Type D visa to Bulgaria: why are applications refused?
A Bulgaria type D visa may be refused even with complete documents. Learn the main reasons for refusal, common mistakes, and how to reduce the risks.
Spanish Long-Term Residence Permit Through a Company in Bulgaria
How did a Bulgarian IT company help a Ukrainian family obtain a 3-year Spanish residence permit? A real Digital Nomad case and its benefits.
CASE STUDY: A Bulgarian company helped an IT specialist obtain a 3-year Spanish long-term residence permit for his whole family!
One business — two prospects of living in Europe. And without returning to Ukraine for a type D visa.
👨💻 Alexander’s story
In 2024 Alexander, an IT specialist from Ukraine, came to Bulgaria with his family and obtained temporary protection.
Being liable for military service, he understood how important it was to find an independent and long-term basis for living in the EU in advance.
But Alexander already had an important advantage!
He had registered a company in Bulgaria that genuinely operated, provided IT services to clients from several countries and generated official income.
Alexander received remuneration under a company management contract and dividends.
💡 It was precisely the Bulgarian company that became the key to obtaining the Spanish residence permit!
We suggested that Alexander use his operating business to apply for the Spanish Digital Nomad permit.
Why did this turn out to be possible?
✔️ The Bulgarian company carried out real activity.
✔️ Alexander had confirmed income and a professional relationship with the company.
✔️ His work allowed him to perform his duties remotely.
✔️ He confirmed the required professional experience in IT without having to present a specialised diploma.
✔️ The company and the professional relationship met the Spanish requirements regarding the duration of activity.
📑 The result
Alexander issued a power of attorney for representation in Spain. The documents were prepared and submitted in the established manner.
The application was accepted, and Alexander received a Spanish Digital Nomad long-term residence permit for 3 years.
Subsequently, the members of his family also received Spanish residence permits.
What is the double benefit of such a solution?
1️⃣ The prospect of living in Spain
The family gains the possibility of living in Spain legally.
After 3 years, the Digital Nomad permit can be extended for another 2 years if the necessary conditions are maintained.
After five years of legal and continuous residence, one may apply for long-term residency in Spain subject to the requirements of the law.
2️⃣ The prospect of obtaining a Bulgarian long-term residence permit
Alexander keeps his Bulgarian company and the opportunity to develop the business.
If the family later decides to live in Bulgaria, the Spanish residence permit makes it possible to consider applying for a Bulgarian type D visa through the Bulgarian consulate in Spain, without returning to Ukraine, subject to the requirements on where the application is filed.
After obtaining the type D visa, the family will be able to apply for a Bulgarian long-term residence permit if there is an appropriate legal basis.
⚖️ But is it possible to hold a residence permit in two EU countries?
Yes! Holding national residence permits in two EU states is not in itself prohibited.
However, each permit has its own conditions for being granted and retained. It is therefore important to take into account the requirements regarding residence, the extension of statuses and tax obligations.
Temporary protection is a separate matter. Whether it is retained after obtaining the Spanish residence permit must be assessed under special rules, since temporary protection and an ordinary national residence permit are governed differently.
🎯 What does this case show?
Registering a company in Bulgaria is not only an opportunity to do business and earn income.
A properly structured Bulgarian business can become the basis for obtaining a long-term residence permit in another EU country while preserving the prospect of further legalisation in Bulgaria.
That is why we advise entrepreneurs to think through not only company registration, but also a long-term migration and tax strategy.
📩 Bulgarian Expert helps register companies in Bulgaria, arrange accounting services, assess tax and migration risks and select grounds for further residence.
📲 Telegram: @bulgariaexpert
📸 Instagram: @bulgarianexpert
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