Document checklist
Svalbard and Jan Mayen → Bulgaria: Long-stay visa (type D)
What you need before you submit, checked against official requirements, not guesswork.
Checked by our automated verification on 20 Oct 2026: every source on this page resolves and the data is structurally complete. This does not confirm a person re-read the source text for accuracy.
Required documents
10 itemsIdentity
Filled-in and signed visa application form
RequiredThe application form for a type D visa, with every required field filled in and signed. You apply in person at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate for the country where you live, and an interview is always required.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Long-stay visa (type "D" visa)
Passport valid for at least 18 months
RequiredYour passport and a copy. It must be valid for at least 18 months and have at least 2 empty pages for the visa. Also bring copies of the page with your personal details and of any visas or residence permits you have.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, VISA "D" (long term): documents required
Recent colour passport photo
RequiredOne recent colour photo in passport format.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, VISA "D" (long term): documents required
Financial
Proof of money to live on
RequiredProof, such as a bank statement, that you have money to live on of at least 6 monthly minimum wages for Bulgaria. The page does not print the amount, so check the current minimum wage with the embassy.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, VISA "D" (long term): documents required
Purpose of travel
Certificate of acceptance from the Ministry of Education and Science
RequiredFor university study: a certificate of acceptance for study in Bulgaria from the Ministry of Education and Science, plus a certificate from your university for the semester you are enrolled in. Bring originals and copies.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, VISA "D" (long term): documents required
Accommodation
Proof of a place to live in Bulgaria
RequiredProof you have a place to live in Bulgaria. If you rent, you also need a notarised statement from the owner saying you may register at that address.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, VISA "D" (long term): documents required
Insurance
Health insurance of at least €30,000
RequiredAn insurance policy and a copy, for your whole stay, from a company allowed to sell insurance in the EU. It must cover at least €30,000, including going home for medical reasons, emergency medical care and emergency hospital treatment.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, VISA "D" (long term): documents required
Other
Both parents apply for a child under 18
RequiredFor a child under 18, both parents submit the application, or one parent with a notarised statement from the other. The child must also be there.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, VISA "D" (long term): documents required
Documents translated into Bulgarian and legalised
RequiredAll documents must be translated into Bulgarian and legalised.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, VISA "D" (long term): documents required
Police clearance certificate (if you are 18 or older)
RequiredA certificate showing you have no criminal convictions, from your home country or the country where you live. People under 18 don't need it.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, VISA "D" (long term): documents required
Why applications on this route get refused
No certificate of acceptance from the Ministry
The student D visa needs the Ministry of Education and Science certificate of acceptance. Without it, the documents that support the visa request are missing.
How to avoid it: Wait until your university gives you the Ministry certificate before booking your visa appointment.
Passport not valid long enough
The passport must be valid for at least 18 months and have 2 empty pages. A shorter validity does not meet the rule.
How to avoid it: Renew your passport before applying if it has less than 18 months left.
Health insurance that doesn't meet the rules
Insurance below €30,000, not covering your whole stay, or from a company without an EU licence does not meet the requirement.
How to avoid it: Check the amount, the dates, the insurer's EU licence and the repatriation and emergency cover before you apply.
Documents not translated or legalised
Documents must be translated into Bulgarian and legalised. Papers that aren't may not be accepted.
How to avoid it: Get certified Bulgarian translations and legalisation done early, it can take weeks.
Not enough money shown
You must show money to live on without needing social help. Showing less than the required minimum wages does not meet the rule.
How to avoid it: Ask the embassy for the current amount and bring a recent bank statement that clearly shows it.
Sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, VISA "D" (long term): documents required · checked 14 Sept 2026
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Long-stay visa (type "D" visa) · checked 14 Sept 2026
- Ministry of Interior of Bulgaria, Migration Directorate, Citizens of EU · checked 14 Sept 2026
Check your documents against this list before you pay the Bulgaria application fee.
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