1、Types of Chinese visas   　　

Please select a visa category based on your purpose of visit to China.

2、Required Documents  　　

（1）Basic Documents

I. Passport: Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and 2 blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.

II. Printed Online Visa Application Form

Please log on to the website: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA forms, print the completed form and sign on it.

III. Photo: A recently-taken colour passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a white background attached (Photo Requirements: 

http://bg.china-embassy.gov.cn/chn/lsyws/abcd1/abcd2/202305/t20230508_11073198.htm) 

IV. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship) 

If you are not applying for the visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid visa or certificate of stay, residence, employment or student status of the country where you are currently staying. 

V. Photocopy of the latest Chinese visa or the Chinese residence permit (applicable to those have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa. If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)

VI. Original and the photocopy of the previous passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page. (applicable to those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship, applying for a Chinese visa for the first time)

（2）Supporting Documents　　

C Visa

A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China　　　

D Visa 

The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China. 

We kindly remind you that: 

Holders of D Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organizations under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

F Visa 

An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain: 

(1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) 

(2) Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures) 

(3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual) 　　

G Visa 

An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region. 

J1 Visa 

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works. 

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete relevant formalities. 

We kindly remind you that: 

Holders of J1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organizations under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

J2 Visa 

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works. 

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the required formalities.     

    L Visa 

Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain: 

(1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) 

(2) Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.) 

(3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual) 　　

    M Visa 

Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation relevant entity or individual. The invitation letter should contain: 

(1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) 

(2) Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures) 

(3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)   

Q1 Visa 

For family reunion, the following documents are required: 

(1)  An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain: 

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) 

b) Information on the visit ( purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting  individual, financial source for expenditures) 

c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.) 

(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit. 

Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual.

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. 

For foster care, the following documents are required:

(1) Foster entrustment notarization issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China

(2) Original and photocopy of the consignor's passport(s), as well as the original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship between parents and children. 

(3) A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.

(4) A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens. 

We kindly remind you that: 

Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organizations under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.  　　　

Q2 Visa 

(1) An invitation letter by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) 

b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures) 

c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.) 

(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual

R Visa 

The applicant should submit relevant certification in accordance with relevant regulations, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individual with special skills urgently needed by China,　　

S1 Visa 

(1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains: 

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) 

b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.) 

c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.) 

(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit. 

(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual. 

"immediate family members " refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18, parents-in-law.

We kindly remind you that: 

Holders of S1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organizations under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.　

S2-Visa 

For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required: 

(1)An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains: 

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.) 

c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.) 

(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's (a foreigner who stays or lives inChina for work or studies) passport and residence permit 

(3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual. 

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.

X1-Visa 

(1) Original or photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China. 

(2) Original or photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202), which is applicable to foreign students accepted by Chinese colleges and universities. 

Original or photocopy of "Confirmation Form for Elementary Stage Students Study in China", which is applicable to foreign students who apply to study in primary and middle schools in China for more than 180 days.

We kindly remind you that: 

Holders of X1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organizations under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

X2-Visa 

Original or photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China, Form DQ(if you have).　

Z-Visa 

One of the following documents for those who shall stay for more than 90 days after entry: 

(1) Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China, both original and copy,or Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security. 

(2) Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts, both original and copy. 

(3) Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration. 

(4) An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs , both original and copy. 

(5)Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation, both original and copy.

One of the following documents for those who shall stay no more than 90 days after entry: 

(1) Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China and Approval of Short-Term Employment For Foreigners Working in China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security, both original and copy. 

(2) An approval document for commercial performances and Approval of Short-Term Employment For Foreigners Working in China issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs, both original and copy.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of Z Visa which duration of stay is more than 30 days shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organizations under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits. 

3、Process of Visa Application

(1)Applicants need to log on: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA forms, print the complete form and sign on it.

(2) The physical application documents(including the basic documents and the supporting documents) can be submitted to the Visa Office within the office hours by the visa applicant or by an agent.

