Portugal Visa RequirementsFor Bulgaria passport holders
Bulgarian passport holders enjoy full EU free movement in Portugal. No visa is required; a Bulgarian passport or national ID card is sufficient.
Great news! Bulgaria passport holders can enter Portugal without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa required. A Bulgarian passport or national ID card is sufficient. Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), and Faro (FAO - Algarve) are the main airports. Portugal has become one of the most popular European destinations for digital nomads and expats from Bulgaria. For stays beyond 3 months, register with SEF (now AIMA - Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum).
Portugal is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Bulgarian Passport or National ID Card
Either is accepted for entry to Portugal as an EU citizen.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Recommended
Covers emergency healthcare across Portugal as an EU country.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking or host address; may be requested at border.
Current Travel Situation
Bulgaria to Portugal: What You Need to Know
Bulgaria and Portugal are both EU member states. Bulgarian citizens have the right to travel, live, work, and study in Portugal without any visa. Portugal is a Schengen country and uses the Euro. Bulgaria completed its full Schengen accession with land borders joining in January 2025. Lisbon and the Algarve coast are extremely popular with Bulgarians. Lisbon is also a major air hub for long-haul flights to the Americas, which Bulgarians often use as a transit point.
How to Get There
TAP Air Portugal and Wizz Air serve the Sofia to Lisbon route. Faro (for the Algarve) is accessible via Lisbon or direct seasonal flights. Porto is another option for exploring northern Portugal and the Douro Valley.
Money & Banking
Portugal uses the Euro (EUR). Bulgaria uses the Lev (BGN), pegged to the Euro at 1.95583 BGN = 1 EUR. Cards are widely accepted throughout Portugal. Lisbon and Porto are relatively affordable by Western European standards, though prices have risen in recent years.
Practical Tips
Direct flights from Sofia to Lisbon are available with TAP Air Portugal and Wizz Air. Porto (OPO) and Faro (FAO) may also be served seasonally. Flight time to Lisbon is approximately 4 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bulgarian citizens need a visa for Portugal?
No. As EU nationals, Bulgarians can travel to Portugal visa-free with a passport or national ID card.
Are there direct flights from Bulgaria to Portugal?
Yes. TAP Air Portugal and Wizz Air operate direct flights from Sofia to Lisbon. Flight time is approximately 4 hours. Faro (Algarve) may be served seasonally.
Is Portugal in the Schengen zone?
Yes. Portugal is a founding Schengen member. Bulgaria completed its full Schengen accession with land borders in January 2025.
What currency does Portugal use?
Portugal uses the Euro (EUR). Bulgaria uses the Lev (BGN), pegged to the Euro. EUR can be obtained at Bulgarian banks before travel.
Is Portugal popular with Bulgarian expats?
Yes. Portugal has become popular with Bulgarian expats and digital nomads due to its climate, quality of life, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to Northern Europe.
What are the top destinations in Portugal?
Lisbon (Belem, Alfama), Porto (Ribeira district, port wine cellars), the Algarve coast (Lagos, Albufeira), Sintra (palaces), and Madeira island are among the most popular.
Can Bulgarians use the Portuguese public health system?
Yes. The EHIC covers emergency state healthcare. For longer stays, register with the Portuguese health center (centro de saude) as an EU resident.