Bulgaria Short-stay Study Visa: Eligibility and Application Steps
A Bulgaria short-stay study visa is a type of visa that allows tourists to stay in Bulgaria for a maximum of ninety days. This is now available to nationals of many countries and can be used for tourism, business, or family visits. Therefore, applicants should demonstrate sufficient funds to fund their stay and a valid passport for a short-stay visa.
In other words, those who go to Bulgaria for a short break will find plenty to do and see. The country is rich in history, with many ancient ruins and monuments worth exploring. In addition, there are also many natural wonders to explore. For example, the Black Sea coast offers stunning views of Istanbul.
Also, there are countless restaurants, nightclubs, and some traditional Bulgarian attractions such as thermal baths.
However, this article will state all you should know about Bulgaria’s Short Stay study Visa.
What is a short stay visa for Bulgaria?
The Bulgaria Short-Stay Study Visa is a visa that allows foreigners to stay in Bulgaria for a short period (ninety days).
However, this visa is used by students, business people, and tourists who want to visit Bulgaria for a short time.
Similarly, a short-stay visa in Bulgaria is a type of visa that allows citizens of certain countries to stay in Bulgaria. This may be for a limited period. Meanwhile, this type of visa may be required for students, journalists, and business people in Bulgaria to conduct research or meet with business associates.
Who is Eligible for a Short Stay Study Visa in Bulgaria?
A short-stay visa for Bulgaria is for visitors who wish to come to Bulgaria for study purposes that do not exceed ninety days or three months. Students with many years of study are not allowed to use this visa. In general, this visa is suitable for students who want to come to Bulgaria for the following reasons:
- To attend a language course
- Attend a course as a student
- Sitting for a university entrance exam
- Participation in an interview for university entrance
- Get an education as a student Trainee Nurse (Young Au Pair)
Therefore, if you plan to enroll in a course for more than three months, this visa may not serve your purpose.
Four Steps to Apply for a Short Stay Study Visa in Bulgaria
Likewise, Bulgaria’s application process for a short-stay visa is almost identical to other Schengen visas. However, you will follow the following steps to get your short-stay visa for Bulgaria:
- Check if you are eligible to apply
- Fill out the document file and book an appointment.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Come to the interview on time.
Step1. Check if you are eligible to apply
The first thing you need to do when planning a visit to Bulgaria is to find out which type of visa is most suitable for your purpose. Then check whether you are eligible to apply.
However, whether you need a short-stay visa in Bulgaria to travel to Bulgaria for study purposes or to its overseas territories, collectives, departments, and regions depends on your nationality.
Suppose your country of citizenship does not have a visa facilitation agreement with Bulgaria or the EU. In that case, you will likely need to apply for a short-stay visa to enter Bulgaria or other overseas territories.
Step 2. Complete the document file
Also, you will need to submit some necessary documents that may be required to apply for a short stay visa in Bulgaria. These documents may include:
- Letter from the school or confirmation of leave of absence – include dates and information about the school and the course of study.
- Employment status – a certificate of employment showing the time you worked there and your salary and payslips for the last three months.
- If you are self-employed – a letter detailing your activity and income from your accountant or the local chamber of commerce and a VAT receipt.
Requirements for minors (children)
- Passports of both birth parents.
- Proof of Guardianship – if the applicant’s child is under eighteen and placed in the care of a third person, that person must have an official document in the form of a Power of Attorney signed by both parents.
- Parental Authorization – if the child is traveling with only one parent.
- Court decision – when only one parent has sole custody of the child.
- Valid passport of both parents.
- A recent school letter authorizing the child’s leave of absence from school.
- Travel health insurance for your entire stay in Bulgaria and the Schengen area.
In addition, the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country has the right to request additional documents, which you can present within a certain period.
Step 3. Pay the short-term visa fee for Bulgaria
In general, there is a standard fee of €80 to apply for a Bulgarian Schengen visa. Still, you may belong to a group of people exempt from this fee.
