Bulgaria Schengen Visa from United Arab Emirates

For travelers from the United Arab Emirates to Bulgaria, applying for a Short Stay visa is essential for entry into the Schengen Area. This visa allows for tourism, business, or family visits for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Applications can be submitted at the Bulgaria Visa Application Centres located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

2 visa centres·1 visa type·Starts at AED200·Processed by VFS

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Appointment wait times

Median days from booking until appointment — based on real appointments observed by xVisa

< 20 days20–30> 30

Visa centre	Short Stay AHTR
Abu Dhabi Bulgaria Visa Application Centre, Abu Dhabi
Dubai Bulgaria Visa Application Centre, Dubai

Bulgaria visa centres in United Arab Emirates

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Document checklist

To apply for a Short Stay visa to Bulgaria, you will need to prepare several documents. Commonly required documents include a completed visa application form, a valid passport, recent passport-sized photographs, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient financial means. Check specific requirements based on your purpose of travel to ensure all necessary documents are included.

Application form
Required
Duly completed and signed visa application form
Bank statement
Required
Recent bank account statement showing the applicant's financial transactions and available funds.
Bank statements (3 months)
Required
Personal bank statements showing income and funds
Business invitation letter
Required
Invitation letter from a company or business in Austria confirming the purpose of visit, travel dates, and accommodation/travel arrangements if applicable.
Cover letter
Required
Signed letter from the applicant explaining the reason for the intended stay in Italy.
Credit card statement
Required
Credit card account statement indicating the cardholder's name and address and showing the monthly limit or spending cap.
Emirates ID
Required
Copy of the applicant's Emirates ID card.
Emirates ID copy
Required
Copy of the applicant's Emirates ID card.
Return or onward travel booking
Required
Printed flight/train/bus booking showing passenger name and itinerary
Flight reservation
Required
Copy of flight ticket or flight reservation including return flight, or onward journey proof where applicable.
Host ID or passport copy
Required
Copy of the host's ID card or passport.
Invitation letter from family member or friend
Required
Letter from a family member or friend in Belgium confirming accommodation at their house or apartment, including full address details.
Invitation letter
Required
Signed invitation letter from the inviting organization or host explaining the purpose of the visit.
Medical institution confirmation
Required
Official document from the medical institution in Bulgaria confirming the necessity for medical care in that institution.
Proof of sufficient financial means to pay for the medical treatment
Required
Documentary proof that the applicant has sufficient financial means to pay for the planned medical treatment (as requested in the Netherlands medical treatment visa checklist).
Cover or motivation letter
Required
Letter from the applicant explaining the purpose of the visit to Bulgaria.
Official business invitation
Required
Original and copy of the official invitation from the inviting company, certified by the Migration Directorate of the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior and notarized. Format: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/Bulgaria/UAE/english/pdf/invitation-letter-business.pdf
Official invitation certified by Bulgarian authorities
Required
Original and copy of an official invitation certified by the Migration Directorate of the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior and notarized where required.
Valid passport or travel document
Required
Original passport valid at least 3 months beyond return date, plus photocopy
Passport Copy
Required
If your name is not on the accommodation reservation, also provide a photocopy of the passport or ID card of the person named on the reservation, plus the passport signature page if the signature is not on the bio page.
Passport data page copy
Required
Photocopy of the passport biographical data page.
Full copy of passport pages
Required
Photocopies of all passport pages with stamps and visas and the last page with personal information.
Passport-style photograph
Required
1 recent (≤6 months) passport-style photo, full front, white background
Recent passport photograph
Required
One recent photograph meeting visa photo specifications.
Passport photos (standardized)
Required
Standardized passport photographs required for a short-stay visa application (as specified in the checklist).
Copies of previous visas
Required
Copies of previous or current visas, including previous Schengen visas and visas from Bulgaria, USA, UK, Schengen, and the European Union, as requested in the checklist.
