Bulgaria launches long-term visa applications for Indians from Nov 1. Apply early!

Highlights: Bulgaria Opens Long-Term Visa Applications across India | Starts Nov 1

• Bulgaria will launch its long-term (D) visa services in India from November 1, 2025, making it easier for Indians to apply for study, work, and family visas.
• Indian citizens can now submit applications across six major cities — New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad — instead of traveling only to the capital.
• VFS Global has been appointed to manage the process, including application submission, document verification, and biometric enrolment.
• Appointment slots for centres outside Delhi will open by mid-November 2025, providing greater convenience for applicants nationwide.
• Applications can be submitted online via the VFS Global Bulgaria Visa Portal, streamlining the process for Indian travelers.

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Bulgaria Strengthens Ties with India through Simplified Visa Access

In a major step toward enhancing travel and cooperation, Bulgaria has expanded its long-term visa (D visa) services across India, making it easier for Indian citizens to apply for study, work, or family visas.

The initiative was formalized on October 24, 2025, through an addendum signed between H.E. Nikolay Yankov, the Ambassador of Bulgaria to India, and Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global, at the Embassy of Bulgaria in New Delhi.

Ambassador Nikolay Yankov described the launch as an important milestone in strengthening people-to-people and business relations between India and Bulgaria. He emphasized that the move will simplify the application process and make it more accessible for Indian citizens who plan to travel for education, employment, or family reasons

“The launch of Bulgaria’s long-term visa services across India marks an important step in strengthening the people-to-people and business ties between our two countries. This initiative will make the application process simpler and more accessible for Indian citizens planning to travel to Bulgaria for study, work, or family reasons,” — H.E. Nikolay Yankov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to India

This expansion not only deepens bilateral relations between the two nations but also reflects Bulgaria’s commitment to welcoming more Indian students, professionals, and families through an easier, faster, and locally accessible visa process.

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What Does This Mean for Indian Applicants?

With Bulgaria’s long-term (D) visa now available across multiple centres, Indian citizens can benefit in several ways:

• Easier access: Applicants can now apply from six major cities instead of traveling to New Delhi.
• Time savings: Appointment slots for centres outside Delhi will open by mid-November 2025, reducing travel time and waiting periods.
• Greater convenience: Applications will be managed by VFS Global, the same trusted partner that already handles Bulgaria’s short-term (C) visas.
• Wider network: VFS Global operates Bulgaria’s visa services in 31 countries through 116 centres worldwide, ensuring consistent service quality.
• Comprehensive support: Applicants can now access all visa categories—both short-term and long-term—under a single service provider.

 

Where Can You Apply for a Bulgaria Long-Term Visa in India?

Indian citizens can now conveniently submit their Bulgaria long-term visa (D visa) applications at VFS Global centres across six major cities. This initiative ensures that applicants no longer need to travel long distances to New Delhi to complete their visa process.

The centres are strategically located in key metros to make the process easier and more accessible:

 

City	Visa Application Centre Location
Ahmedabad	Shree Balaji Agora Mall, Motera
Bengaluru	Gopalan Innovation Mall, J. P. Nagar
Chennai	Ramee Mall, Anna Salai, Teynampet
Kolkata	Rene Tower, Kasba
Mumbai	Trade Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex
New Delhi	Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place

 

Applicants residing in or near these cities can book appointments online through the official VFS Global Bulgaria Visa Portal. The online portal allows users to choose their preferred centre, schedule an appointment, and prepare documents in advance.

According to the announcement, appointment slots for centres outside New Delhi—including Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad—will open by mid-November 2025. This phased rollout ensures smoother handling of applications and reduces processing delays during the initial launch period.

With the inclusion of these six centres, Bulgaria has made it significantly easier for Indian citizens to apply locally, saving both time and travel costs. The expansion also reflects Bulgaria’s growing interest in attracting more students, professionals, and families from India, further strengthening mobility and people-to-people connections between the two nations.

Also, read…

Austria Opens Doors for Indian Engineering Students with New Student Visa Partnership
 

Bulgaria’s Visa Expansion Offers New Opportunities for Indians Abroad

Bulgaria’s decision to expand its long-term visa services across India marks a transformative step for Indian applicants looking to study, work, or settle abroad. The new arrangement not only enhances accessibility but also opens wider opportunities for individuals planning to build a future in Europe.

This expansion is particularly significant as Bulgaria is becoming an emerging hub for higher education, career growth, and family settlement. With faster processing, shorter travel distances, and localized services, Indian citizens can now begin their Bulgaria journey with greater ease and confidence.

• For students: Gain smoother access to Bulgaria’s leading universities and affordable European education.
• For professionals: Explore growing opportunities in Bulgaria’s expanding industries with a simplified visa process
• For families: Experience an easier path to reunite with loved ones and begin a new life together in Bulgaria.

With a simplified process and six visa centres across India, this initiative makes Bulgaria a more accessible and attractive destination for Indians seeking new opportunities abroad.

Now is the right time to apply, whether you’re planning to study, work, or settle in Bulgaria, this expansion ensures a faster, more convenient, and reliable visa experience for all Indian applicants.
 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No.1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!

