Visa-Free Travel with a Bulgarian Residence Permit: EU, Schengen & EFTA

A Bulgarian residence permit (long-term or permanent) grants visa-free access to the entire Schengen Area and EU for short stays, despite Bulgaria not yet being a full Schengen member (as of 2024).

Where You Can Go (90/180 Rule)

EU Member States (27): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

EFTA/Schengen Associates (4): Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland.

Total: 31 countries.

Rights Within These Countries

• Stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
• Tourism, business meetings, family visits, short courses.
• Work rights: Only in Bulgaria (your permit country). For other EU/EFTA states, you need a separate work permit/visa tied to a job offer.
• Study: Short courses only; degree programs require student visa.

Important Notes

• Bulgaria is in the EU but not yet in Schengen (air/sea borders March 2024; land borders pending). Your permit allows you to enter Schengen, but you’ll pass border control entering Bulgaria from Schengen.
• Carry valid passport + residence permit card.
• Rules can change—verify via EU Immigration Portal or Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel.