How to Apply Bulgaria Visa For UAE Residents from Dubai 2025
Hello friends! If you’re planning to explore Bulgaria’s rich culture, scenic landscapes, or vibrant history, you’ll need a Bulgaria visa to get started.
Today, I’ll guide you through each step of the process, especially focusing on the updated application method from Dubai. Recently, many of you have asked about securing an appointment for a Bulgaria visa, wondering whether to go through VFS Global, directly visit the Bulgarian Embassy, or use other channels.
In the past, visa applications were managed by VFS Global, later shifting to the embassy where walk-ins were accepted. However, recent changes mean that the Bulgarian Embassy no longer accepts walk-in clients, only handling a limited number each day.
No, UAE residents cannot obtain a Bulgaria visa on arrival. Instead, they must apply for a tourist visa in advance through the Bulgarian Embassy or a visa application center, such as VFS Global.
It’s essential to begin this process at least 15 days before your planned travel date to ensure ample time for processing.
Bulgaria Visa Documents Requirements for UAE Residents
Here’s what you’ll need:
Emirates ID – Ensure that your Emirates ID is valid and ready to present, as it confirms your residency in the UAE.
UAE Residency Visa – Your UAE residency visa should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended return date.
Passport – A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and two blank pages is essential for the application.
Recent Photograph – Bring one passport-sized photo with a white background. This should meet the embassy’s specifications for a tourist visa.
Bank Statements – Submit three months of recent bank statements showing salary deposits. Ideally, a balance of 10,000 to 12,000 AED is recommended, though 5,000 to 7,000 AED is also acceptable.
Hotel Booking or Reservation – A hotel reservation for your stay in Bulgaria is required, and a provisional booking is generally accepted.
Flight Reservation – A dummy flight booking showing your intended travel dates will suffice for this requirement.
Travel Insurance – Obtain travel insurance covering up to 330,000 euros for the duration of your stay. This is crucial to meet Bulgaria’s requirements for health coverage.
How to Apply Bulgaria Visa For UAE Residents from Dubai
As the application process has evolved recently, understanding the steps and requirements can make things much smoother. Previously, Bulgaria visa applications were handled by VFS Global, but they are now managed directly through the Bulgarian Embassy in Dubai.
However, note that the embassy has shifted away from walk-ins and now only allows a limited number of applicants with confirmed appointments.
Step 1: Booking Your Appointment
To start, secure an appointment by emailing the Bulgarian Embassy. Include your full name (as in your passport), passport number, mobile number, and email address.
Once you send this information, the embassy will reply with an available slot. When you receive the confirmation email, be sure to acknowledge it with a quick response like, “Yes, I will come on this date.” On your appointment day, bring this confirmation email to show the security officer upon arrival.
Step 2: Gathering Your Documents
When preparing for your visit, gather these essential documents:
Emirates ID
UAE residency visa
Passport (with at least six months’ validity)
One passport-sized photo (white background)
Three months’ bank statements showing salary transfers
Hotel booking or reservation for your stay in Bulgaria
Flight reservation (dummy bookings are accepted)
Travel insurance covering up to 330,000 euros for the trip duration
Step 3: Submitting Your Application at the Embassy
During your appointment, you’ll submit your documents, pay a visa fee of 320 dirhams, and complete biometric requirements, such as fingerprints and a photo.
The visa processing time is generally around 15 working days. The embassy may also call to verify details, and you’ll receive a notification once your passport is ready for collection.
Step 4: Interview and Approval
In some cases, the embassy may conduct a brief interview, lasting about 2-5 minutes, where they’ll ask questions about your trip, like why you chose Bulgaria, your travel plans, and the duration of your stay.
Bulgaria Visa Cost From Dubai
For most travelers, the C-Type visa (or short-stay visa) costs 90 Euros, which is equivalent to 360 AED. This type of visa is typically used for tourism, short business visits, or family visits.
Special Visa Facilitation for Certain Nationalities
If you hold a passport from specific countries that have a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union—such as Azerbaijan, Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia, Ukraine, and Montenegro—you can benefit from a reduced visa fee. For nationals of these countries, the visa fee is 35 Euros, which amounts to 140 AED.
Reduced Fees for Children
For young travelers between the ages of 6 and 12, the visa fee is 45 Euros or 180 AED. This makes it more affordable for families planning a trip to Bulgaria with young children.
I'm Haris Ali. I am resident of United Arab Emirates. I've been working with identification documents in UAE for over 8 years. I've gained valuable experience from working with various government authorities in the region, especially with documents like the Emirates ID.
In my free time, I enjoy playing cricket and exploring new destinations around the world.
