Restrictions on multiple-entry visas in Bulgaria: growing tension among foreign owners and investors

With the introduction of the new measures for access to Schengen in November 2025, Bulgaria stopped issuing multiple-entry visas (multiple short-stay visas type C) for citizens of third countries.
According to data from partner visa centers, refusals for multiple-entry visas at the end of 2024 have increased to 59%.

The new directives of the European Commission allow the issuance of multiple-entry visas only to limited categories – relatives of EU citizens, transport workers. All others (including owners of properties or businesses with a permanent company) can now apply only for single-entry visas or a long-term visa D.

With over 60,000 foreign citizens who have purchased real estate in the country over the last decade, many investors are considering selling real estate due to the complex and slow visa process.

Bulgarian legal experts and brokers point out that obtaining a multiple-entry annual visa is only possible with an investment of at least 300,000 euros, criteria that households rarely meet. At the same time, owners of companies with local registration are obliged to maintain active business activity and strictly prove the need for multiple visits.

The visa policy is expected to be reviewed after the integration into the Eurozone in 2026, but at this stage the forecasts indicate a rise in refusals