However, you pay this standard fee to make an appointment for your interview.
Note that you will not get your money back if your visa application is rejected or you do not show up for the interview.
Step 4. Attend the interview
Typically, this visa interview lasts no longer than ten minutes. However, some questions await your trip to Bulgaria, the purpose, and other necessary questions.
However, they will endeavor to provide truthful information to avoid rejecting your application.
Categories of short-stay visas for Bulgaria
There are different categories of short-stay visas for Bulgaria. However, this depends on the purpose of your trip. The following categories are:
#1. Bulgaria Short-stay Study Visa to attend a language course
This visa is specially designed for people who want to come to Bulgaria to learn a language, mainly Bulgarian. In the meantime, this visa allows you to visit Bulgaria and stay for up to three months without needing a residence permit.
However, this visa is non-renewable, and you do not have to pay any fee when applying for the visa.
#2. Bulgaria Short-stay Study Visa to attend a course as a student
In this case, foreigners who wish to come to Bulgaria to attend a course such as cooking, architecture, etc., must apply for a short-stay visa in Bulgaria. However, a residence permit is not required.
#3. Student visa for Bulgaria
This visa category is for students who have applied to become part of an educational institution in Bulgaria. For example, suppose you have applied to become part of an educational institution such as a university or college in Bulgaria but first need to take an entrance exam in Bulgaria. In that case, you will need to apply for an Etudient Concours visa.
However, this visa allows you to apply for a one-year residence permit, which you can extend.
In this case, you must apply for a residence permit directly to the Bulgarian Prefecture.
#4. Bulgaria visa to attend a university entrance examination
After applying to a university or other educational institution in Bulgaria and going through an admissions interview, you need to apply for a visa to Bulgaria to attend the admissions interview.
It is similar to an entrance exam as the purpose of both is to get admission. Therefore, you will receive a one-year renewable residence permit.
#5. Student visa Bulgaria
This is another category of short-stay visas for Bulgaria, intended for students who wish to come to Bulgaria to participate in a project, which may be part of a training course organized in the applicant’s home country. For example, EU cooperation or intergovernmental programs in education, training, youth, or culture.
Note, however, that if the training you wish to attend exceeds ninety days, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa instead.
Also, remember that a completed apprenticeship contract between you and the host will be necessary when applying to enter Bulgaria.
#6. Bulgaria School Going Minor Visa
This is another type of short-stay visa for Bulgaria intended for Bulgarian minors. If you have a child under 18 that you wish to send to Bulgaria either to a public or private educational institution or in a language, arts, cooking, or sports center, they can qualify.
Then you must apply for a School Going Minor Visa on their behalf.
Also, note that you only need to apply for this visa if your child’s stay does not last longer than three months. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa for your child(ren).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get a short-stay study visa for Bulgaria?
There are several ways to get a Bulgarian short-stay visa. First, however, you can apply online through a Bulgarian embassy, consulate, or travel agency.
How long can I stay in Bulgaria on a short-term visa?
A short-term visa allows you to stay in Bulgaria for up to ninety days.
How long can you stay in Bulgaria on a student visa?
Suppose you are a student planning a more extended stay in Bulgaria. In that case, you may be wondering how long your visa is valid.
The good news is that under certain circumstances, you can stay in Bulgaria for up to three years with a valid student visa.
How much does a Short stay Study Visa cost in Bulgaria?
A short-stay study visa in Bulgaria costs between sixty and eighty euros.
How much bank balance should I need for a Bulgaria visa?
There is no specific visa requirement for Bulgaria. Still, you usually need at least €10,000 in your bank account to apply for a visa.
Conclusion
In summary, the process of obtaining a Bulgaria short-stay study visa can be time-consuming, so students should plan and arrive in Bulgaria well-prepared.
However, this article provides the necessary information you need for a safe trip.
