Family reunification for foreign nationals residing in Bulgaria

After a successful procedure for obtaining a right of residence, foreign nationals have the opportunity to reunite their family on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. The procedure involves proving the family relationship, meeting certain requirements on the part of the sponsor, and submitting the necessary documents to the competent administrative authorities.

This article examines the main grounds for family reunification in Bulgaria, the requirements applicable to applicants, and the steps for successfully completing the procedure.

Who may apply for reunification

The main applicant (the sponsor) must hold a Bulgarian residence permit for a period of not less than one year. "Family members" within the meaning of the law are the spouse and children under 18 who are not married — including adopted children.

The procedure

The procedure has three main stages:

• the main applicant files an application for family reunification with the Migration Directorate — on their own, without the family being present;
• after a positive decision, the family members apply for a Visa D at the Bulgarian consulate in their place of permanent residence, under a facilitated regime;
• after arrival in Bulgaria, an application is filed for a residence permit that follows the status of the main applicant.

Documents required

1. copy of a valid passport;
2. evidence of secured accommodation;
3. evidence of stable, regular, predictable and sufficient means of subsistence for the family members (EUR 7,500 per person);
4. criminal record certificate of the family member, issued as at the date of filing from the state of which the foreign national is a citizen, or from the state of their habitual residence — upon initial submission of the application;
5. marriage certificate or birth certificate.

Timing

The decision on the family reunification application is taken within one month. Visas D for family members are issued under a facilitated regime, and the residence permits follow after arrival in Bulgaria.

How we can help

We assist our clients both with the initial acquisition of a right of residence and with the subsequent family reunification procedure. For the purposes of the procedure we will prepare a full set of documents for the family members, coordinate with them on the issuance and dispatch to Bulgaria of the documents proving family ties — including the need for their legalisation — and arrange their translation in Bulgaria in accordance with the requirements of the law.

After the family reunification permit is obtained, we will organise the Visa D interview and assist with the final stage before the Migration Directorate in Bulgaria.

Related articles

• Residence as a family member of a Bulgarian national
• Grounds for residence of foreign nationals in Bulgaria

Cases from practice

• Appeal of Art. 24i FRIA residence permit refusal — won at AASC and SAC
• Type D visa refusal from Istanbul consulate annulled
• See all cases from practice →