STAY IN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

GENERAL TERMS

            The legal requirements of foreigners' stay on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria complies with the forthcoming integration of the country in the European Union. At the time of entering the country, any foreign person should submit before the customs authorities minimal financial means for daily allowance to the amount of 50 BGN whereas the total amount of the means declared must equal the initially stated by that person duration of his/her stay. Any foreign person is obliged to register in the respective police office the address at which he/she will stay within 48 hours as per the time of his/her entry.

STAY IN BULGARIA

            In compliance with the national laws, the stay in the Republic of Bulgaria can be of two major types:
            - Short-term stay;
            - Long-term stay.

            The short-term stay extends to a maximum of 90 days within 6 months. With regard to this stay, the obtainment of an entry visa for short-term stay is required that is issued by the respective diplomatic or consular representative office of the Republic of Bulgaria or at the border of the country. The said requirement does not apply to citizens of the European Union.

            The long-term stay is split into two types:

            - Extended stay - having a maximal duration up to one year whereas the law provides for multiple unrestricted renewal of this term;
            - Permanent stay - termless.

REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINMENT OF PERMIT FOR LONG-TERM STAY

            Evidence is required certifying that the foreign person has an old-age pension social security; that he/she has enough means of livelihood; that he/she has secured lodgement for the period of his/her stay and that he/she has concluded all required obligatory insurance for the time of the stay in Bulgaria.

DOCUMENTS, REQUIRED FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A PERMIT TO STAY

            Depending on the type of the requested permit, the authorities dealing with the administrative control as regards foreigners require a number of documents from him/her, certifying his/her reliability. They are typically aiming to establish two groups of circumstances - that the foreign citizen has legally entered the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and that he/she has enough means of subsistence.

TERMS OF PRONOUNCEMENT

            The Bulgarian legislation provides for different terms of pronouncement delivered by the administrative offices regarding the submitted applications for stay. Concerning an application for obtainment of extended stay permit - within 7-day as of its filing, should all the requirements have been met and all documents - submitted, as required by law. Concerning an application for obtainment of a permanent stay permit - within 60-day as of its filing should all the requirements have been met and all documents - submitted, as required by law. In cases where the application for obtainment of a permanent stay permit has been filed in any Bulgarian consular or representative office the term of pronouncement on behalf of the competent Bulgarian authorities shall be 180 days.

LEGAL ASSISTENCE

            Our company is offering legal assistance to all its clients when taking steps to get a permit to stay on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. Our legal consultants support clients throughout the entire procedure with a view to rendering every action maximally easier to obtain the required permit. 

IMPORTANT!

            The above information is not, nor it is intended to be a legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding this matter. Please, double check our Disclaimer section.