Bulgaria · 3 rules · 2 calculators

How many days can you spend in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007 and, on 1 January 2025, became one of the last two countries to join the Schengen area. Visiting from outside the EU, you can spend 90 days in any 180 in the area, Bulgaria included. With EU long-term resident status, the EU directive ends it after 12 months in a row outside the EU, or 6 years outside the country that granted it; countries may allow longer.

By FlySee Team · Last checked 5 October 2026 · Sources

Visas and stays

How long can you stay in Bulgaria as a visitor?

How many days can you spend in Bulgaria as a visitor from outside the EU? 90 in any 180, counted across all 29 Schengen countries together — days elsewhere in the area use them up too. EES records every entry and exit.

The Schengen area29 countries, one count of 90 days in any 180

Residence permits

Living in Bulgaria: EU long-term residence

Under the EU directive, EU long-term resident status is lost after 12 months in a row outside the EU, or 6 years outside the country that granted it; countries may allow longer. Bulgaria’s own residence permits aren’t covered here yet.

EU long-term residentin a row outside the EU Calculator12 mo

Residence permit rules by countryEvery country’s limit on time away

Day calculators for Bulgaria

Bulgaria: questions and answers.

Is Bulgaria in Schengen?

Yes. Checks at Bulgaria’s borders with the other Schengen countries were lifted from 2024, and on 1 January 2025 Bulgaria and Romania became the last countries to join the Schengen area. Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007.

How long can I stay in Bulgaria as a UK citizen?

As a visitor, the same as anyone from outside the EU: 90 days in any 180 across the 29 Schengen countries together, Bulgaria included. Since EES, your entries and exits are recorded at the border instead of stamped in your passport.

Can I spend 90 days in Bulgaria and then 90 in Greece?

Not as a visitor from outside the EU: the 90 days in any 180 count every Schengen country together, so days in Bulgaria and in the rest of the area add up.

How long can an EU long-term resident in Bulgaria be outside the EU?

Under the EU directive, 12 months in a row, or 6 years outside the country that granted the status. Countries may allow longer absences, and must have an easier way to get the status back.