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FAQs
 

1. What is the new update regarding Bulgaria’s long-term visa applications in India?

Bulgaria has announced that it will begin accepting long-term visa applications from Indian nationals starting November 1. This development marks an important step in strengthening Bulgaria–India relations and facilitating mobility for students, professionals, and business travelers. The long-term visa, also known as Visa D, allows applicants to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days and is typically the first step toward obtaining a residence permit. The decision aims to streamline visa services and make it easier for Indian citizens to apply directly from within India through authorized centers.
 

2. When will Bulgaria start accepting long-term visa applications from India?

From November 1, Bulgaria will officially start accepting long-term visa applications from Indian nationals. This move allows eligible applicants to submit their documentation within India for the first time instead of traveling abroad for processing. The announcement reflects growing cooperation between the Bulgarian government and Indian authorities to improve visa accessibility. Applicants can now apply for Visa D, which is necessary for individuals planning to live, study, or work in Bulgaria for extended periods. The new system is designed to ensure a smooth, transparent, and efficient visa process for Indian residents.
 

3. Where can Indian applicants submit their Bulgaria long-term visa applications?

Indian applicants can submit their Bulgaria long-term visa applications at newly designated Visa Application Centers managed by authorized partners. These centers will be located in key Indian cities to make the process accessible and convenient for applicants. The centers will accept applications, collect biometrics, and forward the documents to the Embassy of Bulgaria for processing. This initiative eliminates the need to apply outside India and helps streamline the submission procedure. Applicants are advised to check the official schedule and requirements before visiting the center to ensure a complete and accurate application.
 

4. Which company is managing Bulgaria’s visa application process in India?

Bulgaria’s long-term visa application process in India will be managed by VFS Global, a trusted outsourcing and technology services company that handles visa and consular operations for various governments worldwide. The collaboration allows Indian applicants to submit their applications and biometrics through VFS Global centers in India. VFS Global will facilitate the collection of documents, scheduling of appointments, and coordination with Bulgarian authorities, ensuring a more organized and efficient process. The introduction of this system represents a major convenience for Indian applicants seeking long-term stays in Bulgaria for work, study, or residence.
 

5. What types of long-term visas can Indians apply for under the new system?

Indian citizens can apply for Bulgaria’s long-term Visa D, which is required for stays exceeding 90 days. This visa category covers various purposes, including employment, business, studies, research, or family reunification. The Visa D serves as a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria. Applicants must provide supporting documents depending on the type of visa they seek, such as job offers, admission letters, or proof of family relationships. The initiative aims to make the process more accessible for Indians planning extended stays in Bulgaria for education, work, or settlement.
 

6.What documents are required for a Bulgaria long-term visa application?

To apply for a Bulgaria long-term Visa D, Indian applicants generally need a valid passport, a completed visa application form, recent photographs, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial means to support their stay. Depending on the visa purpose, additional documents such as employment contracts, university admission letters, or marriage certificates may be required. All documents must be submitted in English or Bulgarian and, in some cases, notarized or apostilled. Applicants should verify requirements with the official visa center to ensure accuracy, as incomplete or incorrect submissions may delay processing.
 

7. What is the processing time for a Bulgaria long-term visa from India?

The processing time for a Bulgaria long-term Visa D from India typically ranges from 30 to 45 working days, depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of submitted documents. The Bulgarian authorities may extend this period if additional verification or documentation is needed. Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of their intended travel date to avoid delays. With the new system being launched in India, the processing is expected to become more efficient and transparent, ensuring that applicants are updated on the progress of their applications.
 

8. Are short-term Bulgaria visas also being processed in India?

Yes, short-term Bulgaria visas for tourism, business, or family visits are already being processed in India through the existing VFS Global centers. The new development specifically expands this service to include long-term Visa D applications, which were previously unavailable within India. This ensures that both short-stay and long-stay Bulgarian visas can now be conveniently applied for from the same centers. The integration of both visa types enhances accessibility and provides a one-stop platform for all visa-related services, making it easier for Indian travelers and professionals to plan visits to Bulgaria.
 

9. Will the Bulgaria visa application process in India be managed by VFS Global?

Yes, the visa application process for Bulgaria in India will be managed by VFS Global, a global leader in visa outsourcing and technology services. VFS Global will facilitate the end-to-end process, including application intake, document verification, biometric collection, and coordination with the Embassy of Bulgaria. This partnership ensures a standardized, transparent, and efficient experience for applicants. The collaboration also aligns with Bulgaria’s efforts to simplify visa procedures for Indian nationals, offering convenient access through multiple service centers across India beginning November 1.
 

10. How does this change benefit Indian travelers and professionals planning to move to Bulgaria?

The introduction of long-term Bulgaria visa processing in India significantly benefits Indian travelers, students, and professionals. It eliminates the need to travel to third countries for long-term visa applications and provides easier access to opportunities in Bulgaria. The new system streamlines the process, reduces waiting times, and ensures transparency through VFS Global’s managed centers. This development supports Bulgaria’s goal to attract skilled talent, international students, and business investors from India, fostering stronger bilateral relations and promoting educational and employment mobility between the two nations.