In brief: As of 2026, the minimum wage in Bulgaria is 620.2 €, the minimum pension is 322.37 €. To apply for a D visa, foreigners must show an amount in their account equal to 6 times the minimum wage or pension, and for a residence permit, 12 times. This means that for a D visa, one needs to have at least 3721 € (wage) or 1935 € (pension), and for a residence permit, at least 7442 € and 3869 € respectively.
Introduction
This article will be helpful for foreigners planning long-term stay in Bulgaria with visa D or residency permit. We will explore how the updated minimum wage and pension as of 2026 affect the financial security requirements for document preparation. The goal is to provide clear guidance for preparing necessary funds and to avoid rejections at migration offices.
In Brief
Minimum wage and pension in Bulgaria in 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, the following rates are officially set:
— Minimum monthly wage — €620.2
— Minimum monthly pension — €322.37[1]
These figures are regularly used by Bulgarian migration services to determine the minimum financial security level for applicants for visa D and residency permit.
What this means for foreigners applying for visa D and residency permit
To confirm the financial capability of a foreigner, family member, or pensioner applying for visa D or residency permit, proof of funds in a Bulgarian bank account is required:
- For visa D (long-term national visa):
— For the basis 'employee, representative, family member' — €620.2 x 6 months = €3721
— For pensioners — €322.37 x 6 months = €1935 - For residency permit:
— For the basis 'employee, representative, family member' — €620.2 x 12 months = €7442
— For pensioners — €322.37 x 12 months = €3869
These amounts are minimum and must be available in the account at the time of application.[2].
Practical recommendations for document preparation
What to check
- Bank account status: the sum must be in a Bulgarian bank, not in a foreign bank.
- Documentary confirmation: the bank statement should be recent (not older than 30 days).
- Consider possible fees and currency fluctuations if funds are in another currency.
- Check the current minimum wage and pension levels at the time of application — they may be reviewed annually.
Typical mistakes
- Providing statements from foreign accounts without transferring funds to Bulgaria.
- Incorrect calculation of the minimum amount — forgetting to multiply by 6 or 12 months.
- Submitting documents with insufficient amounts due to outdated information.
Risks and pitfalls
- Rejection of visa or residency permit due to non-compliance with financial requirements.
- Prolonged document verification in the absence of clear confirmations.
- Changes in legislation without timely updates to the applicant's information.
Pros and cons of current requirements
Pros
- Transparent and clear criteria for financial security.
- Minimum amounts are comparable to the cost of living in the country.
- Возможность использовать накопления для подтверждения, что удобно пенсионерам and инвесторам.
Cons
- The requirement to maintain a significant sum in the account may be a barrier for some applicants.
- The necessity to keep funds specifically in a Bulgarian bank complicates the process for those only planning to move.
- Lack of flexibility in confirming income from other sources (e.g., rental income).
Output
Starting from 2026, the established minimum wage and pension in Bulgaria clearly define the financial security requirements for D visa and residence permit. To successfully obtain these documents, foreigners must strictly adhere to the rules regarding the amounts and documentary proof of funds in a Bulgarian bank. The agency Inreal4u recommends preparing financial evidence in advance, consulting with experts, and considering annual changes in legislation.
Our experience shows that preparation in line with the new requirements significantly increases the chances of visa and residence permit approval without delays or additional checks.
