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Bulgaria

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At a glance

Living index rating
Very affordable
Monthly rent
€30 – €150 in a university dormitory; €250 – €400 for a room in Sofia
Monthly food
€200 – €300
Other monthly expenses
€80 – €150 (transport, phone, utilities, personal)
Visa processing time
Ministry approval 2 – 4 weeks, then up to 30 working days for the visa
Family allowed for students
Limited

Visa requirements

  • Long-stay (D) visa for study, after your university gets you an approval document from the Ministry of Education and Science
  • Admission letter and proof of tuition payment
  • Proof of funds: at least the minimum monthly salary for each month of your stay
  • Health insurance with at least €30,000 cover valid in Bulgaria/the EU
  • Passport, accommodation details and, for some courses, a medical certificate
  • After arrival, apply for a long-term residence permit at the Migration Directorate
  • Part-time work is usually allowed alongside full-time study

Work permit after studies

  • Under EU rules, graduates can extend their residence for up to 9 months to look for work or start a business
  • With a job, switch to a single work and residence permit or EU Blue Card

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence usually after 5 years of continuous legal residence
  • Citizenship by naturalisation after 5 years with permanent residence (so about 10 years in total for most non-EU nationals; 3 years if married to a Bulgarian for 3+ years)
  • Bulgarian language and a means of support required

Family details

  • Spouses and dependent children can apply for family reunification with a student who holds a long-term residence permit
  • You must show you can support them financially and have accommodation
  • Each family member needs their own D visa

Universities in Bulgaria

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (43), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.