A Type D visa is a lengthy visa that entitles its holder to several entries into the Republic of Bulgaria. It is a crucial condition for all qualified applicants to be taken into consideration for a Bulgarian residence visa. It is provided for a duration of either 6 or 12 months.

A type D visa may be obtained for the following reasons:

Business involvement 
If you are an investor or a firm representative engaged in commercial endeavours;

Family reunification
Whether your spouse/partner, parent, or other family member is a citizen of Bulgaria or a foreign national who is a resident of Bulgaria;

Work and retirement
If you have a stable job, are willing to work professionally as a freelancer, or have a pension right under Bulgarian legislation;

Education
If you are accepted to a licenced institution of higher learning for a full-time programme;

In order to be eligible,

• Your visit to Bulgaria must be for a reason that falls under one of the types that permits a long-stay visa.
• You must have the financial resources to support yourself during your visit to Bulgaria.

The following are the standard documents needed to apply for a Bulgarian D visa:

• A finished visa application.
• Your passport must be good for the duration of your visit to Bulgaria.
• Evidence of having enough money while in Bulgaria to maintain themselves. A bank statement should be provided in place of this.
• A certificate from a Bulgarian insurance provider proving private medical insurance to pay for medical care, hospitalisation, and repatriation expenses.
• Check your criminal history or provide information about any immigration, criminal, or civil offences you may have committed.

All applicants must file their applications in person at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate closest to where they live no later than three months before the trip. For local procedures and instructions, it is crucial to carefully check all visa-related material on their website.

Visa Processing Time
The period needed for the Bulgarian D visa to be issued ranges from one to two months, depending on numerous criteria. If the wait time exceeds four weeks, you shouldn't be concerned about your submission because it is normal, and you must be patient.

How to Apply
The majority of visa seekers will need to schedule a visa appointment. You must submit a completely filled-out visa application form along with all necessary supporting documentation, appear at the mandatory visa interview, and then wait for the confirmation.

Duration
Based on the validity period, long stay visa for Bulgaria can be of two kinds;

• Type D visas with a 6-month validity are issued to visitors who want to stay in the nation permanently or for an extended period of time.
• A 12-Month Type D Visa is for applicants who are students, are involved in scientific research or are sent on a business trip.

Fees
A type D visa application costs EUR 100 at the embassy. The charge is in the amount of EUR 200 in the event that the visa allows the right to a 360-day stay.

How long can I extend my Type D long-stay visa in Bulgaria?
Your Type D long-stay visa's extension in Bulgaria will last for whatever long the Bulgarian authorities decide and for what reason. Typically, extensions are granted for a maximum of six months.

Can I enter other Schengen nations with a Type D long-stay visa for Bulgaria?
You may travel for 90 days within a 180-day span within the Schengen region with a Bulgarian Type D extended stay visa.