Bulgaria’s business-friendly environment welcomes entrepreneurs from India and around the world. With the Bulgaria business visa, you can explore new horizons and expand your business ventures. Ensure you meet all requirements, provide accurate documentation, and adhere to visa rules to make the most of this opportunity.

Bulgaria is opening its doors to businesspersons from around the world, and you don’t need to be a resident to establish your enterprise there. Indian entrepreneurs are now obtaining Bulgaria business visas from India, making it easier to conduct business activities in the country. In this definitive guide, we will walk you through the Bulgaria business visa process.

What is a Bulgaria Business Visa?

When traveling abroad for business purposes, certain formalities must be followed. A Bulgaria business visa is one such requirement for business-related activities such as attending conferences, meetings, or client visits. This visa typically grants a validity of 6 months, allowing you to stay for up to 90 days per visit.

How to Apply for a Bulgaria Business Visa?

The application process for a Bulgaria visa is primarily conducted online. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a Bulgaria business visa from India:

1. Online Application: Start by filling out the Bulgarian business visa application form on the official Indian government website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in.

2. Complete Application: Provide the required details and attach a recent photograph.

3. Form and Receipt: After completing the application, print out the form and the payment receipt.

4. Submission: Mail the application form along with the necessary documents to the Bulgarian embassy.

For document processing and visa form submission, you must mail the documents to the Bulgarian embassy. After submission, the embassy will process the documents and stamp your passport once you have attended and passed an interview. Subsequently, you can collect your Bulgaria business visa from the embassy.

Ensure that you submit genuine and original documents, as submitting false documents can lead to visa refusal, impacting future visa applications.

Eligibility

To apply for a business visa, you must meet specific eligibility criteria:

1. Proof of Business Ownership and Purpose of Visit: Provide evidence of your business enterprise and the purpose of your visit.

2. Invitation Letter: If you’re attending a business conference or client meeting, you must present an invitation letter from the hosting company.

3. Health Requirements: Ensure you are healthy enough to travel to Bulgaria, supported by relevant medical documentation.

4. Age Limit: Comply with the age limit to apply for a work permit.

5. Character Requirements: Maintain a good character and genuine intentions for working in Bulgaria. Provide relevant documentary proof, such as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).

6. Sufficient Funds: Possess or have access to sufficient funds to cover your stay and expenses in Bulgaria. Submit bank statements or equivalent documents as proof.

Documents Required for Bulgaria Business Visa

The list of documents required for a Bulgaria business visa must adhere to specific specifications:

• Passport with a validity of at least six months.
• Completely filled visa application form.
• One/two colored photographs as per specifications.
• Covering letter specifying important details.
• Confirmed return and onward flight tickets.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation).
• Copy of Income Tax Returns.
• Proof of financial support (bank account statement for the past six months).
• Proof of purpose of visit (invitation letter, exhibition/conference pass if applicable).
• Identification proof (copy of Aadhar card, PAN card, etc.).
• Travel insurance.
• Copy of leave sanctioned letter from the employer (from the institute if you are a student).
• Any additional documents requested by the consular.

Photo Specification

Ensure your visa photos meet the following criteria:

• Provide two copies of the photo.
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Colored copy must be provided.
• The head must be about 30 mm within the photo frame.
• The head should be well-centered.
• The photo must not be older than 6 months.
• Use a white background.
• Maintain a neutral expression.
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgear is not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing should not match the background.

Processing Time for Bulgaria Business Visa

After submitting your documents, the consulate will process and verify them before stamping the visa in your passport. The typical processing time for a Bulgaria business visa is around 10 working days. However, this duration may vary based on document verification and any complications in the process.

Bulgaria Visa Fees

The visa fees for Bulgaria vary based on several factors, including service charges, biometric charges, processing fees, and urgency. Fees differ if you require an urgent visa. Here are the fees for normal processing:

• Multiple Entry Normal Business Visa: 1-month stay, 3 months validity, Fee – 5040.0

After Submission

Once you’ve submitted your application, consider the following:

• If there are additional requirements or any changes in your application, inform the embassy or agency promptly.
• Keep track of your application’s status during processing.
• If your plans change, you can withdraw your application, but note that the visa fee is generally not refundable.

How to Check Visa Status?

You can check your visa status online by visiting the website of the visa agency through which you applied or the visa application center’s website. Alternatively, you can inquire about your status offline by calling the embassy and providing your visa application number.

When You Have the Visa

After successfully completing the visa application process and having the visa stamped in your passport, follow these measures:

Before You Travel:

• Note the visa expiry date and the number of entries allowed.
• Ensure you do not overstay your visa; abide by the validity period.
• Carry a copy of your passport and other essential travel documents.
• Obtain health insurance and travel insurance from a certified provider.

At the Border:

• Have your documents checked and passport verified.
• Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
• Seek assistance from airport authorities if needed.
• Review your visa copy for any additional guidelines and rules.

Upon Entry to Bulgaria:

• Do not engage in employment; you may, however, participate in volunteer work.
• Keep in mind that a business visa does not permit employing residents or residing in the country.
• The visa allows business and business-related activities while permitting tourism.
• Avoid prohibited tourist areas.
• Apply for a visa extension in a timely manner if needed.