Bulgarian visa resources
Appointments and biometrics for a Bulgaria application
Where and how appointments and biometrics work across Bulgaria's two stages: the consular interview abroad, then in-person biometrics at the Migration Directorate.
Important
Because Bulgaria's national process runs in two stages, there are two in-person touchpoints. For the Type D visa you attend the Bulgarian embassy or consulate serving your place of permanent residence, where a personal interview is compulsory. For the residence permit you appear in person at the Migration Directorate or a regional Migration office in Bulgaria.
Applications for both the long-stay visa and the residence permit must be submitted in person, so you cannot complete the national process entirely by post or through an agent standing in for you at these steps.
At the consulate (Type D visa)
- Applications are submitted only at the Bulgarian mission accredited for your country of permanent residence
- A personal interview is mandatory for all Type D applicants, with no exceptions
- Applications are accepted up to three months before intended travel
In Bulgaria (residence permit)
- The residence-permit application is submitted personally to the Migration Directorate or the regional Migration sector/group of the Ministry of Interior
- Biometric data (photograph, fingerprints and signature) are captured in person for the Bulgarian residence card
- In Sofia applications are handled by the national Migration Directorate; elsewhere by the local Migration office of the regional police directorate
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.