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If you're planning to remain in Bulgaria for longer than a brief visit The first thing you'll hear would be Bulgaria D-Type Visa. For a lot of non-EU citizens This Visa is the beginning point to secure long-term residence no matter if you're moving due to the sake of family, business or even future citizenship planning.
We at Sofia Sovereign, we frequently work with clients who are overwhelmed at first because they aren't sure of about what they're supposed to know about the D-Type Visa really does and when it's required and how it relates to the residency permits. This guide will explain it in a clear manner.
What is The Bulgaria D Type Visa?
Bulgaria D-Type Visa Bulgaria D-Type visa can be described as a visa for a long-term stay in Bulgaria that permits non-EU citizens to enter the country with purposes of applying for the residence permit. It's usually granted for as long as 6 months (and in certain categories, it can be extended twelve months) dependent on the reason for which the applicant is staying.
In other words, it's not a permit to reside in Bulgaria, however it can be an obligatory step prior to when you can legally get Bulgarian residency.
This visa is normally needed for anyone who wishes to:
- Reside in Bulgaria for a long time
- Create a company or represent the company
- Study
- Reunite with family
- Apply for residency via investment methods
Who can apply for a Long-Stay Visa Bulgaria?
The visa for long-term stay in Bulgaria is often utilized by:
- Business owners are setting up the foundation of a Bulgarian company
- Individuals who apply for Trade Representative Office Bulgaria residency
- Investors are preparing for EU residency through investment routes
- Foreign nationals who are moving to jobs or managerial positions
- Researchers and students
- Family members, spouses or friends who are residents or citizens
"The D-Type Visa is essentially Bulgaria's method of saying:
"If you plan to stay for more than 90 days you must have a valid reason to stay and have to apply in the right way."
What documents do you require?
The checklist for documents varies based on the type of document you're using, but most applications will require:
- Passport (valid for at minimum 18 months)
- Completed D Visa application form
- Photos of passports
- Criminal record certificate (apostilled/legalized)
- Evidence of accommodation in Bulgaria
- Health insurance that is valid for Bulgaria
- The proof of the existence of funds (bank statement)
- Documentation of the reason why you are staying (business documents such as registration certificates or family documents, etc.)
Most rejections are due to documents that aren't legalized properly, incomplete or do not meet Bulgarian regulations.
Many applicants opt for professional help through Sofia Sovereign, to ensure that the application is completed correctly the first time around.
What does the D-Type Visa Leads to Residency
This is when it is that the D-Type Visa becomes powerful. When you've received you Bulgaria D-Type Visa You can then visit Bulgaria and complete your application for a residence permit.
Following Arrival:
- When you register your address, you will be able to see it.
- Your residency application is submitted at the Migration Department
- You provide biometrics
- You'll receive your residence card
Based on the reason you are seeking residency, the card will usually be issued for one year and which is renewable each year. In time, sustaining legal residency may result in permanent residence and eventually citizenship under the right situation.
The importance of this Visa for Investors and families
Many people believe that residency begins after they have entered Bulgaria. The reality is that it starts by obtaining that D-Type visa.
To investors it provides:
- Business residency
- Investment residency
- long-term EU planning for the EU in the long-term
For families, it offers:
- Family reunification
- Relocation and education plans as well as relocation plans
- Stable legal status
It is the Bulgaria D-Type Visa is an essential element in almost every long-term residency program.
Final Thoughts
The long-stay visa Bulgaria isn't difficult however, it should be handled properly. If you submit incorrect documents or are applying in the wrong category, it can result in delays, refusals or a host of other issues.
If you're looking for a straightforward and secure process, Sofia Sovereign can assist you in choosing the correct visa category, create the complete file, and help you through the process of transitioning from a D-Type Visa to Bulgarian residency.
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