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Requirements for

Family members

Required visa type
Type D
Other documents
Permanent residence permit

If the worker holds a residence permit valid for at least one year, they are eligible to apply for family reunification, allowing their family to also come to Bulgaria;

Family members eligible to join:

  • Spouse;
  • Minor children, including those of the spouse;

The worker must submit a family reunification application to the Migration Directorate in their home country;

  • Family members must obtain a type D visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their country of origin;
  • For stays longer than six months, a permanent residence permit must be obtained from the Migration Directorate immediately after arrival in Bulgaria;

To be eligible for family reunification, the family members must show:

  • A copy of a valid document for travelling abroad;
  • A document for a paid state fee under Tariff No. 4;
  • Proof of accommodation;
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources;
  • Medical insurance coverage for the duration of their stay;
  • A certificate showing no previous convictions;
  • Marriage certificate or birth certificate;

The residence permit is valid in accordance with the validity period of the worker’s residence permit, but not exceeding one year;

If the worker has permanent or long-term residence status and can prove sufficient financial resources, family members do NOT require a work permit to access the labor market;

Family members eligible for permanent residence:

  • Spouse;
  • Children, including adopted children. They must be under 18 and unmarried;

Otherwise, family members will qualify for permanent residence status:

  • After 5 years of civil marriage to the worker, if they are a third-country national with permanent residence in Bulgaria;
  • If they are parents of a Bulgarian citizen, providing due support and having legally and continuously resided in the country for three years;

Applications for permanent residence are submitted to the Migration Directorate.