Bulgarian Spouse Visa

Applying for immigration status as a non-EU spouse of a Bulgarian citizen can be a challenging process. However, understanding the necessary steps and requirements is crucial for couples who want to live together in Bulgaria. This guide provides an in-depth look at the so-called "Bulgarian Spouse Visa" covering its benefits, requirements, and application process. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother experience and greater confidence throughout your application journey.

What is a Bulgarian Spouse Visa?

Technically, there is no official "Bulgarian Spouse Visa." For convenience, in this article, we will refer to the Bulgarian type “D” visa as a spouse visa, as it is the first step for non-EU spouses of Bulgarian nationals who wish to reside in Bulgaria.

The type “D” visa allows a stay of up to 6 months and serves as a prerequisite for applying for a long-term and permanent residence permit in Bulgaria. It provides a legal framework for spouses to enter the country and begin the process of building a life together.

Understanding the Bulgarian Spouse Visa for non-EU citizens

The Bulgarian spouse visa and a full understanding of its process are crucial if you are married to a Bulgarian citizen. This visa route helps facilitate family reunification and ensures that you can live together in Bulgaria. It is important to note that, although this process can be considered a type of family reunification, to be eligible to join your Bulgarian spouse through the spouse visa route, you do not need to apply for a family reunification permit. This requirement applies only to EU residents married to Bulgarian citizens.

Benefits of Obtaining a Bulgarian Spouse Visa

Securing a Bulgarian spouse visa is a significant step for couples looking to live together in Bulgaria. It opens up many advantages that enhance your experience in the country.

Residence Rights: Live legally in Bulgaria, which helps you integrate into the community and enjoy local amenities. As a result, you will find it easier to settle into your new environment.
Work Opportunities: With the right work authorization, you can find employment in Bulgaria, contributing to your financial stability. Furthermore, working in Bulgaria allows you to fully participate in the local economy.
Access to Services: Gain access to essential services such as healthcare and education, which are crucial for a comfortable life. Additionally, this access ensures that you and your family are well-supported during your stay.
Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: The visa is a gateway to long-term residency or even citizenship in Bulgaria, if you meet additional criteria. Consequently, it opens doors to further opportunities and stability in your new home.

Additionally, the Bulgarian spouse visa eases the transition for families moving from abroad. It offers a legal framework for spouses to live together, reducing relocation stress and allowing for a smoother adjustment to life in Bulgaria. Ultimately, it facilitates a more seamless integration into Bulgarian society.

How to Apply for a Bulgarian Spouse Visa

Applying for a Bulgarian spouse visa involves several important steps. Following the steps below carefully will help ensure that your visa spouse application is processed smoothly:

Prepare Your Documents
Make sure that all documents are accurate, up-to-date, and complete. Missing or outdated paperwork may delay the process.
1. Two recent passport-sized photos (45mm x 35mm).
2. A current valid passport - ensure your passport has at least one blank page for the visa and is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Bulgaria. It is important to verify your passport’s validity well in advance.
3. Evidence of sufficient funds in a Bulgarian bank account must be provided. To satisfy the requirements for a spouse visa, you must have enough funds in a Bulgarian bank account. This should be demonstrated through a bank statement showing an amount equivalent to at least 6 times the minimum monthly Bulgarian salary (bear in mind that Bulgarian minimum salary is subject to annual change). If you do not have a Bulgarian bank account, you will need to prove that your Bulgarian spouse can support you while you are in Bulgaria. If your Bulgarian spouse does not have enough funds in their bank account, you have the option to transfer money from your personal bank account.
4. A policy from a Bulgarian insurance company covering healthcare, hospitalisation, and repatriation during your stay. This insurance is only used to cover emergency cases, so the cheapest one will do.
5. A rental contract or housing declaration signed before a notary public, confirming your place of residence in Bulgaria.
6. A recent background check from your current place of residence detailing any criminal or civil offenses.
7. A marriage Certificate - If you have a marriage certificate from Bulgaria, this is essentially all you need. However, if your marriage certificate is from abroad, you will need to obtain an official translation of the certificate into Bulgarian, ensuring it is notarized if required. If your certificate is not in English, it must first be translated into English and then notarized by a recognised authority before submission. More information on this can be found in this section.
Ensure all paperwork is up-to-date and correctly reflect your current status. Incomplete or outdated documents can delay the processing of your visa application. Therefore, it is important to double-check all details before paperwork submission.
Submit Your Application
Obtain the visa D application form from the Bulgarian embassy or consulate website in your country. Ensure all sections are filled in fully and accurately to avoid delays. Travel to the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence and submit your completed application form together with all required documents. Schedule an appointment for an interview at the nearest Bulgarian consulate or embassy online or by phone.
Attend an Interview
Be prepared to discuss your marriage and bring original documents and copies for verification. The interview might be used to verify the authenticity of your marriage and application details. Why is this important? If the immigration officer reaches the conclusion that your relationship is not genuine and the marriage is a sham, this could have serious implications beyond a refusal of your visa application. As long as you are in a genuine relationship, you have little to fear from the immigration officer questions that are likely to be asked. You can find out more about sham marriages here and also about proof of relationship here.
Await a Decision
Wait for the visa processing period typically takes between 35 and 45 calendar days. Most applicants receive their visa within this period, but in some cases, it can take up to 90 days to be issued. You can contact the consulate by phone for updates on your application.

