Family Reunification in Bulgaria
One documented route of this kind in Bulgaria, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Family reunification
Non-EU residents holding a residence permit valid at least one year can sponsor a spouse and minor children for family reunification residence permits.
- Processing time
- Reunification approval ~1 month; Type D visa ~4-6 weeks; residence permit up to ~2 weeks
- Validity
- Tied to sponsor's permit, not more than 1 year, renewable
- Language requirement
- No language requirement for reunification; Bulgarian required for later naturalisation
- Permanent residence
- Long-term residence generally after 5 years of legal residence
- Citizenship
- Spouse of a Bulgarian citizen: naturalisation after 3 years of residence; otherwise standard rules
Requirements
- Sponsor holds a Bulgarian residence permit valid for at least 1 year
- Proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificates, legalised)
- Adequate accommodation
- Sufficient financial resources
- Medical insurance
- Clean criminal record
Required Documents
- Valid passports for family members required
- Marriage certificate / birth certificates (legalised) required
- Proof of accommodation required
- Proof of sufficient financial resources required
- Medical insurance valid in Bulgaria required
- Criminal record certificate required
Process Steps
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1
Sponsor files reunification application
The resident sponsor applies at the local Migration Office for approval of reunification.
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2
Family member applies for Type D visa
After approval (about 1 month), the family member applies for a family Type D visa abroad.
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3
Obtain residence permit
After arrival, the family member obtains a residence permit from the Migration Directorate, renewable annually.