Immigration Law · Bulgaria
Immigration Lawyer in Bulgaria - Visas, Residence Permits and Citizenship
Sheyredov Law Firm advises foreign nationals relocating to Bulgaria - type D visas, continuous and permanent residence permits, family reunification, EU registration, and Bulgarian citizenship. We work in English and Bulgarian and handle the procedure before the Migration Directorate on your behalf.
How we can help
Long-term (type D) visas
We determine the correct visa ground for your situation, prepare the full consular file and coordinate the appointment at the Bulgarian embassy, so the type D visa is issued before you relocate.
Continuous residence permits (1 year)
Applications before the Migration Directorate on grounds such as employment, company activity, freelance work, pensioner status, study, marriage or family ties - including renewals and address registration.
Long-term and permanent residence (5 years and indefinite)
Once you have accumulated the required lawful residence, we prepare the switch to long-term EU resident or permanent resident status and represent you throughout the review.
Family reunification
Residence permits for spouses, children and dependent parents, including proof of accommodation and means of subsistence, translations, legalisation and consular coordination.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their families
Registration certificates for EU citizens moving to Bulgaria and residence cards for their third-country family members - a lighter, faster procedure that still requires precise documents.
Residence through business or investment
Residence based on company ownership, trade representation or investment, structured together with the company work so the corporate file supports the immigration file.
Bulgarian citizenship and origin-based naturalisation
Assessment of eligibility, gathering of civil-status evidence, applications for Bulgarian origin and naturalisation, and representation before the Ministry of Justice.
Refusals, appeals and irregular status
Appeals against refused permits and entry bans, regularisation of overstays and representation in administrative court proceedings.
How the process works
- 1
Consultation and eligibility check - we identify the residence ground that fits your circumstances and confirm the documents required.
- 2
Document preparation - drafting, translation and legalisation of the file, both from abroad and in Bulgaria.
- 3
Visa application - filing and follow-up at the Bulgarian consulate for the long-term type D visa where required.
- 4
Residence application - filing before the Migration Directorate, address registration and collection of your residence card.
- 5
Renewals and upgrades - we track your deadlines and prepare renewals or the move to long-term or permanent status.
Fees
Initial legal consultation, deductible from subsequent legal fees. After the consultation you receive a written scope, a realistic timeline and a fixed-fee proposal.
Book a Consultation
Tell us about your situation and we will come back to you with available times.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Type D visa?
- A long-stay visa applied for at a Bulgarian consulate abroad. It is normally the entry route for non-EU nationals who intend to apply for a residence permit in Bulgaria on grounds such as work, business or family.
- How long does a residence permit take?
- The migration authorities decide within statutory processing periods that vary by permit type. Realistic planning has to include the visa stage, document legalisation and translation, which usually take longer than the decision itself.
- Do EU citizens need a permit?
- EU, EEA and Swiss nationals do not need a residence permit in the same sense, but they must register their long-term residence and obtain a certificate. Family members who are third-country nationals follow a separate procedure.
- Can family members join me in Bulgaria?
- Family reunification is available for spouses and minor children of a holder of a valid residence permit, subject to proof of accommodation, income and insurance. Requirements differ depending on the sponsor's permit type.