Bulgaria Visa and Residence Permit Photo Requirements (2026)

Main points for 2026: With Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen area, the photo requirements for visas (type C and D) and residence permits are strictly unified according to European standards. The photo must be 35x45 mm in size and taken no earlier than 6 months before submitting the documents.

What has changed

Bulgaria, as a full member of the Schengen Agreement, applies uniform ICAO rules to biometric photos. This applies to both short-stay Schengen visas (type C) and national visas (type D) as well as residence permits. The official requirements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria (MFA) are clear and do not allow for deviations.

Who this applies to

These rules are mandatory for:

• Citizens of Ukraine: although Ukrainians with biometric passports have the right to visa-free entry (up to 90 days), photos are required for issuing a national D visa, a temporary or permanent residence permit, as well as for extending temporary protection status.
• Foreigners subject to visa requirements: who need a Schengen type C visa for tourist, business, or guest trips to Bulgaria.
• Children: the requirements for photos of children (even infants) are similar, although minor deviations are allowed for children under 1 year old (e.g., closed eyes), but there should be no toys, foreign objects, or parents' hands in the photo.

What to do now

1. Contact a professional photographer: Ask to take a photo for a Schengen visa (ICAO standard). Make sure the lighting is even, with no shadows on the face or background.
2. Check your facial expression: The face must be neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible. You must look directly into the camera.
3. Remove unnecessary accessories: It is forbidden to take photos wearing sunglasses. If you wear prescription glasses, the frames must not cover your eyes, and there should be no glare on the lenses. Headwear is allowed only for religious reasons (while the face must be visible from the chin to the top of the forehead).
4. Prepare the correct amount: Usually, to apply for a visa or residence permit, you need to provide 2-3 identical printed photos. For online submission, a digital file in JPEG format is required.

Common mistakes

• "Red-eye" effect: The official rules of the Bulgarian MFA strictly prohibit photos with a red-eye effect or any retouching that alters facial features.
• Incorrect background: Using a dark, colored, or non-uniform background will result in the rejection of documents.
• Old photo: Submitting a photo that has already been used in previous visas or was taken more than half a year ago.
• Incorrect scale: The face is too small (less than 70%) or too large (more than 80%), which prevents the system from correctly reading biometric data.

Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.