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Migration services
Extension of a residence permit in Bulgaria
The first residence permit in Bulgaria is issued for only 1 year. To continue living in the country legally, it must be renewed - and so on every year until you become eligible for permanent residence. This is not a one-time formality, but a regular procedure that is important to approach on time and carefully.
The good news is that renewal is easier than first receipt. You are already in the country, there is a basis, many documents can simply be updated. But there are nuances: it is possible to extend a residence permit only if the basis on which it was issued is preserved. If your representative office continues to work, the pension is paid, the lease agreement is valid - there will be no problems.
The main rule of renewal is not to wait until the last. You need to submit documents in advance, and some of them require time to prepare. Below we have analyzed in detail what and when to do.
Important: Extension is possible only if the basis remains - the representative office works, the pension is paid, the lease agreement is valid, and so on. If the basis has changed, a separate consultation is needed.
If you miss the deadline: The residence permit is canceled. To restore the status, you will have to leave Bulgaria and start the process again with a D visa.
Important numbers
30 days
How much before the end we recommend submitting
14 days
Term for consideration of the application
~250 €
State fee for renewal for 12 months
How to prepare - step-by-step instructions
1
2 months in advance - check your passport
The passport must expire no earlier than 16 months from the date of submission. If the passport expires soon, replace it in advance, it will take time.
2
1.5 months in advance - update the documents on the basis
Check that all documents confirming your foundation are up to date. Extend the lease agreement, renew the BCCI certificate if you are a representative office, prepare a fresh pension certificate.
The exact list is at our consultation
3
1 month in advance - take out insurance and a bank statement
Medical insurance must be valid for the entire next year. Bank statement - recent, not older than 1 month at the time of submission.
4
30 days in advance - submit documents to the migration service
Come in person to the migration service at the place of registration. In Burgas there is a live queue, there are no appointments. Pay the state fee in advance at any bank.
In Burgas - there is a queue, there is no appointment
5
Obtaining a new residence permit card
The decision is made within 14 days. You pick up the card in person at the migration service.
Urgent - 3 days / Standard - 10 days / Regular - up to 30 days
Standard package of documents
Required documents
International passport
Valid for at least 16 months from the date of submission + copies of all pages with stamps of departure for Bulgaria
Valid residence permit card + copy
Original + copy
Application in Bulgarian
The form is issued at the migration service
Proof of accommodation
Notarized lease agreement or property documents
Health insurance
Valid for the entire next year
Proof of financial solvency
Bank statement, not older than 1 month
Documents on the basis
Depends on your basis - check with us
Receipt of payment of the state fee
Paid in any Bulgarian bank
Reasons for refusal to extend
The basis for a residence permit is no longer valid
Incomplete package of documents
Late submission deadline
Taxes or fines owed
Visa violations
Expired passport