Bulgaria proposes Type D visa fee increase to €120

Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proposed increasing the fee for Type D long-stay visa applications from €100 to €120. The draft was published for public consultation on October 5, 2026.

The ministry argues the current fee, unchanged since 2008, creates fiscal, administrative, and migration-related risks. It states that a study of other EU countries shows Bulgaria's fee is below the average. "The existing amount no longer reflects its costs or the fee levels it reviewed elsewhere in the European Union," Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry said. Rising material, technical, and administrative costs were cited as justifications.

Current fee and exemption rules

The proposed €120 fee represents a 20% increase, adding €20 to each application.

The proposal maintains a key exemption. Family members of Bulgarian citizens will continue to be exempt from paying any visa fee. Until the proposal is enacted, the current €100 fee and family exemption remain in force.

Context of EU comparison and migration risks

The ministry's review found the EU average visa fee is 113 euros. Bulgaria's current fee sits below this level. Nearly half of all EU member states already charge €120 or more for similar national long-stay visas.

Officials link the lower fee to broader migration pressures. They argue it makes Bulgaria an attractive entry point compared to other Schengen countries, potentially encouraging attempts to abuse immigration rights. The ministry also cites increased administrative pressure on Bulgarian consular services and migration authorities. "A fee below the EU average creates 'fiscal, administrative and migration risks,'" Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry said.

Visa type and procedural notes

A Type D visa is a national visa for foreigners wishing to establish temporary or permanent residence in Bulgaria. It is valid for up to six months and allows a stay of up to 180 days.

The draft proposal includes a technical provision unrelated to eligibility. It sets a rule for collecting tariffs in euros after Bulgaria's eventual adoption of the euro currency. This clause deals solely with the method of fee collection.

Consultation status and next steps

The draft was submitted by Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova. It was published on the government's public consultation portal on October 5, 2026.

The public consultation period is 30 days. The proposal has not taken effect and remains under review. The ministry will assess feedback after the consultation closes before deciding on enactment. The consultation period runs for 30 days from October 5, 2026.