Bulgarian Spouse Visa Fee

The Bulgarian spouse visa is free of charge. As a family member of a Bulgarian citizen, your visa application processing fees are waived. If you are asked to pay a visa fee, this may indicate an issue or error in the application.

Bulgaria Residency Permit for Spouse

Once you arrive in Bulgaria, transitioning from a spouse visa to a residency permit is crucial. Understanding the differences and the process involved helps you plan effectively. Additionally, securing a residency permit is an important step in establishing a stable and long-term residence in Bulgaria.

Difference Between Visa and Residency Permit

While the Bulgarian spouse visa allows you to enter and stay in Bulgaria temporarily, a residency permit grants the legal right to live in Bulgaria for an extended period. A residency permit is necessary if you want to stay beyond the initial visa period and can be a basis for applying for long-term residency or citizenship. Furthermore, the residency permit provides more comprehensive rights and benefits and includes additional security and stability during your stay.

How to Apply for a Bulgaria Residency Permit for Spouse

Applying for a residency permit is an important step after obtaining your Bulgarian spouse visa. This permit allows you to live in Bulgaria for a longer period and provides more stability. To obtain a residency permit, you need to:

Submit Application: File your application at the local immigration office in Bulgaria. This step is essential for transitioning from a visa to a residency status. Additionally, ensure you meet all local requirements and guidelines. Include documents such as your spouse visa, proof of residence, and any additional documents required. Complete documentation is essential for a successful application. Make sure all documents are up-to-date and accurate.
Attend an Appointment: You will need to attend an appointment to finalise your application and provide biometric data for your residency card. At this stage, you may need to prove that your marriage is genuine and not solely for visa purposes. Although your eligibility was previously assessed, at this point, you will need to undergo the entire process again, often in greater detail. For more information about how the genuineness of your relationship is evaluated, please refer to the following sections.

Proof of Relationship

In order to validate your marriage, you may need to present additional evidence. This step is crucial for proving the authenticity of your relationship and supporting your application.

Photographs: Provide recent photos of significant events, such as your wedding. Photos help illustrate the authenticity of your relationship and shared experiences. Including a variety of photos can strengthen your application.
Correspondence: For example, include copies of letters, emails, or messages that demonstrate ongoing communication and a genuine relationship. Consistent communication supports the credibility of your relationship. It’s very likely that the immigration officer will only limit themselves to asking essential questions and not ask for any of the above but better play safe than sorry.
Joint Documents: Show evidence of shared financial responsibilities, such as joint bank accounts or rental agreements. Shared financial responsibilities indicate a serious and committed relationship and help prove the legitimacy of your marriage.

Immigration Status Refusal and Sham Marriages

One of the most significant challenges affecting the spouse visa route in Bulgaria is the issue of sham marriages. It is important to note that criminal investigations into the credibility of a marriage are more likely to take place when applying for a residence permit than for a visa.

Sham marriages—also referred to as marriages of convenience—are frequently used as a means to gain entry into Bulgaria. In some cases, it can be challenging to determine whether individuals have entered into a marriage solely to abuse the immigration system. To address this, the migration authorities carefully assess whether the marriage is genuine and subsisting, which is essential for a successful residence permit application.

Although there is no formal definition of “genuine” in the immigration office guidelines, there are several factors the authorities consider when evaluating the authenticity of a marriage. If the Bulgarian immigration office suspects that the Bulgarian national and their spouse are in a sham marriage for the purpose of obtaining immigration advantage, there can be serious consequences for both parties. These consequences extend beyond the rejection of the application.

In the event of application rejection, the decision can be appealed in court.

How Can We Help?

Working with us can help you achieve success throughout the spouse visa application process. We will ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria, carefully prepare your documentation, and follow the application steps to make your move to Bulgaria as smooth as possible. With the right preparation, you can successfully navigate the visa process and begin a new chapter in Bulgaria with your spouse. After entering Bulgaria, we also provide further assistance with your residency permit.