Bulgaria Expands Long-Term D Visa to Six Indian Cities from November 2025

Good news for Indian nationals who want to apply for the Bulgarian long-term visa. Starting November 1, 2025, Bulgaria has made it easier for Indians to apply for a long-term visa, also called a D Visa.

In partnership with VFS Global, Bulgaria has opened new application centres in six major Indian cities. This allows students, professionals, and families to apply without travelling to New Delhi.

Bulgaria Long-Term D Visa

A Bulgarian Type D visa is a long-term visa for non-EU citizens. You can obtain a Type D visa for 6 or 12 months, depending on your reason for your stay. Bulgaria offers a visa for 21 possible reasons, including employment, starting a business, studying, or joining family members.

• Processing time: Takes about 15 working days, but complex cases take up to 30–60 days.
• Visa fee: Costs differ by nationality; Indian applicants pay around ₹10,500, while the standard D visa fee is about €100.

Visa Applications Now Accepted in Six Cities

VFS Global, on behalf of Bulgaria, will handle the entire application process for the long-term D Visa, including application submission, document checks, and biometric enrolment.

Visa app;lication for the same can now be applied at the centres in 6 major Indian cities, including:

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

Online Applications and Appointment

It is worth noting that long-term visa applications can also be submitted online through the official VFS Global Bulgaria Visa Portal. The platform will also allow applicants to select their city, book an appointment, and prepare documents before visiting the centre.

Appointment slots for cities outside Delhi are set to open by mid-November 2025. This provides applicants with more options, helping them save time and travel costs.

Documents Required for Bulgaria

Applicants who want to apply for the long-term D visa must fill out the application form and provide all the required documentation.

• A passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the intended stay and with at least two blank pages.
• A valid colour photograph meeting specific dimensions.
• A certificate showing no previous convictions.
• Proof of sufficient funds for maintenance, accommodation, and health insurance for the period of stay, with the insurance coverage being at least €30,000.
• Documents proving the purpose of travel, such as an employment contract, a letter from a university, or a business invitation.

Benefits for Indian Applicants

The new system brings several clear benefits:

• Easier access: People no longer need to travel to Delhi to apply.
• Time savings: Local centres reduce waiting periods and travel time.
• Reliable service: The process is managed by VFS Global, which already handles Bulgaria’s short-term visa applications.
• Unified support: Applicants can now apply for both short-term and long-term visas through the same provider.

A Milestone for India–Bulgaria Relations

VFS Global, in a social media post, said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria has signed an agreement with them to start long-term visa (D visa) services in India from 1 November 2025. This will make the services easier to access.

The agreement was signed by Dr Nikolay Yankov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to India, and Ms Yummi Talwar, COO – South Asia, VFS Global, at the Embassy of Bulgaria in New Delhi on 24 October 2025.

Final Thoughts

For Indian students going to Bulgarian universities, professionals starting new jobs, or families coming together abroad, this expansion takes away one of the biggest travel hurdles. It reflects Bulgaria’s increasing interest in welcoming more Indians and simplifying the visa process.