Do Bulgarian citizens need a visa for Russia?
Yes, they do. Since August 1, 2023, an e-visa is available, allowing a stay of up to 30 days without an invitation. For longer stays or multiple entries a regular visa issued by a Russian consulate is required.
How can Bulgarian citizens obtain a visa for Russia?
Step 1. Get an Invitation
To apply for a Russian visa, Bulgarian citizens must prepare the necessary documents, including a visa invitation to Russia, which is the main required document. The type of invitation depends on the visa category requested (tourist, business, private, work, or other) and the purpose of the visit.
Step 2. Submit your visa application
- Through the Russian consulate.
-
— Submission is by appointment only.
— Limited slots per day — expect long waiting periods.
— Best suited for urgent or complex cases (e.g., work visas). -
Through a visa agency — our "Full visa service".
— Agencies assist in obtaining a visa remotely, without applicant's presence at the consulate or visa center.
— Ideal for busy travelers or those who prefer to avoid paperwork.
Please be advised that Russian consulates only accept documents by appointment, and the daily quota for submissions is strictly limited.
⚠️ Regardless of the submission method selected, it is recommended that the visa application process be initiated well in advance to avoid any potential delays. Please be advised that applications cannot be submitted to the consulate more than 90 days prior to the planned entry date.
Get an Invitation
Price from €14
Full visa service (remote visa processing) in Bulgaria
We offer Bulgarian citizens a remote "Full visa service" package. Applications are submitted through our representative office in Germany at the Russian consular section in Bonn. A German residency permit is not required for this purpose. This service allows you to avoid the inconvenience of visiting the consulate or a visa center in person. We will prepare all the necessary documents and arrange for your passport to be delivered to our partners in Germany. They will submit the documents to the consulate for the visa, and once it is ready, collect the passport with the issued visa and return it to you by courier.
All our visa packages for Bulgarian citizens include the following:
- All consular and service fees for visa processing.
- Remote visa processing for EU passport holders through our Bonn office — no proof of German residency is required.
- Completion of the official consulate application form on your behalf (using the information you provide).
- Round-trip shipping of original documents via DHL (to our office in Germany and back).
The cost of the "full visa service" includes mandatory consular and visa fees, DHL courier delivery within the EU (€99), and our company's service fee. For standard packages, the cost starts at €119, and for expedited service, it starts at €179. Consular and visa fees vary depending on the visa's multiplicity and urgency. The invitation and medical insurance are charged separately: the price of the invitation depends on its type, duration, and multiplicity; the insurance price depends on the plan, number of insured days, and the applicant's age (from €1 per day). Optional: if you can't provide financial documents, our German partner will issue a guarantee letter for an extra €50, which covers the consulate's financial requirements.
Full Visa Service
Price from €119
Main types of a Russian visa for Bulgarian citizens
- Tourist visa — for tourism, sightseeing, visiting attractions;
- Business visa — conferences, business meetings;
- E-visa — for short trips;
- Work visa — for employment in a Russian company;
- Private visa — visiting relatives or friends in Russia (though using a tourist or e-visa is more practical and cheaper).
Validity period of a Russian visa for Bulgarian citizens
| Visa | Validity Period | Purpose of Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | 1–180 days | Tourism, leisure, excursions, cultural events |
| Business | 1 month – 5 years | Conducting business meetings, negotiations, the search for business partners, and attendance at conferences |
| E-visa | 1–30 days | Short-term trips |
| Private | 30 days – 1 year | Visiting relatives or friends in Russia |
| Work | up to 90 days with the possibility of extension up to three years | Employment in Russia |
Russian visa requirements for Bulgarian citizens
-
Invitation.
— Depending on the visa category (tourist, business, private, etc.) as per the consulate requirements. -
Passport (original)
— At least two blank pages.
— Valid for at least 6 months after the visa expiry date. -
Visa application form.
— Completed online at visa.kdmid.ru in Russian or English
— Printed and personally signed. -
Passport photo.
— Colour, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, on a light background.
— Taken within the last 6 months. -
Medical insurance.
— Valid in the Russian Federation for the entire stay
— Minimum coverage €30,000 -
Proof of legal residence in Bulgaria (not required for Bulgarian citizens).
— For third-country nationals — original and copy of a Bulgarian residence permit. -
Documents for minor children.
— Birth certificate (original + copy).
— For children of third parties — power of attorney from a parent, copy of the parent's passport, and birth certificate.
Processing times for a Russian visa for Bulgarian citizens
Visa applications are processed by the staff of the Embassy or Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Bulgaria. The processing time begins on the business day after a complete set of documents has been received.
Standard processing time is 4-20 business days. Expedited processing (1-3 business days) is available upon request, but it requires prior approval and is not guaranteed.
