Bulgaria Business Visa Guide for Indian Corporate Travelers
Everything You Need To Know - Indian Passport Holders
Bulgaria, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has evolved into one of Eastern Europe’s most promising business destinations. With a strong industrial base, competitive corporate tax rates, and growing IT and manufacturing sectors, the country has drawn steady interest from Indian companies seeking opportunities in technology outsourcing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and engineering services.
India and Bulgaria share over six decades of diplomatic and economic ties, strengthened through consistent bilateral trade and participation in EU programs. Indian delegations frequently visit Sofia, Varna, and Plovdiv for trade fairs, joint ventures, and strategic collaborations within the European Union market.
Indian citizens traveling for business meetings, trade exhibitions, or investment discussions are required to obtain a Bulgaria Business Visa prior to their trip. This guide provides a verified, step-by-step breakdown of the 2025 process, documentation, and embassy procedures to ensure smooth visa approval.
BTW Visa Services assists Indian corporate travelers in preparing embassy-compliant documentation, appointment scheduling, and end-to-end tracking to guarantee a seamless Bulgaria Business Visa experience.
Why Bulgaria for Indian Corporate Travelers
Bulgaria offers direct access to the European Union’s single market, making it a strategic hub for Indian exporters and service providers.
Competitive Investment Climate: With one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the EU (10%), Bulgaria attracts Indian IT, manufacturing, and infrastructure firms.
Sofia has become a growing IT and BPO hub, drawing interest from Indian software and digital service companies.
15th
Global Passport Index Rank
10M+
Tourist Arrivals (2025)
92%
Visa Approval Rate
600+
Mineral Springs
Who Needs a Business Visa?
Indian citizens who intend to travel to Bulgaria for short-term business purposes — such as meetings, trade discussions, client visits, or conference participation — are required to apply for a Bulgaria Business Visa.
This visa is suitable for:
Entrepreneurs or company representatives attending meetings or exhibitions
Professionals exploring partnerships or investment opportunities
Delegates participating in trade missions or joint ventures
The Bulgaria Business Visa does not permit paid work or employment. Applicants planning to take up employment must apply for a Work Visa (Type D) separately.
BTW Visa Tip: Always ensure your Indian employer’s letter clearly states that you will not engage in any paid or contractual work while in Bulgaria — this small detail prevents unnecessary processing delays.
What Is a Bulgaria Business Visa?
A Bulgaria Business Visa is a short-stay Schengen-compatible visa (Type C) that allows Indian nationals to enter Bulgaria for business activities without employment. Although Bulgaria is an EU member, it is not yet part of the Schengen Zone, so the visa is specific to Bulgaria and cannot be used for entry into other EU countries.
Visa Type:
Type C (Short-Stay Business Visa)
Purpose:
Business meetings, trade fairs, or professional events
Stay Duration:
Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Validity:
Up to 6 months (based on embassy approval)
Who Can Apply from India?
Indian citizens are eligible to apply for a Bulgaria Business Visa through VFS Global centers under the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in New Delhi, provided they meet the following criteria:
Valid Indian Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay, with at least two blank pages.
Confirmed Business Purpose: The visit must be for legitimate business reasons such as meetings, trade fairs, or negotiations — not for tourism or employment.
Official Invitation: A notarized invitation letter issued by a registered Bulgarian company, approved by Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Financial Capability: Applicants must demonstrate adequate funds for stay, travel, and return.
Professional Background: Should represent a registered business or company in India (proof of employment, business registration, or GST certificate).
Clean Travel Record: Must not have previous visa overstays or violations in the EU region.
Bulgaria, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has evolved into one of Eastern Europe’s most promising business destinations. With a strong industrial base, competitive corporate tax rates, and growing IT and manufacturing sectors, the country has drawn steady interest from Indian companies seeking opportunities in technology outsourcing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and engineering services.
India and Bulgaria share over six decades of diplomatic and economic ties, strengthened through consistent bilateral trade and participation in EU programs. Indian delegations frequently visit Sofia, Varna, and Plovdiv for trade fairs, joint ventures, and strategic collaborations within the European Union market.
Indian citizens traveling for business meetings, trade exhibitions, or investment discussions are required to obtain a Bulgaria Business Visa prior to their trip. This guide provides a verified, step-by-step breakdown of the 2025 process, documentation, and embassy procedures to ensure smooth visa approval.
BTW Visa Services assists Indian corporate travelers in preparing embassy-compliant documentation, appointment scheduling, and end-to-end tracking to guarantee a seamless Bulgaria Business Visa experience.