Copy of previous visas and passport visa pages
Required
Photocopies of previous Schengen visas from the last 3 years and, where applicable, photocopies of the old passport or previous/current visas from Bulgaria, USA, UK, Schengen, and the European Union.
Payslips (3 months)
Required
Last three payslips, original plus photocopies
Copies of previous or current visas
Required
Copies of previous or current visas from Bulgaria, USA, UK, Schengen, or European Union countries.
Purpose of visit supporting documents
Required
Documents supporting the existence of the event, invitation purpose, or related activity for the trip.
Round-trip flight reservation
Required
Copy of flight ticket or flight reservation including return flight.
Travel medical insurance
Required
Insurance covering all Schengen states for EUR 30,000 minimum
Multi-country travel itinerary
Required
Tickets between Schengen countries (if applicable)
Travel Medical Insurance
Required
Travel medical insurance must cover the full intended stay, be valid in all Schengen States, and include at least EUR 30,000 for medical emergencies, hospital treatment, repatriation, or death. Insurance information: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/ltu/travel-insurance
UAE Residence Visa
Required
Copy of the applicant's UAE residence visa or residence permit showing lawful residence in the UAE and validity beyond the intended departure date.
Visa application form
Required
Completed visa application form for a Switzerland Schengen visa. Form: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/turkey/english/pdf/visumantrag-schen-en-de.pdf
Previous or current visa copies
Required
Copies of previous or current visas from Bulgaria, USA, UK, Schengen, and European Union countries.
Birth certificate
Required in some cases
Official birth certificate of the child, used to prove identity and parentage for minor applicants.
👶Travelling with children
Company accommodation confirmation
Required in some cases
Confirmation from the inviting company that accommodation is provided and that the company will cover accommodation costs.
🤝Employer🏠Host
Company partners list
Required in some cases
Company partners list showing the applicant's share in the company when not mentioned in the trade license.
👔Self Employed
Death certificate
Required in some cases
Death certificate of a deceased parent, used in sole custody situations.
👶Travelling with children
Divorce or custody decree
Required in some cases
Divorce decree or custody decree clearly showing full custody or parental authority.
👶Travelling with children
Divorce decree / custody decree
Required in some cases
Divorce decree or custody decree clearly showing full custody or parental authority.
👶Travelling with children
Divorce decree or custody decision
Required in some cases
Divorce decree or custody decision clearly showing full custody or parental authority.
👶Travelling with children
Employment Letter
Required in some cases
If employed, provide a recent original signed headed employer letter addressed to the Mission and confirming your employment.
👔Employed🤝Family
EU spouse passport copy
Required in some cases
Copy of the EU spouse's passport.
🤝Family👶Travelling without children
Host residence permit copy
Required in some cases
Copy of the host's residence permit, required if the host is a non-EEA national.
🤝Host🏠Host
Hotel Reservation
Required in some cases
Provide confirmed accommodation booking showing the applicant's name, travel dates, and accommodation address details.
🏠Hotel
Proof of investment
Required in some cases
Document proving the applicant's qualifying investment, such as property title deeds for Golden Visa holders.
🤝Self
Official invitation letter format
Required in some cases
Official format/template for the invitation letter for private visit visa applications. Format: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/Bulgaria/UAE/english/pdf/private-visa-invitation.pdf
🤝Host🏠Host
Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Required in some cases
Recent (≤6 months) marriage/civil partnership certificate
🤝Family👶Travelling without children
Marriage certificate
Required in some cases
Marriage certificate used to evidence spousal or registered partner sponsorship. If issued outside the EU and not in English or Portuguese, it must be translated by a certified translator in the UK.
🤝Family👶Travelling without children
Parental consent documents for minors
Required in some cases
For minors travelling alone/with one parent: parental consent, certified copies of parents’ passports, British school certificate.
👶Travelling with children
No-objection letter after approved appeal
Required in some cases
Official letter stating that the applicant's objection/appeal against the visa decision has been successful.
👔Employed🤝Family👶Travelling with children
Notarized parental consent letter
Required in some cases
