Bulgaria Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit)
A Bulgaria Visitor Visa for visiting family or friends is a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) issued for social purposes, allowing a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It falls under the same Schengen Type C category used for tourism and business, differentiated by the social purpose of the trip and supported by an invitation letter from the host in Bulgaria.
Since Bulgaria fully joined the Schengen area, a visa issued for this purpose permits travel throughout the wider Schengen area during its validity, not just Bulgaria. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine relationship with their host, along with the standard Schengen requirements around funds, insurance, and intent to return home. The application is submitted at a Bulgarian embassy, consulate, or authorised VFS Global visa centre.
As with other Schengen visa categories, the application should be lodged no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before the intended travel date. Approval is determined solely by the Bulgarian consular authorities based on the documentation provided.
Eligibility
- Applicant must have a genuine social purpose — visiting a family member or friend residing in or visiting Bulgaria.
- 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 an invitation letter from the host in Bulgaria, often accompanied by the host’s ID or residency documentation.
- Applicant must hold travel medical insurance covering the Schengen area.
- Applicant must provide proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay, or evidence that the host will cover costs.
- Applicant must demonstrate intent to leave before the visa expires.
- Applicant must not fall under any category posing a security, public health, or public policy risk.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (EUR) |
| Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Social/Family Visit | EUR 90 (harmonised EU-wide fee, effective since 11 June 2024) |
| Children aged 6–11 | EUR 45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Immediate family members of Bulgarian/EU citizens | Fee-exempt (subject to confirmation of eligibility) |
Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. The application fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so confirm the current INR equivalent before payment.
Processing Time
As a Schengen short-stay visa, applications for a Bulgaria Visitor Visa to see family or friends are generally decided within 15 calendar days of submission. This period may be extended to 30 days in individual cases, and up to 60 days in exceptional circumstances requiring further checks.
Because this category relies heavily on the host’s invitation letter and supporting documentation, coordinating with your host in Bulgaria before submission can help avoid delays caused by missing paperwork. Applicants should apply well within the six-month to 15-day window before travel and avoid finalising non-refundable bookings until the visa is confirmed. 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
Visiting family or friends in Bulgaria depends on solid coordination between you and your host, since the invitation letter and supporting documents are central to the application. Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support and a clear Eligibility Assessment to help both applicant and host prepare exactly what’s needed.
We provide thorough Application Review, Personalized Guidance, and a Transparent Process throughout, with End-to-End Assistance from document preparation to submission. We do not guarantee visa approval, as this decision rests entirely with the Bulgarian consular authorities.