Your route depends on the family member already in Bulgaria. Spouses of Bulgarian citizens need a Visa D and temporary residence, and move to permanent residence after 5 years. Family of EU citizens receive a 5-year residence card. Family of non-EU temporary residents first need approval from the Migration Directorate, then a Visa D and a 12-month residence permit. Family of non-EU permanent residents apply directly for a family Visa D and then permanent residence.
Last Updated on October 18, 2026 by Immigration Team
At a glance
| What decides the route | The nationality and status of the family member already in Bulgaria |
| Spouse of a Bulgarian citizen | Visa D, then temporary residence, then permanent residence after 5 years |
| Family of an EU citizen | A residence card valid for 5 years, processed quickly |
| Family of a non-EU temporary resident | Approval from the Migration Directorate first, then Visa D, then temporary residence |
| Family of a non-EU permanent resident | A family Visa D directly, then permanent residence |
| Family of a UK citizen | EU rules if the UK citizen was resident before Brexit, otherwise the non-EU routes |
Which route applies to you?
Family reunification can be seen from different perspectives. What decides the route is the family member who already lives in Bulgaria: their nationality and their residence status.
| Family member in Bulgaria | Who can join | Route | Residence granted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulgarian citizen | Spouse. Children register as Bulgarian citizens | Visa D for spouse only | Temporary, then permanent after 5 years |
| EU citizen | Spouse, children up to 21, older children in education | Visa-free entry or Visa C | Residence card for 5 years |
| Non-EU, temporary residence | Spouse and children under 18 | Migration Office approval, then Visa D | Temporary, 12 months, renewable |
| Non-EU, permanent residence | Spouse and children under 18. Parents and parents-in-law | Family Visa D directly | Permanent. Parents: temporary, 12 months |
| UK citizen | Depends on when the UK citizen became resident | EU rules or the non-EU routes | See below |
Spouse of a Bulgarian citizen
The spouse of a Bulgarian citizen needs a Visa D and then applies for temporary residence in Bulgaria. The residence is renewed annually, and after 5 years the spouse can move to permanent residence. Read about the Visa D
Children do not follow the family reunification route. A child of a Bulgarian citizen is expected to obtain Bulgarian citizenship. This can be a simple registration procedure rather than a full application to the Ministry of Justice. Read about citizenship by origin
Family of an EU citizen
Spouses of EU citizens living in Bulgaria can apply for a residence card valid for 5 years. The EU citizen must first be registered in Bulgaria. Read about residence for EU citizens
- Visa-free nationalsIf you can enter Bulgaria without a visa, your residence card is processed fairly quickly
- Visa nationalsIf you need a visa to enter Bulgaria, you first apply for a Visa C. We can help you obtain an invitation letter from Bulgaria for the visa application
- ChildrenChildren over 18 can apply until the age of 21. Older children can also apply while enrolled in education in Bulgaria
- Permanent residenceThe permanent residence card for family members of EU citizens is valid for 10 years
Family of a non-EU temporary resident
Non-EU citizens with temporary residence in Bulgaria can bring their spouse and children under 18 by starting a family reunification procedure at the local Migration Directorate office.
| Stage | Where | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Family reunification approval | Local Migration office in Bulgaria | Within 1 month of the application |
| Visa D | Bulgarian embassy or consulate in the home country or country of residence | About 15 calendar days |
| Temporary residence | Migration Office in Bulgaria | 14 calendar days |
| Residence card | Valid for 12 months | Renewed every year |
After 30 months in Bulgaria within any 5-year period, the family member can move to permanent residence, with a card valid for 5 years. Read about permanent residence
Family of a non-EU permanent resident
Non-EU citizens with permanent residence skip the family reunification procedure at the Migration Directorate. Their family members apply directly for a family Visa D. After arriving in Bulgaria, they apply for permanent residence.
- SpouseFamily Visa D, then permanent residence
- Children under 18Family Visa D, then permanent residence
- Parents and parents-in-lawTemporary residence cards valid for 12 months
Family of a UK citizen
Family members of UK citizens who obtained Bulgarian residence before Brexit enjoy the same rights as the spouse and children of an EU citizen. UK citizens who came after Brexit follow the non-EU routes, depending on whether they hold temporary or permanent residence. Read the guide for UK citizens
Children and dependants
Who counts as a child or a dependant depends on the route. In short:
| Family member in Bulgaria | Children | Parents and parents-in-law |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgarian citizen | Obtain Bulgarian citizenship, often by registration | [to be added] |
| EU citizen | Up to 21, and older while in education in Bulgaria | [to be added] |
| Non-EU, temporary residence | Under 18 only | Not on this route |
| Non-EU, permanent residence | Under 18 | Temporary residence, 12 months, renewable |
| UK citizen resident before Brexit | As for EU citizens | As for EU citizens |
A child who turns 18 while living in Bulgaria does not lose their residence overnight, but the basis for renewal changes.
Questions
I am a non-EU temporary resident. Can my parents join me?
On this route only your spouse and children under 18 can apply. Parents and parents-in-law can join a non-EU permanent resident.
How long does the whole process take for the family of a temporary resident?
Up to 1 month for the Migration Directorate approval, then the Visa D, then 14 days for the residence permit. Plan for about 3 to 4 months in total.
My spouse is Bulgarian. Do our children need residence permits?
No. Children of a Bulgarian citizen obtain Bulgarian citizenship, often through a simple registration.
I am married to an EU citizen but need a visa for Bulgaria. What do I do?
You first apply for a Visa C. We can help you obtain an invitation letter. Once in Bulgaria, you apply for a 5-year residence card.
Bringing your family?
Tell us your nationality, your status in Bulgaria and who you want to bring. We will tell you which route applies and how long it will take. Ask an advocate
Related routes
Legal basis
- LawForeigners in the Republic of Bulgaria ActFamily reunification
- LawAct on the Entry, Residence and Exit of EU Citizens and Members of Their Families
- LawDirective 2003/86/EC on the right to family reunificationeur-lex.europa.eu
- Law
This page gives general information and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change and individual circumstances matter. Reading it does not create a lawyer–client relationship.