Bulgarian Visa D with criminal conviction

Member since 01 February 2025

GangThePkerMember01 February 2025 21:19:05

Hello,

I hope you’re well. I have a question about my visa D application and wondering if anyone can shed some light on this for me.

Firstly I know I’ve been incredibly stupid but I have a criminal history and have completed a police ACRO.

In Spain 2023 spring I was convicted of a drink driving offence, I didn’t have a license with me either (which is required by law) and didn’t provide a sample which accumulated to three offences. I’ll spare all you the details but when pulled over I asked why I was being stopped and they told me to take a breath test, when I asked why they said I wasn’t driving straight (not true) but I was in the wrong and subsequently arrested. Incredibly stupid but my reasoning for driving at the time was just as a friend needed medication from home and we couldn’t get back. It was incredibly reckless I know.

I have two spent convictions which didn’t appear on police ACRO From 2016, 2008 for reckless self defence when attacked and criminal damage.

I've never been to prison or been remanded.

I completed a police ACRO and only the Spanish infringement(s) came back.

Although this history paints me in a particular light it’s not true of my character, I have a Bulgarian wife (marriage certified in Bulgaria) and we have welcomed our son into the world last year. We have a multi million euro construction investment (family syndicate) if you like that’s due to start in July/august.

I am wondering if anyone has had experience or heard of any stories of Visa D applications being granted with a criminal history. I know I’ve messed up but I would like some guidance here if possible.

any responses are appreciated

See also

Resident and work permit in Bulgaria - Guide
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D visa cost - 4 Replies
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roywebb58 Active member

Member since 08 February 2024

roywebb58Active member02 February 2025 07:40:33

Do you need a visa if you are married to a Bulgarian? You can get residency through marriage.

But even this route needs a clean record. Personally, I would speak to an immigration lawyer; you may find that driving offences are not counted.

what is your financial input to the investment, could the project go ahead without your input f no this could help.

But as I said an immigration lawyer is your best bet

bben24 New member

Member since 28 October 2024

bben24New member02 February 2025 10:56:47

@roywebb58

Yes, he needs a visa D, even if married to a Bulgarian. He would have to apply for the visa D, be approved, then once he was in Bulgaria, he would apply for residency.

gwynj Bulgaria Expert

Member since 30 June 2020

gwynjBulgaria Expert02 February 2025 13:21:01

2575

@GangThePker

People do get approved with a criminal record, it depends on the recency and severity of the offence(s). Your Spanish stuff is recent, but non-custodial (and driving-related) which is very encouraging. It is my understanding that if the foreign offence (if it were committed in Bulgaria) has a MINIMUM SENTENCE of 1 year or more, this is more likely to be disqualifying. If the other stuff no longer appears on your ACRO, then I doubt you need to worry about it. As @roywebb58 suggests, it might be good to enlist an immigration attorney who should know your chances of success, and how best to maximize them. Certainly, you need to make an application, rather than assuming the worst and not bothering. In the meantime, you have the 90 in 180 visa-free allowance to manage your big project.