Consent letter obtained from a notary public for child travel cases. The source states it must be issued within 6 months prior to the appointment.
👶Travelling with children
Copy of old passport
Required in some cases
Photocopy of the old passport when the applicant holds a new passport.
Parent financial support documents
Required in some cases
Documents from parents proving they can cover all expenses during the journey.
👔Student🤝Family
Parent passport and residence copies
Required in some cases
Copies of both parents' passports and UAE residence visas or residence permits.
👶Travelling with children
Copies of both parents' passports
Required in some cases
Copies of the passports of both parents, required for minor applicants.
👶Travelling with children
Parent passport copies
Required in some cases
Copies of both parents' passports.
👶Travelling with children
Parents' UAE residence visa copies
Required in some cases
Copies of both parents' UAE residence visas.
👶Travelling with children
Parent UAE residence visa copies
Required in some cases
Copies of both parents' UAE residence visas.
👶Travelling with children
Parental Consent
Required in some cases
If the applicant is a minor, provide travel authorization from parents who are not travelling with the child, legalized by MIREX.
👶Travelling with children
Parental financial support documents
Required in some cases
Documents from the applicant's parents showing they can cover travel expenses, together with their financial evidence.
👔Student🤝Family
Partners List
Required in some cases
Document showing the ownership shares or partners of a private company where this is not stated in the trade license.
👔Self Employed🤝Self
Proof of pension
Required in some cases
Proof of pension, either through a bank account record or pension booklet.
👔Retired🤝Self
Private accommodation confirmation
Required in some cases
Confirmation of private accommodation from a host, including when the host covers accommodation costs.
🤝Host🏠Host
Proof of home or immovable property ownership
Required in some cases
Document showing that the applicant owns a home or other immovable property in the country of residence.
🏠Hotel, Host
Property title deed
Required in some cases
Title deed proving ownership of real estate as evidence of financial means.
Proof of real estate ownership
Required in some cases
Document proving ownership of real estate in Bulgaria, such as title deed or ownership certificate.
🏠Host
Rental contract
Required in some cases
Rental contract submitted as evidence of financial means.
🏠Host, Hotel
Sponsor declaration
Required in some cases
Declaration from the sponsor confirming that they will cover all expenses related to the applicant's trip.
👔Student🤝Family
Sponsor expense declaration
Required in some cases
Declaration from sponsor stating they will cover all expenses related to the trip.
👔Student🤝Family
Sponsor identity and residence copies
Required in some cases
Copies of the sponsor's passport and UAE residence visa or residence permit.
🤝Family
Sponsor no objection letter
Required in some cases
Letter from sponsor confirming no objection to travel and support for the trip.
🤝Family
Sponsor passport copy
Required in some cases
Original and copy of the sponsoring spouse's or registered partner's passport.
🤝Family👶Travelling without children
Sponsor UAE residence visa copy
Required in some cases
Copy of the sponsor's UAE residence visa.
🤝Family
Sponsorship guarantee letter
Required in some cases
Letter from the sponsor confirming they will cover the applicant's travel expenses.
🤝Family
Sponsorship letter
Required in some cases
Signed and dated cover letter from the sponsor confirming sponsorship.
👔Student🤝Family
Proof of sponsorship
Required in some cases
Document proving that another person or entity sponsors the applicant's trip or stay expenses.
🤝Family
Student certificate
Required in some cases
Student certificate issued by the Council of Higher Education in Turkey (YÖK) with a readable QR code.
👔Student
Student status letter
Required in some cases
Recent signed letter from school/college/university confirming enrollment, hours per week, attendance
👔Student
Title deeds
Required in some cases
Property ownership deeds submitted as proof of assets or means of subsistence.
Trade license
Required in some cases
Valid original trade licence for self-employed applicants as proof of business activity.
👔Self Employed🤝Self
Credit Card
Optional
Valid international credit card may be submitted together with bank statements as additional proof of financial means.
Valid international credit card with bank statements
Optional
Valid international credit card accompanied by supporting bank statements.

Booking your Bulgaria appointment

When scheduling your appointment at the Bulgaria Visa Application Centre, it's advisable to book well in advance, as slots can fill quickly. Ensure you arrive early on the day of your appointment with all required documents organized. Double-check the specific requirements for the Abu Dhabi or Dubai centers, as procedures may vary slightly between locations.