BG Bulgaria residence 35x45 mm Document Checklist - Everything You Need

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: exactly 35 × 45 mm printed on high-quality photo paper with no borders
• Head size & position: head (from chin to crown) must measure 32–36 mm vertically and be centered with eye line 18 ± 1 mm from bottom edge
• Background color: uniform light gray or white, matte finish, free of shadows, patterns or objects
• Facial expression & pose: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight at the camera, no head tilt or turning
• Lighting & contrast: even front lighting with true-to-life skin tones, no overexposure, underexposure, reflections or red-eye
• Glasses & eyewear: if worn daily, thin frames only, lenses must be clear and free of glare, no tinted or oversized glasses, eyes fully visible
• Headwear & accessories: no hats or head coverings except for documented religious reasons, in which case full face from chin to forehead must remain visible
• Photo age & condition: taken within the last 6 months, undamaged, unretouched, no creases, smudges or ink marks
• Print resolution & finish: minimum 600 dpi resolution, continuous-tone (no dot patterns), matte or semi-matte finish, no digital artifacts
• File requirements (digital submissions): JPEG format, color mode sRGB, file size 200–500 KB, dimensions matching 35 × 45 mm at 600 dpi (831 × 1063 pixels)

Step-by-Step Process

• Step 1: Complete and sign the official application form

Download the “Application for Long-Term Residence Permit” (Form 1) from the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior website, fill in all fields legibly in BLOCK LETTERS, sign at the bottom, and date it. This ensures your intent and personal details are officially recorded.

• Step 2: Prepare two 35 × 45 mm biometric photographs

Have a professional studio take two identical color photos on a plain light gray or white background, with your head centered (32–36 mm from chin to crown), neutral expression, no shadows, and print on high-quality matte paper. This guarantees compliance with EU and Bulgarian photo regulations to avoid immediate rejection.

• Step 3: Gather your valid passport and copies

Submit your original passport (valid at least six months beyond your planned stay) plus clear color copies of the data page and any Bulgarian visas or stamps. This confirms your identity and travel history.

• Step 4: Obtain and legalize a clean Criminal Record Certificate

Request a certificate of no criminal convictions from your home country’s authorities, apostille or legalize it according to the Bulgarian consular requirements, then translate into Bulgarian by a certified translator. This proves you pose no public safety risk.

• Step 5: Secure proof of accommodation in Bulgaria

Provide either a signed lease agreement in your name or an official invitation letter from a host in Bulgaria plus a notarized copy of their ID/bulstat. This demonstrates you have a legal address and local sponsor if needed.

• Step 6: Show evidence of financial means

Submit bank statements for the last three months showing a balance of at least BGN 2 000 (or equivalent), or a formal sponsorship letter with the sponsor’s bank guarantee. This ensures you can support yourself without public funds.

• Step 7: Buy and document valid health insurance

Purchase insurance covering medical treatment and repatriation for at least EUR 30 000 valid throughout your intended stay, and include the policy copy. This protects both you and Bulgarian social services.

• Step 8: Pay the residence permit processing fee

Obtain a fee payment form from the Migration Directorate, pay the prescribed fee at a Bulgarian bank, keep the stamped receipt, and attach it to your application. This confirms you’ve fulfilled the mandatory administrative cost.

• Step 9: Submit your complete dossier in person

Book an appointment at the local Migration Directorate, bring originals plus one full set of copies arranged in the order above, hand everything to the officer, and request an official acknowledgment slip. This provides proof of submission and starts your application timeline.

• Step 10: Attend biometric data collection appointment

Within 7–10 days of submission, appear at the Migration Directorate for fingerprinting and digital photo capture. Bring your acknowledgment slip and passport. This finalizes your identity verification and triggers production of your card.

Tips and Best Practices

• Accurate photo size: Always supply a 35×45 mm print with a head height of 32–36 mm to meet Bulgarian ICAO standards and avoid automatic rejections
• Uniform white background: Ensure a clean, evenly lit white backdrop without shadows or patterns to satisfy official clarity requirements and prevent manual retakes
• Neutral expression and posture: Keep eyes open, mouth closed, face centered and looking directly at the camera to comply with identity verification rules and avoid processing delays
• No reflections or accessories: Remove glasses, hats, or headphones (except approved religious headgear) to guarantee unobstructed facial features and prevent instant denials
• High-resolution print: Use professional 600 dpi matte paper without pixelation, glare or fingerprints so the scanning system captures details accurately and reduces resubmission requests

Conclusion

Conclusion: Summarizing key points for the BG Bulgaria residence 35×45 mm document checklist ensures a smooth application process and reduces the risk of delays.

• Photo specifications: 35×45 mm size, white or light grey background, neutral expression, full-face view, head height 32–36 mm
• Quantity: two identical biometric photos printed on high-quality, non-glossy paper
• Application form: fully completed and signed residence permit application
• Passport: original plus copy of bio-data page, valid for at least six months beyond planned stay
• Proof of accommodation: rental agreement or host invitation letter with address details
• Proof of financial means: bank statements, employment contract, or sponsor declaration
• Health insurance: valid policy covering the entire residence period, minimum coverage €30 000
• Criminal record certificate: issued within three months, translated into Bulgarian if necessary
• Additional documents: marriage certificate, birth certificate for family joining, apostilles or legalisations as required

By following this checklist precisely, you’ll submit a complete, compliant application and avoid photo rejections or administrative delays. Ensure all documents are current, legible, and meet BG authorities’ standards before your appointment.