Information about the administrative service
3264 Extension of the term of an issued certificate for a high-tech and/or innovative project, StartUp Visa
- Description of the administrative service:
The StartUp visa is a certificate for a high-tech and/or innovative project. It is important to note that the certificate is not a standard type of visa for residence in Bulgaria, but only one of the possible documents that could be an advantage for issuing a residence permit in the country to foreigners who want to develop an innovative or high-tech company in Bulgaria. The candidates will be passing statutory checks by the relevant authorities.
The administrative service consists of issuing, extending and revoking a certificate for a high-tech and/or innovative project, called StartUp visa. The certificate is granted to foreign nationals, offering high-tech and/or innovative activities, products and/or services, which is intended to make Bulgaria a centre of attraction for foreigners to start innovative businesses, to establish companies or invest in existing companies using new technologies and research and development activities. That will also lead to a larger and better entrepreneurial community in the country. The certificate is one of the documents taken into account by the competent authorities for granting long-term residence permits.
- Administrative Service Department and/or units that contact users/candidates and provide administrative services:
Administrative units, where the documents will be submitted and information on the progress of the case is obtained:
Directorate „Economic Growth Instruments“
Address: 1000 Sofia, district Sredetz , 12 Knyaz Alexander I 12 str.
Dailing code: 02
Contact telephone: + 359 2 8075 393
E-mail: startupvisa@mig.gov.bg
Working hours: Standard working hours, from 09:00 – 17:30, without interruption
According to art. 29, para. 4 of the Administrative Regulations of the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, the working hours of the administrative units that provide administrative services to citizens are from 09:00 to 17:30. The working hours of the Administrative Service Department are from 09:00 to 17:30 on weekdays without interruption. Telephones to contact the Administrative Service Department are priced at one city call, according to the caller’s rate.
- Issuing Authority:
Minister of Innovation and Growth
- Requirements, procedures, instructions:
Foreign citizens from countries outside the EU who have received a certificate for a high-tech and/or innovative project "StartUp Visa" have the opportunity to extend the term of the certificate by an additional two years.
Within one month before the expiration of the certificate, a report on the work performed on the project is submitted to the National Investment Management System, which is reviewed by a Council of Expert within 30 days of its receipt.
The Council of Experts presents a motivated proposal for extension or refusal of extension to the Minister of Innovation and Growth.
The Minister of Innovation and Growth decides on the report with a decision to extend or refuse an extension.
- Duration of the procedure: between 30 to 74 days
- How to request the service: https://enims.egov.bg/en
- Validity period:
The certificate is extended for another 2 years. - The service is free.
- Order and time limits to appeal:
Decisions of the Minister shall be published within 7 days of their issuance and may be appealed under the Code of Administrative Procedure (CAP) - How to receive the result of the procedure:
Through a licensed postal operator at the address specified by the applicant; as domestic registered mail; as an internal courier shipment; as international registered mail; personally by the Administrative Service Department at the competent authority; electronically to an e-mail address.
