Study in Bulgaria: Student Visas & Permits

Nationals of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can freely move to Bulgaria and stay for as long as they like. If you’re not from one of these countries, then you’ll probably need a visa to enter Bulgaria. 

If you do need a visa to enter Bulgaria to study, you’ll need to get a D-type visa. Requirements can vary from country to country, but this is generally what you’ll need to get a Bulgarian study visa:

• Your passport
• Two passport-sized photos
• Medical insurance valid across the whole of the EU
• Bank statements showing financial self-sufficiency. This will generally need to be half a year’s worth of tuition fees.
• Tickets for your travel to Bulgaria
• Photocopies of any previous Bulgarian or Schengen visas
• Proof of admission to a Bulgarian school

You’ll need to present your documents in-person at your nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate. You’ll need to present your documents in the original language and with a notarized Bulgarian translation. The fee is €100 (US$120).

Once in Bulgaria, you’ll need to apply for a temporary residency permit. To do this, you’ll need to present all of these documents again along with your proof of enrollment. The fee is €40 (US$48). You’ll need to apply in-person at your local police station. As a bonus, your residence permit lets you work up to twenty hours per week.

Your visa and permit are also valid for visits to Romania, Croatia and Cyprus. If you want to visit Serbia, North Macedonia or Greece, then you’ll need separate visas.