Non-EU family of an EU citizen: visa and entry rules
Non-EU family members of an EU citizen who lives in or travels to another EU country can join them. There is no blanket visa exemption: depending on nationality a visa may be needed, but if it is, it should be free and processed quickly, and holders of a valid residence card are in many cases exempt.
EU membership and rights · Last reviewed: 2026-10-08
This is not legal or financial advice
Who counts as core family
According to Your Europe, non-EU core family members are the spouse, children, dependent descendants, and dependent parents or grandparents; a registered partner is included if the destination country treats registered partnerships as equivalent to marriage. For siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and a durable partner, countries do not have to facilitate entry automatically but must consider the request.
Not valid for the country of your own nationality
When a visa is and is not needed
The family member needs a valid passport and, depending on nationality, may need an entry visa. The page says holders of a residence card issued as a family member of an EU citizen by another EU country, or of a residence permit issued by a Schengen country (Bulgaria is on its list), may be exempt from the visa. If a visa is required, apply in advance at the consulate of the destination country.
The visa application
- The visa should be free of charge and processed under an accelerated procedure; processing beyond 15 days should be exceptional and justified.
- The application form must clearly say the person applies as a family member of an EU citizen; otherwise a paid visa type may be issued.
- Only these documents may be required: a valid passport, the EU citizen's valid ID card or passport, proof of family ties (marriage or birth certificate etc.) and, if applicable, proof of dependency, plus proof or a declaration that the EU citizen lives in or will travel to the host country.
- A visa may be refused only if family ties or the joining/accompanying is not shown, or on grounds of public policy, security, health, or abuse and fraud; refusal must be in writing with reasons and appeal information.
Length of stay and residence card
Family members with the required documents may accompany or join the EU citizen for consecutive periods of up to three months per EU country without conditions, and are not subject to the Schengen 90-in-180-day limit. For a longer stay they can apply for a residence card on arrival; it must be issued within six months of the application, and if the visa expires before the card is issued they do not have to leave and apply again. The Bulgarian residence-card process is covered in a separate article.
This page is not legal advice
Frequently asked questions
Is the non-EU spouse of an EU citizen always visa-exempt?
No. Per the page the exemption is for those holding a suitable residence card or permit; a spouse of a visa-requiring nationality gets a free, accelerated visa with the required documents.
How long can the spouse stay in Bulgaria?
With the required documents, up to three consecutive months without conditions in the country visited; a longer stay requires applying for a residence card.
Sources
The information on this page is based on the official sources listed below. Legislation changes — open the links and verify the current position.
- Your Europe — Travel documents for non-EU family members — https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-family/index_en.htm · 2026-10-08
- Your Europe — Non-EU spouses and children — https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/residence/family-residence-rights/non-eu-wife-husband-children/index_en.htm · 2026-10-08
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