Emigration to Bulgaria: how can Ukrainians move there in 2025?

Bulgaria remains one of the most attractive countries for Ukrainians to emigrate to in 2025. Find out what the entry rules are for Ukrainians in Bulgaria, how the procedure for extending a visa in Bulgaria works in 2025, and whether Ukrainians need a visa to enter Bulgaria

Legal advice on migration issues

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At the end of December 2024, according to ReliefWeb (referring to UNHCR), 74,739 Ukrainians had valid temporary protection status. Ukrainians in Bulgaria can stay for a long time for various reasons: usually education, employment, long-term tourism, obtaining temporary protection status or family reunification. At the same time, the emigration process has its own nuances. In accordance with current legislation and international agreements, these details are available on the following websites:

– National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria (NSI);

– State Agency for Refugees with the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria (SAR);

– Portal of the Ukrainian government in Bulgaria;

– Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – UNHCR Data Portal;

– Eurostat (Eurostat);

– International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

To make entry into Bulgaria quick, convenient and successful for Ukrainians, we have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions in this article:

– What are the rules for entering Bulgaria for Ukrainian citizens?

– Do Ukrainians need insurance in Bulgaria?

– Do Ukrainians need a visa to Bulgaria?

Read more about this and other topics below.

Are you planning to emigrate to Bulgaria? Visit Ukraine specialists will help you every step of the way.

Visa to Bulgaria for Ukrainians in 2025: main types and requirements

For a long stay in Bulgaria (more than 90 days within a 180-day period), Ukrainian citizens who are not eligible for visa-free travel or temporary protection under the relevant EU directives need a long-term visa (type D visa). This visa is the first step towards obtaining a residence permit.

General requirements for a long-term visa (Type D)

1. A valid foreign passport with a validity period exceeding the visa validity period by at least 3 months.

2. A completed visa application form.

3. Passport-size photographs.

4. Medical insurance valid in Bulgaria for the entire period of stay with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

5. Proof of sufficient financial means for living (an amount equivalent to the minimum monthly wage per person).

6. Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, notarised declaration of the owner of the accommodation, etc.).

Certificate of no criminal record (for persons over 18 years of age).

7. Receipt of payment of the consular fee.

8. Valid medical insurance policy.

Important! Bulgarian consulates may require additional documents depending on the specific type of visa and the individual situation of the applicant. Always check the latest information on the website of the Embassy of Bulgaria in Ukraine or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria.

Follow the link to find out when you need insurance to enter Bulgaria and how to get it.

Work visa to Bulgaria

To obtain a type D work visa, you must first obtain a work permit from the Bulgarian Employment Agency (Агенция по заетостта).

Additional documents for a work visa

In accordance with the applicable regulations – the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria (Закон за чужденците в Република България) and the Ordinance on the Implementation of the Law on Labour Migration (Наредба за изпълнение на Закона за трудовата миграция и трудовата мобилност) – the following documents are required for a work visa:

1. Original work permit issued by the Bulgarian authorities.

2. Employment contract with a Bulgarian employer.

3. Documents confirming professional qualifications (diplomas, certificates).

Student visa to Bulgaria

According to the Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria and the Consular Section of the Bulgarian Embassy, a type D student visa is issued to persons enrolled in accredited Bulgarian educational institutions.

Additional documents for a student visa

1. Document of enrolment from a Bulgarian university or other educational institution.

2. Proof of payment for tuition (receipt, contract).

3. Proof of sufficient financial means to cover tuition and living expenses (e.g., bank statement).

4. Proof of accommodation (rental agreement for a student dormitory or private accommodation).

Find out when Ukrainians need a visa to Bulgaria and how to apply for oneon the Visit Ukraine portal.

How to travel to Bulgaria: preparation stages

The process of obtaining a visa and preparing for departure requires a series of steps.

First step: choose the type of visa

Determine the purpose of your trip (work, study, family reunification, etc.) and select the appropriate type of visa (for example, a type D visa for long-term stays).

To choose the type that is right for you, it is worth contacting a qualified visa specialist. They will review your situation in detail, recommend the best options and help you put together a package of documents so that the application process is quick and successful.

Step two: submitting documents

Collect a complete set of documents in accordance with the requirements for the selected visa type. The documents must be translated into Bulgarian and legalised (with an apostille, if necessary). Documents must be submitted in person to the Consular Section of the Bulgarian Embassy in Ukraine.

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Step three: biometric data collection

When submitting your documents, you will be asked to undergo a biometric data collection procedure (fingerprints and digital photograph). This is a standard procedure for Schengen and long-term visas.

Step four: obtaining a visa

After your application has been reviewed and a positive decision has been made, you will receive a notification that your visa is ready. The visa is usually affixed to your foreign passport. The processing time may vary (from several weeks to several months).

Visit Ukraine specialists can help you at every stage of the migration process – get advice and make sure that your emigration to Bulgaria is successful!

How to obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria?

Obtaining a long-term visa (Type D) is a prerequisite for applying for a residence permit in Bulgaria. After entering Bulgaria on a Type D visa, you must contact the Migration Directorate of the Bulgarian Ministry of the Interior (Дирекция ‘Миграция’ към МВР) at your place of residence to apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit.

Main grounds for obtaining a residence permit

1. Work permit.

2. Study at an accredited educational institution.

3. Family reunification (for spouses, children of Bulgarian citizens or foreigners who have a TRP/PMP).

4. Business activities that create jobs.

5. Other grounds provided for by the Foreigners Act of the Republic of Bulgaria (e.g. medical treatment, investment, etc.).

Follow the link and find out how to immigrate to Bulgaria by opening a representative office of your company in this country.

In what cases can you be denied a residence permit in Bulgaria?

Refusal to issue a residence permit may be due to the following reasons:

1. Providing false or incomplete information in documents.

2. Lack of grounds for obtaining a permit (e.g., expiry of a work permit, expulsion from university).

3. Insufficient financial means for living.

4. Lack of suitable accommodation.

5. Criminal record or threat to national security/public order in Bulgaria.

6. Previous violations of the migration laws of Bulgaria or other Schengen countries (e.g. overstaying the permitted period of stay).

7. Failure to pay fines or other financial obligations to Bulgaria.

8. Problems with health insurance or medical conditions that pose a threat to public health.

How to obtain temporary protection (asylum) in Bulgaria in 2025?

Ukrainian citizens seeking refuge in Bulgaria can obtain temporary protection (asylum status), which entitles them to legal residence, work, medical care and education in the country. This status is granted in accordance with the EU Temporary Protection Directive and has been automatically extended until 4 March 2026. To obtain it, you must contact the registration centre of the State Agency for Refugees (State Agency for Refugees – SAR) operating in various cities in Bulgaria or at certain border points. You will need to provide your passport or other identity document and fill in the relevant form. After registering and receiving a temporary protection certificate, you will have access to social services.

How to extend temporary protection (zakryla) in Bulgaria?

For Ukrainians who are in Bulgaria under temporary protection status (‘zakryla’ – protection), the rules for extension are established by European Union decisions. Temporary protection status in the EU has been automatically extended until 4 March 2026.

Usually, the extension of temporary protection status is automatic or requires simple registration/validation on the website or at the reception centre. You should follow the official announcements of the State Agency for Refugees (SAR) and the Ministry of the Interior of Bulgaria, as well as information from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR in Bulgaria. It is important to have documents confirming your temporary protection status with you and to keep track of their expiry dates.

Reminder! Earlier, we reported on how Ukrainian sailors can obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria without Bulgarian roots.

Photo: generated by Gemini

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