Bulgarian Foreign Ministry proposes higher long-stay visa fees for foreigners

Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is proposing a 20% increase in the fee for accepting and processing applications for a Type D long-stay visa. The proposal has been published on the government’s Public Procurement Portal, BTA reports.

A Type D visa is issued to foreigners wishing to establish long-term or permanent residence in Bulgaria.

The proposal would raise the fee from €100 to €120. The ministry’s arguments state that a study has been conducted of the fees charged by other EU countries for the issuance of national long-stay visas. The current Bulgarian fee is below the average level, which, according to the ministry, creates fiscal, administrative and migration-related risks.

The fee also has a regulatory effect, with its lower level compared with those in other Schengen countries making Bulgaria an attractive “entry point” for migration pressure and attempts to abuse rights. The ministry also points to increased administrative pressure on Bulgarian consular services and migration authorities.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov