Dear UK students,
We are writing to you with some important information about the actions you need to take in order to meet the immigration requirements of the Bulgarian authorities and ensure that your rights are protected.
Read more about studying in the EU after 1 January 2021.
UK students who began their studies in Bulgaria before 31 December 2020
If you were already enrolled in a Bulgarian university and were resident in Bulgaria before 31 December 2020, you are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement. You do not require a visa to continue your studies and are not subject to any time limits to your stay in Bulgaria.
You should be registered as a resident in Bulgaria with your local Migration office in order to preserve your status and rights.
Find out more about how to register.
UK students who began their studies in Bulgaria after 31 December 2020
If you are enrolling in a Bulgarian university in 2021 for the first time, you will be subject to Bulgaria’s rules for third country national students.
Before you travel to Bulgaria to study, you must obtain a visa type D from the Bulgarian Embassy in London. When you arrive in Bulgaria, you must register as a resident at your local Migration office. You will need to show your visa in order to register as a resident.
Once you are registered as a resident, you will not be subject to the Schengen rule of 90 out of 180 days of permitted stay in Bulgaria and will be enter and exit the country without restrictions.
Find out more about how to apply for a Bulgarian visa.
Find out more about registering for residency as a third country national.
Covid restrictions
From 19 July 2021, Bulgaria categorised the UK as a Covid-19 ‘red zone’ country. However, as a UK student, you may still enter Bulgaria if you hold a visa type D or a valid residence permit, as well as the required Covid-19 documentation.
Find out more about Bulgarian entry requirements.
Stay up to date
Make sure you don’t miss any important updates by signing up to alerts for the Living in Bulgaria Guide and following the British Embassy on Facebook.
Wishing you a successful academic year!
British Embassy Sofia
