consular visa application — where a delay or gap on either side can affect the whole case. Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support and a clear Eligibility Assessment for both the sponsor and the applicant abroad.
We provide thorough Application Review, Personalized Guidance, and a Transparent Process to help keep both stages moving together. With End-to-End Assistance, we help ensure nothing is missing at either stage. We do not guarantee visa approval, as this decision rests entirely with the Bulgarian authorities.