Visa to Japan via Bulgaria: complete application guide

If you are planning a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun but cannot apply for a visa in your home country, obtaining a visa to Japan via Bulgaria can be a great option. The Japanese Embassy in Sofia accepts applications from foreigners legally residing in the country, and the entire process is quite convenient and straightforward. In this article, you will learn how to get a visa to Japan in Bulgaria, which documents are required, and what to pay attention to during submission. Ready? Let’s begin.

Why consider applying for a visa to Japan via Bulgaria?

In recent years, more and more travelers are looking for alternative ways to obtain a Japanese visa, especially when there is no active Japanese consulate in their country. In this case, applying for a visa to Japan via Sofia becomes the optimal solution. Why?

1. Easy appointment booking and reasonable processing times — the Japanese Embassy in Sofia operates stably and without excessive queues.
2. Submission possible without Bulgarian citizenship — foreigners legally residing in Bulgaria (with residence permit, permanent residency, student visa, Schengen visa, etc.) can apply.
3. Simplified process for tourists — with properly prepared documents, refusals are extremely rare.

Where to apply for a visa to Japan in Bulgaria?

The Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria is located in the capital city — Sofia. Address: Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Bulgaria 14 Shipka Street, Sofia 1504, Bulgaria

Working hours:

• Document submission: Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 12:00;
• Passport collection: from 14:00 to 16:00.

An appointment must be booked in advance by phone or email, indicating the purpose of visit and the requested visa type.

Types of Japanese visas available in Bulgaria

At the Japanese Embassy in Sofia, you can apply for the following visa categories:

1. Tourist visa (Single Entry or Multiple Entry).
2. Visitor visa (e.g. visiting friends or relatives residing in Japan).
3. Business visa.
4. Student visa.
5. Work visa (including Working Holiday).
6. Transit visa.

For most travelers, the main interest is obtaining a tourist visa to Japan via Bulgaria, which is covered in detail in the next section of our guide.

Required documents for submission

To apply for a tourist visa to Japan via Sofia, you will need the following documents:

1. Completed visa application form (in English or Japanese).
2. Passport (valid for at least 6 months, with two blank pages).
3. Photograph taken within the last 6 months, meeting the specified format.
4. Copy of round-trip flight reservation.
5. Day-by-day travel itinerary.
6. Hotel bookings for the entire stay.
7. Employment certificate or bank statement (proof of financial capability).
8. Document confirming legal status in Bulgaria (visa, residence permit, border crossing stamp, etc.).

If you are applying for a visitor or business visa, additional documents from the inviting party may be required.

Processing times for a visa to Japan in Sofia

1. Standard processing time is 5 to 7 working days.
2. During peak periods (summer, holidays), delays up to 10 days are possible.
3. It is recommended to apply no earlier than 3 months and no later than 15 working days before the intended departure date.

Visa fees for Japan in Bulgaria

• Single-entry tourist visa — free of charge for citizens of Ukraine and certain other countries;
• For other categories and nationalities, a consular fee may apply (typically around 20–30 euros).

A visa to Japan in Sofia is issued fairly quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy. The main thing is to carefully prepare the documents, monitor the deadlines, and follow the embassy’s instructions. As you can see, applying for a visa to Japan via Bulgaria is an optimal solution for your long-awaited trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.