Please note that processing times may be longer during peak seasons. For business visas based on an official invitation letter from a company, expedited processing is not available; the standard 10-day processing period applies.
How much does a Russian visa cost in Bulgaria
The total visa cost is determined by the consular fee, which depends on:
- The number of entries (single, double, or multiple).
- The processing time (standard or expedited).
The expedited processing incurs a fee that is double the standard rate.
Fees (in Euros):
-
Single entry:
- 4-20 days — €77.
- 1-3 days — €154 (expedited).
-
Double entry:
- 4-20 days — €123.
- 1-3 days — €246 (expedited).
-
Multiple entry:
- 4-20 days — €231.
- 1-3 days — €462 (expedited).
The rates listed are for informational purposes only. Please note that the final amount may vary depending on additional services and the current exchange rate.
Tourist visa to Russia for Bulgarian Citizens
If you plan to visit Russia for sightseeing and leisure, you will need a tourist visa. The invitation required for this type of visa is issued by licensed tour operators from the federal register, each with their own reference number [1].
Step-by-step instructions for obtaining a Russian visa
While the format of the invitation is not important, the document must contain the tour operator’s details and reference number, as well as the passport information of the Bulgarian applicant. The invitation must indicate the travel dates, number of entries permitted, planned travel route (cities to be visited), and places of accommodation.
You can check the validity of your tourist invitation using this link.
To obtain a visa, a Bulgarian citizen will also need medical insurance.
What is the validity period of a tourist visa for Bulgarian citizens?
Up to 90 days for single or double entry, or up to 180 days for multiple entry (the maximum period of stay on a multiple-entry tourist visa must not exceed 90 days within each 180-day period).
Proceed to get a tourist invitation
Price from €14
Business visa to Russia for Bulgarian citizens
A Bulgarian citizen who intends to engage in business negotiations, establish business partnerships, sign or extend contracts, or participate in seminars or auctions in Russia requires a business visa. For this, an invitation from a Russian legal entity is required, issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation (formerly FMS), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, or on the letterhead of the inviting organization.
What is the validity period of a business visa for Bulgarian citizens?
The maximum validity period for a business visa for Bulgarian citizens is five years. However, the uninterrupted or total overall stay in Russia on a multiple-entry business visa for all EU citizens cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
If a Bulgarian citizen has not had previous business visas to the Russian Federation but needs a business visa for more than three months, it is possible to apply using an invitation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (electronic) or a Telex. Such official invitations can be issued immediately for a period of 365 days with multiple entries, even if the applicant has never held a Russian business visa before.
TTypes of business invitations to Russia for Bulgarian citizens:
An direct company invitation is a formal request from a Russian organization for the issuance of a visa to a Bulgarian citizen. This invitation is typically issued within one business day.
An Electronic invitation is issued by the Department for Migration Issues of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (formerly the Federal Migration Service) on the basis of a request from an accredited inviting organization. The invitation contains a barcode and is sent digitally to the specified consulate. The applicant receives a printable copy by email. Only the printed copy is needed for the visa application because there is no original document. The processing time for electronic invitations for Bulgarian citizens is between 20 and 30 business days and is regulated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Telex is a direct instruction from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to the consulate. When applying, the foreign citizen only needs to provide the Telex number (code). Processing time for Telex for Bulgarian citizens is also 20–30 business days.
What is the difference between a Telex and an Electronic invitation?
If a Bulgarian citizen has previously had Russian business visas, we recommend using a company invitation letter:
- A company invitation letter is cheaper than Telex or an Electronic invitation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- Issued online in five minutes – a copy of the invitation is sent instantly by email after payment.
- This type of invitation makes it possible to obtain a visa for two to five years (if you have previously used multiple-entry visas to Russia), whereas electronic invitations and Telexes allow you to apply for a visa valid for up to one year.
Important:
- Applications for business visas based on a company letter are processed at Russian consulates within 12 business days; expedited processing is not available for this type of invitation.
- For multiple-entry visas, Bulgarian citizens must present the original invitation on company letterhead at the consulate. You can order courier delivery of the original invitation from us to Bulgaria from us.
Here's how to quickly obtain a company invitation letter for a Bulgarian citizen:
- Complete an online form.
- Pay for your order by credit card on the website.
- Receive an email copy of the invitation instantly after payment.
Order an Invitation Letter Online
Price from €49
E-visa to Russia for Bulgarian citizens
The Unified Electronic Visa is a new type of visa document that allows foreigners to visit the Russian Federation without obtaining a regular visa (a sticker in the passport). No invitation to Russia is required to apply for this visa type.
An electronic visa can be used for tourism, business, humanitarian, or private visits, as well as participation in social, political, economic, or sporting events. An electronic visa is valid for 120 days from the date of issue. The maximum permitted stay in Russia with an e-visa is no more than 30 days from the entry date. Please note that the e-visa is only valid for single entry.