4、Processing Time & Fees

Processing Time

Regular service: 5 business days

Express service: 2-3 business days

Note:The above processing time is average and for reference only. Some applications may require longer processing time that a pick-up date cannot be confirmed until notified by the Visa Office.

Fees：

1. Regular Service：

Visa fee for certain non-Bulgarian citizens may vary from the list above based on reciprocal agreements. Please check with the Visa Office for special fees.

2. Express service: an additional fee of $25 per visa

5、Pay and pick-up

Applicant is required to make payment to the designated bank.The payment information is as follows:

Bank Name: First Investment Bank

Account Name: Embassy of the People's Republic of China

IBAN:             BG02FINV91501015439740

BIC:               FINVBGSF

Please note: Applicant should ask for Invoice from bank after making payment. The number of pick-up form should be borne in the invoice.

Pick-up: Applicant collect his passport in the Embassy by showing the pick-up form and the invoice.

6、Visa Exemptions  　　

Based on bilateral agreements between China and Bulgaria, holders of Bulgarian diplomatic passports and service passports can enter China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days.

Holders of Bulgarian ordinary passports can enter China without a visa under any one of the following circumstances, please refer to:

https://en.nia.gov.cn/n167/n247/n10213/c68790/content.html

https://en.nia.gov.cn/n162/n227/c116266/content.html

7、Visa for Hong Kong SAR of China  　　  　　

1. Bulgarian citizen may travel to HKSAR visa-free for a short visit or tourism and stay in HKSAR for up to 90 days.

2. Bulgarian citizen should obtain a visa if the intended stay in HKSAR is more than 90 days, or the purpose of visit is to work, study, establish or join in any business or to take up residence in the HKSAR before traveling to HKSAR.  　　

For HKSAR visa application, please refer to:

https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html

8、Visa for Macao SAR of China

Bulgarian citizen may travel to Macao SAR visa-free for a short visit or tourism and stay in Macao SAR for up to 90 days. 　　

Visas are required for citizens from Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam to enter Macao SAR. However, the diplomatic passport holder from the above-mentioned 6 countries may enter Macao SAR without visa.

For the citizens of other countries, they may either enter Macao SAR without visa or make an entry permit (visa-upon-arrival) application upon their arrival at Macao. Please check the visa-free arrangements or visa requirements by visiting the website of Macao SAR Public Security Police Force：

www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/eng/psp_top5_2_1.html

Special reminders：　　

(1) All Visa applicants(including holders of diplomatic and service passports) are kindly requested to fill in visa application form online at the China Online Visa Application or COVA (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn)，print the complete form and sign on it before submitting to the Embassy.

 Please carefully read the prompts and requirements of the COVA form system, and complete the entries of the visa application COVA online form step by step, making sure that the information is true, accurate and complete. Please note: Once the application form has been submitted, it cannot be modified in any way.

Basic personal information. Surname, given names, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport type, etc. must be exactly the same as those on the passport information page, otherwise your visa application will be returned.

After completing the COVA online form filling, you must print out a full set of application forms, including the "Confirmation of Online Visa application" and "Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China" (depending on the individual filling situation, a total of 7 to 8 pages will be generated). All the pages of the forms must be printed to turn in, the signature and date on the Confirmation Page and the 7th page of Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China must be handwritten by the applicant him/herself. Visa applicant under the age of 18 is signed by their guardian, and meanwhile add a handwritten signature in the "For person filling in the application on the applicant’s behalf".

(2) The visa invitation letter can be a photocopy, but the Visa officers have the rights to ask applicants for an original document.　

(3) According to Chinese laws and regulations, Visa officers make decisions on the validity period, number of entries, and the duration of each stay of a visa. Visa officers may interview certain applicants and collect their 10 fingerprints.

(4) Applicants need not to pay before coming to the Embassy, the Embassy will tell the applicants the fee and how to pay afterwards.

(5) Authoritative interpretation remains with the Embassy should there be any change to the information above.

Address of the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria:

58 James Bourchier Blvd, 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria

Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9:30-12:00

Email for visa application: sofia@csm.mfa.gov.cn

Tel: 00359-29733947 (10:00-12:00,14:00-16:00 at workdays)