Bulgaria business visa
Bulgaria only became a full Schengen member on 1 January 2025, and that shift changed how Indians reach it for work. There is no separate national business visa: your trip now runs on the uniform Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa. Meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade fairs, exhibitions — all sit under this one document. It allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period and, once in hand, opens the entire Schengen area within that same limit. You apply through Bulgaria's mission when Bulgaria is your main destination — the country where you spend the most days — or your first point of entry into the Schengen area.
From India, applications are lodged at the Bulgaria Visa Application Centres run by VFS Global, which has handled Bulgaria's short-term (C visa) service since 2008 — in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. The decision itself belongs to the Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi. VFS only collects your form and biometrics; it has no say in whether the visa is granted or refused. First-time applicants attend in person to give fingerprints and a photo.
Who this visa is for
- ✓Indian professionals, entrepreneurs and company representatives travelling to Bulgaria for meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade fairs, exhibitions or contract discussions
- ✓Applicants holding an invitation from a Bulgarian company or business partner for a short commercial visit
- ✓Bulgaria must be your main Schengen destination (most days) or, where days are equal, your first point of entry — otherwise you apply through that country's mission
- ✓Applicants who can show sufficient funds, employment or business ties in India and clear intent to return
- ✓For short commercial visits only — the visa does not permit taking up paid employment in Bulgaria
Visa options for Bulgaria
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) — single entry
One entry into the Schengen area for a business visit, with total stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Lodged at a VFS Global Bulgaria Visa Application Centre for decision by the Bulgarian mission.
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) — double entry
Two separate entries within the visa validity, with the combined stay still limited to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) — multiple entry
Several entries within the visa validity for applicants with a genuine, recurring business relationship; stay capped at 90 days in any 180-day period. Validity and entry terms are set by the consulate.
Long-stay visa (Type D)
For stays over 90 days or longer business assignments. VFS Global began accepting Bulgaria Type D applications in India from November 2025, for decision by the Bulgarian mission.
Documents typically required
- ✓Completed and signed Schengen (short-stay) visa application form
- ✓Original passport valid at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages
- ✓Two recent Schengen-format photographs, 35x45 mm, on a white background
- ✓Covering letter from your Indian employer/company on letterhead — traveller's name and designation, purpose and dates of travel, and who bears the trip costs
- ✓Invitation letter from the Bulgarian host company on its letterhead — purpose and duration of the visit, host's contact details, signed and stamped
- ✓Company proof (India): Certificate of Incorporation / GST registration / partnership deed / Import-Export Code as applicable, plus a No-Objection Certificate or leave sanction from your employer
- ✓Flight tickets and hotel bookings (or the host's address) for the period of stay
- ✓Travel medical insurance with a minimum of EUR 30,000 cover, valid across the Schengen area for the entire trip
- ✓Personal (and, where relevant, company) bank statements for the last 6 months and Income Tax Returns for the last 3 years; recent salary slips if salaried
- ✓Biometrics — fingerprints and a photo at the visa centre for first-time applicants and those not enrolled in the Schengen VIS in the last 59 months
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
From India, Bulgaria applications are lodged through VFS Global Bulgaria Visa Application Centres in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, with the Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi taking the decision. Go through Bulgaria only when it is your main Schengen destination or first point of entry. You can apply up to six months before travel and should book at least 15 calendar days ahead. A Bulgarian Schengen visa also lets you travel the rest of the Schengen area within the 90/180 limit.
Frequently asked questions
Which visa do I need for a business trip to Bulgaria, and where do I apply?
Since Bulgaria is now a full Schengen member, a short business trip runs on the Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa. Apply through Bulgaria when it is your main destination or your first point of entry into the Schengen area, lodging at a VFS Global Bulgaria Visa Application Centre in India — New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru or Ahmedabad. The Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi makes the decision.
How long does it take, and how long can I stay?
A decision usually lands in around 15 calendar days, though it can stretch to 45 if the consulate needs further examination or documents — the timeline is always theirs to set. The visa itself allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and you are free to move through the whole Schengen area within that limit.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. Every applicant needs travel medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 cover, valid across the Schengen area for the entire stay. It is a uniform Schengen requirement, not something specific to Bulgaria.
Do you guarantee the visa?
No — that decision rests with the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate. What we do is give you a frank read on your profile and make your application as complete and strong as it can be. Our historical success rate is 97% over the last 2–3 years, but no consultant can guarantee an outcome.