Types of Bulgaria Business Visas
Visa Type | Purpose | Validity & Stay |
Single-Entry Business Visa (Type C) | For one-time short business visits such as meetings, exhibitions, or client visits | Valid up to 3 months; stay permitted up to 90 days |
Multiple-Entry Business Visa (Type C) | For frequent corporate travelers attending recurring business meetings or trade events | Valid up to 6 months; allows multiple entries, each up to 90 days |
Long-Stay Visa (Type D) | For those undertaking extended assignments, contracts, or work-related business | Valid up to 12 months; separate residence/work authorization required |
Download Visa Requirements PDF - Get a printable checklist for easy reference.
Note: The type of visa granted depends on the applicant's travel frequency, invitation letter, and business purpose.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Gather all necessary documents as listed in the checklist — including your passport, invitation from Bulgaria, business cover letter, financial proofs, and travel insurance.
Step 2: Complete the Visa Application Form
Download and fill out the Bulgaria Business Visa Form (Type C) available on the VFS Bulgaria or Embassy of Bulgaria, New Delhi website.
All entries must be made in English and signed by the applicant.
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment via VFS Global
Book an appointment through the VFS Global Bulgaria Visa Portal for your nearest center (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata).
Print your appointment confirmation slip.
Step 4: Visit the VFS Center for Submission & Biometrics
Submit your completed form, passport, and supporting documents at the chosen VFS center. Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) are taken during submission.
Step 5: Receive Your e-Visa Approval
Once approved, your Albania Business e-Visa will be sent to your registered email address in PDF format.
Print a copy and carry it with you when traveling — this acts as your valid entry authorization.
Step 6: Embassy Review & Decision
The Embassy of Bulgaria in New Delhi reviews your application. If required, additional documentation or verification may be requested.
Processing time typically begins after biometric submission. Once processed, collect your passport
BTW Visa Tips: BTW Visa Services helps clients with form completion, notarized invitation verification, appointment scheduling, and document sequencing — ensuring a first-time approval success rate with no embassy resubmissions.
Visa Fees, Validity & Processing Time
Entry Type | Processing Time | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees (INR) |
Multiple Entry | 15 working days | 90 days | 180 days | ₹9,450 |
Embassy & Consulate Contact Details
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria – New Delhi
16/17, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
+91 11 2611 1983 / 2611 1984
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (submission via VFS only)
Tips for Smooth Visa Approval
Apply Early: Submit your visa application at least 3–4 weeks before travel, as notarized invitation verification may extend processing time.
Cross-Check Company Details: Ensure your Bulgarian inviter’s company name, address, and registration number (UIC) match exactly on both the invitation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approval letter.
Submit Clear Documents: Avoid low-resolution or black-and-white photocopies — consular officers require clear, color copies for authentication.
Maintain Financial Proofs: Show consistent balance in your bank statement covering at least the duration of travel and stay.
Match Purpose Across Letters: Keep the wording identical in your Indian company letter and Bulgarian invitation to prevent ambiguity.
Don’t Mention Tourism: Avoid adding sightseeing or leisure plans in your cover letter; it should reflect purely business intent.
Carry Return Proof: Immigration in Sofia may request your confirmed return flight ticket at arrival.
Keep Prior EU Visas Handy: A good travel history (Schengen, UK, US) adds credibility to your application.
Legal Disclaimer: BTW Visa Services is a non-government organisation and we solely act as a service provider. All the information on the website is general information based on the available information on the internet and authorities. We shouldn't be held responsible if any changes or any guidelines at actual get altered.
Business-Related Visa Categories
Albania issues short-term Type C visas for professional or business purposes. Depending on the traveler’s profile, Indian applicants may apply under either of the following categories:
01. Corporate Visa (Company-Sponsored Travel)
Designed for professionals representing their company in Albania for official business activities.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
For transferring to a company's foreign branch
Corporate Meeting / Training Visa
For attending internal meetings or seminars
Delegation Visa
For high-level visits or project supervision
Technical Support Visa
For on-site technical or operational tasks
Corporate Partnership Visa
For collaborative business programs between companies
02. Business Visa
For individuals traveling for external business purposes
Conference / Event Visa
For attending trade shows, expos, or conventions
Investor Visa
For exploring or setting up investments abroad
Entrepreneur Visa
For business expansion or startup meetings
Client Meeting Visa
For contract discussions or partnership negotiations
Trade Mission Visa
For cross-border trade promotion visits
Both permit a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period, and can be single, double, or multiple entry, as approved by the Albanian Consulate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
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