Indian Travelers Can Now Secure Bulgaria’s Long-Term Visas More Easily As New Centres Open Across India Expanding Opportunities For Work And Study Abroad

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Bulgaria has made it significantly easier for Indian citizens to access long-term visas by opening new application centres across major cities. Starting November 1, 2025, individuals looking to study, work, or settle in Bulgaria can now apply for long-term visas at dedicated centres in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. This move is designed to streamline the visa process, offering a more convenient and efficient way for Indian nationals to obtain visas for extended stays in Bulgaria. The expansion is a strategic effort to cater to the growing demand for Bulgarian residency, whether for education, employment, or permanent settlement.

Bulgaria is making it easier for Indian citizens to access long-term visas with a significant step toward simplifying the process. Starting November 1, 2025, individuals looking to study, work, or settle in Bulgaria can apply for their long-term visa at new Bulgaria Visa Application Centres (VACs) that have opened in major cities across India. This move aims to streamline the process for those wishing to reside in Bulgaria for extended periods.

As part of the initiative, the first VAC has been set up in New Delhi, with additional centres opening in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai by mid-November 2025. These centres will cater specifically to long-term visa applications, which can be issued for up to six months, allowing a stay of up to 180 days in Bulgaria. This change marks a significant development for Indian citizens seeking to settle in the European nation, offering them easier access to long-term residency.

A long-term visa, also referred to as the D visa, is required for foreign nationals who wish to reside in Bulgaria for an extended period or permanently. According to Bulgaria’s immigration regulations, the long-term visa allows individuals to live in the country while pursuing various purposes such as study, work, or other long-term stays. Under the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, Article 15, Paragraph 1, the visa grants holders permission to remain in the country for up to 180 days. This visa also opens the door for other immigration processes like obtaining a residence permit, making it a key step for those planning to make Bulgaria their home.

The agreement to launch these new centres was formalized during a ceremony held at the Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi on October 24, 2025. The agreement between Bulgaria’s Ambassador to India and a senior executive from VFS Global marked the start of a new collaboration to make Bulgaria’s visa application process more accessible for Indian citizens. The newly launched centres will manage long-term visa applications as part of VFS Global’s broader role in handling Bulgaria’s visa processing in India.

For years, VFS Global has managed Bulgaria’s short-term (C visa) applications across India, and now, with the expansion, they will oversee all visa categories for the country. This expansion will allow Indian travelers to apply for any visa type, including long-term D visas, through a single service provider. VFS Global’s presence, which spans 116 visa centres across 31 countries, ensures a well-established and trusted service for handling Bulgarian visa applications. The organization will continue to manage administrative tasks, while the Embassy of Bulgaria retains authority over the decision-making process for visa approvals.

To apply for a long-term visa, applicants can visit the official VFS Global website, where they will find a dedicated page to book appointments online. The user-friendly system is designed to simplify the process, allowing individuals to easily schedule their appointments, gather required documents, and complete necessary paperwork.

The introduction of long-term visa services across multiple cities in India is expected to reduce waiting times and improve accessibility for potential travelers to Bulgaria. For Indian nationals, this marks a significant change, as it allows them to apply for long-term visas without the need to travel to a foreign country or visit an embassy for initial paperwork submission. The centres are strategically located across key Indian cities to cater to the needs of a diverse population, providing more options for applicants to complete their visa processes conveniently.

This development not only benefits individuals looking to move to Bulgaria but also strengthens the relationship between the two countries. The move makes Bulgaria an even more attractive destination for Indian students, professionals, and families considering relocation or extended stays in Europe. Additionally, the expansion of Bulgaria’s visa application centres reflects the country’s growing commitment to improving its international relations and supporting citizens seeking to live and work abroad.

In conclusion, the new long-term visa application centres in India offer Indian citizens a streamlined, accessible process for obtaining the necessary visa to stay in Bulgaria for extended periods. Whether seeking education, employment, or permanent residence, the availability of dedicated visa centres in major cities like New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai is expected to simplify the entire application process, ensuring smoother experiences for future Bulgarian residents.