Family reunification
A foreign national with residence status in Bulgaria can apply for family reunification for a spouse, children and certain dependants. Once approved, the family member gets a type D visa, enters Bulgaria and applies for a residence permit. Family members of Bulgarian citizens and of Blue Card holders have their own routes.
Life in Bulgaria
Money
3
Currency
Bulgarian Lev
BGN
Bulgarian Lev
Cost of living
24
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
Flat 10%
Income tax (national)
VAT 20%
Flat 10% on the annual tax base after mandatory social contributions; 15% for sole proprietors.
Living
1
Happiness
#82 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Spouses, children and dependent relatives of foreign residents in Bulgaria.
Eligibility
Sponsor status
The sponsor must have residence status in Bulgaria.
Means
At least the minimum monthly wage or minimum pension for the family, for the period of stay.
Genuine marriage
Spouses may be interviewed to check the marriage is not a marriage of convenience.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklistCopy of the family member's passport (valid at least 6 months)
- FeesFamily reunification application fee
- Steps to applyThe sponsor applies to the Migration Directorate with the documents and the BGN
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 8 documents
- 3 fees
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Bulgaria
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Bulgaria
- Visit & tourismShort-stay (Schengen type C) visa
- StudyProlonged residence for students and researchers
- Work permitsSingle permit for residence and work
- Permanent residenceLong-term (EU) residence and permanent residence permit
- Status in-countryProlonged residence for pensioners
- CitizenshipBulgarian citizenship by naturalisation
Family in other countries
- BahamasResident Spouse Permit
- BhutanEntry and stay for foreign spouses and children of Bhutanese citizens, and dependants of foreign professionals
- BotswanaResidence permit for spouses of citizens and dependants
- CanadaSponsorship of a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner
- SwitzerlandFamily reunification for non-EU/EFTA family members
- Côte d’IvoireResident card for a dependent spouse or child
