Short-stay (Schengen type C) visa
Nationals who need a visa for Bulgaria apply at a Bulgarian mission for a short-stay visa. The MFA fee is EUR 90. Applications are made at the mission covering the applicant's permanent residence. A legal resident of a third country may apply there by exception.
Visiting Bulgaria
Add your passport to your profile, or check it here, to see exactly what you need to visit.
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
Tourists, business visitors and family visitors from visa-required countries.
Eligibility
Where to apply
At the Bulgarian mission covering your permanent residence, or by exception where you are legally staying, with reasons and proof your return home is guaranteed.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklistVisa application and supporting documents
- FeesShort-stay visa / airport transit visa
- Steps to applyCheck whether your nationality needs a visa
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.
- 1 document
- 1 fee
- 3 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
- StudyProlonged residence for students and researchers
- Work permitsSingle permit for residence and work
- Permanent residenceLong-term (EU) residence and permanent residence permit
- FamilyFamily reunification
- Status in-countryProlonged residence for pensioners
- CitizenshipBulgarian citizenship by naturalisation