What is a Long-Term Visa?
A Bulgarian long-term visa is also known as visa D. This visa allows non-EU nationals to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days. It is issued for various purposes, such as work, study, family reunification, investment, business, etc. This visa is typically valid for up to 6 months with right to stay up to 180 days (art. 15, par. 1 of the Foreigners Law). It is the first step toward obtaining a temporary residence permit. In some cases, the long-term visa can be valid for up to 12 months with right to stay up to 360 days (art. 15, par. 2 of the Foreigners Law).
Long-term visa approval from the authorities in Bulgaria and not by the embassy or consulate
The long-term visa D is considered only as a temporary visa, needed by the foreigner in order to obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria. The decision to approve or reject the foreigner for a visa D is taken from the authorities in Bulgaria and not by the embassy, where the visa is applied for.
Bulgarian Golden Visa
Many foreign investors confuse the Bulgarian visa D with the Bulgarian Golden Visa. The Golden Visa is the complete package that foreign investors can obtain by investment. It comprises of visa D and Bulgarian permanent residence permit.