Temporary residence for students

Which foreign students can obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria?

Full-time students at Bulgarian higher education institutions (HEIs) are entitled to obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria. However, part-time students cannot obtain a residence permit.

Obtaining a residence permit for a foreign student

• Basis. The long-term residence permit is issued on the basis of Article 24c of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (FRBA).
• Visa D. To obtain a residence permit, you must obtain a visa D. However, persons of Bulgarian origin can obtain a residence permit without first obtaining a D visa.
• Permission from the Ministry of Education and Science. To obtain a D visa and a residence permit, you need permission from the Ministry of Education and Science, which is issued through the educational institution. The processing time for the documents is 10 to 15 days at the educational institution and one month at the Ministry of Education and Science.
• Validity. The residence permit for students is issued for a period of up to 1 year and can be extended if they continue their studies.

Special features of the residence permit for foreign students in Bulgaria

• Sufficient length of stay. The time spent in Bulgaria with a student residence permit is taken into account at 50% when calculating the period required to apply for permanent residence or citizenship.
• Change of grounds for residence permit. After completing your studies, you can change the grounds for obtaining a residence permit, for example through work, marriage, or representation.
• Residence permit after completion of studies. After completing their studies, foreign students can obtain a 9-month residence permit to look for work by registering with the employment office within 7 days of graduation and applying for an extension 30 days before their residence permit expires.