To apply, Bulgarian citizens only need to complete the online application form on our website and provide a digital photo and a copy of their passport.
Price from €92
Private visa to Russia for Bulgarian Citizens
To visit relatives or friends, Bulgarian citizens should formally apply for a private visa. The inviting party must obtain a private invitation in accordance with Russian law. The inviter can be a Russian citizen or a foreigner with a residence permit. However, in practice, a private visa is often less convenient, read here why a private visa is not usually recommended.
Validity period of a private visa
A private visa may be issued as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry. It can be valid from 30 days up to one year, allowing you to stay in Russia for the entire duration of the visa without leaving the country.
Obtaining a private visa by invitation
If a Bulgarian citizen is invited by a private person residing in Russia, the inviter must contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation at their place of residence.
The invitation is issued on Ministry of Internal Affairs letterhead (Eletronic invitation) with an individual number. The process may take up to 30 days, during which background checks are performed (for criminal records and previous visa or administrative violations). If the Bulgarian applicant has violated Russian law during previous visits, the invitation may be refused.
Obtaining a private visa based on a close relative’s application
Since September 2021, Bulgarian citizens who are close relatives of Russian nationals can apply for a one-year multiple-entry private visa, based on a written application by the Russian citizen requesting entry for a close family member.
Who is considered a close relative:
- parents;
- spouses;
- children;
- spouses of children;
- full and half-siblings;
- adoptive parents and adopted children;
- grandchildren;
- grandparents.
The Russian citizen must submit this application in person at the consular section of the Russian Embassy in Bulgaria. If the applicant is in Russia, the original notarized application is required. You must also provide the original or notarized copy of a document confirming the relationship (such as a birth or marriage certificate) that is recognized in Russia.
Private visa for special cases
In exceptional circumstances, a private visa to Russia may be issued without a formal invitation, but based on the decision of the Ambassador or Consul of the Russian Federation in Bulgaria, upon a written request from the applicant. A private visa for special cases can be issued to a Bulgarian citizen who needs to urgently visit Russia due to a serious illness or the death of a close relative, or to receive emergency medical care. All grounds must be documented.
How to obtain a private invitation to Russia for Bulgarian citizens
Our company does not assist with private invitations. We generally recommend obtaining a tourist visa or a business visa, since these options are faster and require less paperwork. A private invitation can only be obtained by contacting the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia directly at the registration address.
Work visa to Russia for Bulgarian citizens
To legally work in Russia, a Bulgarian citizen must obtain a work visa. It is essential to understand the key differences between a work visa and a business visa. A work visa is the only visa type that allows formal employment in Russia, with the possibility of receiving a salary. The Russian employer is responsible for initiating and managing the visa process, and for issuing the invitation. The procedure is complex and consists of several stages:
- Obtaining a work permit (handled by the employer).
- Obtaining an invitation for an initial 90-day work visa.
- Completing the migration registration for the foreign citizen upon their arrival in Russia.
- Extending the work visa for the full duration of the employment contract.
- Completing migration registration for the entire duration of the extended visa.
The maximum duration of a work visa is three years (for Highly Qualified Specialists—HQS), and, unlike a business visa, a work visa allows continuous stay in Russia for the full period. Work visa holders can have their visas extended without the need to leave Russia.
Our company does not issue work invitations.
Where to obtain a Russian visa in Bulgaria?
For all visa-related matters, applicants in Bulgaria should contact the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sofia.
Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Bulgaria, Consular Section of the Embassy (Sofia):- Address: Sofia, 30 Nikola Mirchev St..
- Phone: +359 88 770-41-45, +359 2 963-40-21.
- Fax: +359 2 963-41-16
- E-mail: sofia@mid.ru
- Website: bulgaria.mid.ru
- Opening hours: Monday-Friday from 08:45 to 12:30
Appointments are available by prior arrangement only.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Clarify the reason for the refusal – request a written explanation from the consulate if this is not given automatically. Please note: the consulate has the right to refuse without explanation, and a request for a written reason may also be declined.
- Correct any mistakes – double-check your documents (application form, invitation, passport validity) and submit a new application after addressing deficiencies.
- File an appeal – if you believe the refusal is unreasonable, you can appeal through the consulate or through a court (with the help of a lawyer or inviting party).
- Administrative fine: from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles for individuals, and up to 500,000 rubles for the host party (e.g. employer or inviting relative).
- Entry ban: for serious violations like illegal work or overstaying, an entry ban for several years is possible.
- Deportation: for gross violations (forgery, illegal stay) forced expulsion from Russia is possible, along with a subsequent ban on re-entry.
To avoid issues, always respect visa conditions and migration registration requirements. To avoid these issues, it is crucial to comply with the terms of your stay and follow migration registration rules.
