December 2021 update

We have been writing many times about some of the consequences of violating the immigration regime in Bulgaria. Basically, the Law on the Foreigners is quite straightforward:

A visa or entry into the country of a foreigner shall be refused when there is evidence that in the last two years he has violated the border, passport-visa, currency or customs regime of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Art. 10 (1), p.10 of the Foreigners Law

Pretty clear right? Visa (or visa-free allowed stay) overstay will immediately trigger entry ban for the next 2 years.

Now and before

Prior to 2020, the Bulgarian authorities were applying the legal norm quite loosely. There were many foreigners, who overstayed their visa and were still not banned from entry into the country. The covid crisis however changed the whole landscape. Since the pandemic started, according to our own research, about 97% of those who violate the visa regime (ie the validity of it), are banned from entry. Period!

What to do if you have overstayed or are about to overstay your allowed term in Bulgaria?

You must be pro-active, first of all. If your allowed term to stay in Bulgaria is soon to expire, then there is no need to panic. If you have overstayed already and are illegally in the country already, there is still a chance to rectify the situation. In all cases, please contact us asap. We can then sit together and see what the best option for you is. In most cases, we will be able to help you. But the sooner you contact us, the easier (and cheaper) everything will be.

18 Comments

  1. Hi
    Last year I graduated my masters course and now I’m a PhD student in Bulgaria, Plovdiv. I registered as a part time student. I was just informed at the migration office that international students aren’t allowed to study part time. My visa D is about to expire in 11 days. I’ve asked the university to change my student status from part time to full time and they said that will be possible in September when the university reopens. I’m stuck on which routes to take because I’m afraid that I’ll overstay my visa.

    1. Author

      Hello Nicholas,
      We understand your frustration. Your situation is indeed quite complicated. A visa overstay will trigger ban to re-enter, so this is not an option.
      You may contact our offices directly to book a (paid) consultation or/and to get urgent assistance.
      Regards,
      Posolstvo.eu

  2. I can highly recommend posolstvo.eu. I was faced with an unforeseen customs issue whilst exiting Bulgaria and I contacted posolstvo.eu whilst in the airport and gained a response immediately.

    They performed the necessary administration on my behalf and shortly after they contacted the government authorities I was informed of a small fine to pay, with no other issues or restrictions.

    Highly recommendable – thank you.

  3. iI am travelling from Romenia to Bulgaria with a schengen visa
    Recently Bulgaria only allow you in if you have first been to a EU CONTRY on the same visa
    What will ahppen to me?

  4. Hello good day

    I have a question about my visa C will expire tomorrow August 3 ,by the way I am a Filipino Citizen. to make the story short my Fiance is a UK citizen then he have a house and lot here in Debelt and he got Bulgarin residence valid for 10 years. We been to immigration today hoping to extend my visa C because we going getting married this month of August. what should I do ? I am sure I will be over stayed here

    1. Author

      Hello,
      We are afraid you will be in trouble. We recommend you contacting our offices immediately for urgent assistance.
      Regards,
      Posolstvo.eu

  5. hallo! I have a house and registered business in Bulgaria. I am a Canadian citizen and I am now one day over my 90 day allowed visa free time. I planned to leave but are sick and would like to extend my stay only with a few days. How can I do it?

    1. Author

      Hello,
      You must request official extension from the immigration authorities. We hope that it is not too late already.
      If you need assistance, please contact our offices.
      Regards,
      Posolstvo.eu

      1. i overstayed ten days In Bulgaria on my free visa at border….leaving bulgaria on 21st of September 2021.
        am i banned from returning forever or just the two years thats now up….?

        1. Author

          Hello,
          It depends on your particular circumstances, which we are not aware of. For more information, you can contact our lawyers for assistance.
          Regards,
          Posolstvo.eu

        2. I am a Bangladeshi citizen I came to Bulgaria with single work permit I have resigned from the company now will the company cancel my visa and cancel the TRC then will I be invalid

          1. Author

            Hello,
            Yes, your work permit should be cancelled along with your residence rights. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance.
            Regards,
            Posolstvo.eu

  6. hello i am from France i plan to go to Varna in september , i heard after 90 days , i have to make resident cards…but many peoples told me if you are in UE , you don t need resident cards , and can stay more than 90 days , and i will never have problem if i leave the countrie by airport or border??
    is it true?
    best regards
    Marc

    1. Author

      Hello,
      By law, you need to register and obtain residence card if you intend on staying more than three months (art. 6 of the Law on the entry of EU citizens). We would refrain from commenting on whether this rule is being really enforced within the EU.
      Best regards,
      Posolstvo.eu


  7. we have bought property in sunny beach..We overstayed by 204 days trying to sort out the legalities. Went to Burgas migration office and were fined 800 levas and asked to leave bulgaria in 30 days. We paid the fine straight away and left before the 30 days was up hoping to get a visa d so we can go back. I have been to London bulgarian embassy to apply and am waiting to hear. My partner is looking for work over there. What I would like to know is, can I go straight back or will I have to stay in UK for the overstating and will my partner have to stay the extra 204, he needs to be in bulgaria as he’s been offered work.Also my poor little dogs are In bulgarian kennels since we came back here to UK, nearly 2 months now. We both want to get back to our home in bulgaria and will be applying for the yearly visa next. please advise. Thank you.

    1. Author

      Hello,
      Your case is complicated and you should consider contacting our offices to book a consultation.
      Regards,
      Posolstvo.eu


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