Long-term residence permit through marriage or on the basis of eligibility for a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria

Persons who by law have full entitlement to permanent residence permit status in Bulgaria but for some reason do not wish to apply for it straight away may use a simplified procedure and obtain a long-term residence permit on the very same grounds.

This provision of the law also applies to foreign nationals who have entered into an official marriage with a Bulgarian citizen or with a foreigner who already holds permanent residence permit status in the country.

Step-by-step procedure

The procedure for obtaining the status is standard and is divided into two mandatory stages.

Stage 1: Obtaining the type D visa (in your home country)

The documents are submitted in person by the applicant at the Bulgarian consulate in the country of their lawful residence.

Consular fee: €100.

Processing time: From 30 working days.

Result: A long-term type D visa valid for 180 days is issued.

Stage 2: Obtaining the long-term residence permit (in Bulgaria)

After entering Bulgaria on a type D visa, you must apply in person to the Migration Directorate of the regional police department at your place of residence. The application must be submitted no later than two weeks (14 days) before the visa expires.

Document processing time: 14 days.

Result: A long-term residence permit is issued for 1 year, which can subsequently be renewed annually inside the country.

Financial requirements and fees in euros (€)

With Bulgaria's switch to the euro (€), all fees and bank account requirements are calculated exclusively in the single European currency. The financial threshold is tied to the minimum wage, which as of 1 January 2026 is €620.

Account with a Bulgarian bank: You must provide a certificate confirming that you hold a personal account and the funds in it:

For the type D visa (for 6 months): at least 6 minimum wages — €3,720.

For the long-term residence permit (for 1 year): at least 12 minimum wages — €7,440.

State fees:

Processing of documents at the Migration Directorate: €5.11 (equivalent to 10 leva).

Residence permit (after approval): €255.65 (equivalent to 500 leva).

Production of the plastic identity card is paid for separately at the migration service's rates.

List of required documents

The same set of documents is provided for the type D visa and for the long-term residence permit. Foreign certificates must be apostilled/legalised and have an official translation into Bulgarian.

Standard (general) package:

Foreign passport: Valid for at least 1.5 years (18 months) from the date of submission of the documents. Copies of the first page and of the spread with the stamp of the most recent entry into Bulgaria are required.

Application: A legibly completed visa application form with a colour photograph (for the consulate) or an application in the prescribed form (for the Migration Directorate).

Proof of accommodation:

For owners: a copy of the notarial deed for the property.

For tenants: a notarised copy of the residential lease agreement together with the mandatory notarial address declaration from the owner of the flat.

Bank statement: A certificate from a Bulgarian bank confirming the funds (€3,720 for the visa / €7,440 for the long-term residence permit).

Medical insurance: A specialised policy for foreigners with coverage of at least €30,000, valid for the entire period of the requested stay in the country.

Criminal record certificate: Required for all adult citizens. Issued no earlier than 5 months before submission, subject to translation and legalisation. Stateless persons do not provide this document.

Documents confirming the grounds:

Depending on the personal situation, the proof of entitlement to a permanent residence permit/long-term residence permit consists of documents issued by the competent authorities:

When applying on the basis of marriage:

An official family reunification permit issued by the Bulgarian migration service.

Marriage certificate (a notarised copy with mandatory translation and legalisation).

A copy of the identity card of the spouse — a Bulgarian citizen or a foreigner with permanent residence permit status.

Where there are other entitlements to a permanent residence permit:

A certificate of Bulgarian origin or an original birth certificate expressly stating the nationality "Bulgarian" of one of the parents/ancestors.

Birth certificate (for minor children of Bulgarian citizens or permanent residents).

Other official documents confirming the person's unconditional entitlement to a permanent residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria.