Published on
October 30, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
VFS Global has officially launched Bulgaria long-term visa (D visa) services in India, with a state-of-the-art visa application centre at New Delhi’s Hamdard complex. This expansion allows applicants from across the country to conveniently apply for Bulgaria’s long-term visas without the need to visit the embassy in New Delhi. Starting 1 November 2025, the service will be available at locations in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Applicants can easily book their appointment slots online, streamlining the process and offering additional services to enhance the visa application experience.
Easier Access to Bulgaria’s Long-Term Visa Services Across India
For the first time, Bulgaria’s long-term visa services are being made available across six major cities in India, significantly enhancing accessibility. Applicants in New Delhi can begin submitting their long-term visa applications from 1 November 2025. By mid-November, appointment slots will also be open for centres in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. This move eliminates the need for Indian citizens to travel to the Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi, making the process more efficient and convenient. The collaboration with VFS Global ensures that the visa application process is streamlined, modernised, and hassle-free.
A Milestone in Strengthening India-Bulgaria Ties
The introduction of Bulgaria’s long-term visa services across India represents a significant milestone in enhancing the relationship between India and Bulgaria. H.E. Dr. Nikolay Yankov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to India, expressed that the initiative will help strengthen people-to-people and business ties between the two nations. By offering the full range of visa services in India, the Bulgarian government is making it easier for Indian citizens to visit Bulgaria for work, study, or family reasons. This move will help foster deeper connections and facilitate greater exchange between both countries, building on the already strong bilateral relationship.
VFS Global’s Role and Commitment to Service Excellence
VFS Global has been a trusted partner of the Government of Bulgaria since 2008, managing Bulgaria’s short-term visa (C visa) services across India. Now, with the addition of long-term visa services, VFS Global continues to showcase its ability to manage a wide range of visa services efficiently. Ms. Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer of South Asia, VFS Global, expressed her pride in further strengthening this long-standing partnership. She highlighted that the addition of long-term visa services at the application centres will significantly improve the convenience for applicants, allowing them to complete the entire process closer to home.
Efficient and Convenient Visa Application Process
The long-term visa services offered by VFS Global are designed to be easy and efficient for applicants. The centres in six major cities across India provide a seamless experience, from booking an appointment online to submitting visa applications. To ensure the process is as convenient as possible, VFS Global also offers a range of optional services such as Visa At Your Doorstep, Premium Lounge access, Prime Time collection, courier services, SMS updates, and form filling assistance. These additional services are available for travellers who want a more personalised and smooth visa submission experience.
Visa Application Centres in Major Indian Cities
Starting 1 November 2025, Bulgaria long-term visa applicants can submit their applications at the VFS Global visa application centre in New Delhi. By mid-November, the service will be available in other key cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. These strategically located centres ensure that more people across India can easily access Bulgaria’s visa services. With this expansion, VFS Global brings Bulgaria’s long-term visa services closer to the citizens of India, providing an efficient, accessible solution for all travellers planning their visit to Bulgaria.
Exclusive Benefits for Applicants
In addition to the standard visa application process, applicants have access to several benefits designed to enhance their experience. For example, VFS Global offers Visa At Your Doorstep for those who prefer a more convenient method of submitting their applications. Other services such as Premium Lounge access and Prime Time collection provide added comfort and flexibility, allowing applicants to submit their documents at a time that suits them best. These services are aimed at offering an additional layer of convenience and ensuring that the visa application process is as stress-free as possible for every traveller.
Visa Processing: What Applicants Need to Know
It is important to note that VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is purely administrative. The company handles tasks like collecting visa applications, required documentation, and enrolling biometrics. However, the decision to grant or refuse a visa rests solely with the Embassy of Bulgaria. VFS Global’s services do not influence the outcome of the visa decision in any way. The Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi is responsible for the decision-making process, and applicants should be aware of this distinction when using VFS Global’s services.
Simplified Access for Tier-2 and Tier-3 Markets
The launch of Bulgaria’s long-term visa services through VFS Global’s centres is especially beneficial for applicants in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where accessing consular services has often been a challenge. By offering visa application services across six major cities, VFS Global helps ensure that applicants from smaller cities can now enjoy the same level of convenience and accessibility as those in major metropolitan areas. This expansion is in response to the growing demand for international travel and highlights VFS Global’s commitment to providing equal service access for all.
A Step Towards Future Growth in Visa Services
The expansion of Bulgaria’s long-term visa services in India is not just about convenience—it’s also about laying the groundwork for future growth. As India continues to emerge as a key market for global travel, VFS Global’s efforts to expand visa services reflect its long-term vision of providing accessible and efficient solutions for travellers. By extending these services, VFS Global and the Embassy of Bulgaria are making it easier for Indian citizens to explore opportunities for work, study, and family visits in Bulgaria, further fostering international connections.
A Major Development in Travel Accessibility
The introduction of Bulgaria’s long-term visa services across India, through strategically located VFS Global centres, marks a significant development in travel accessibility. This partnership not only simplifies the visa application process but also strengthens the bonds between India and Bulgaria. With more cities now able to access Bulgaria’s visa services, Indian travellers have a more convenient and streamlined way to apply for visas, making international travel to Bulgaria more accessible than ever before.
