Bulgaria Launches this year's Startup Visa certificate procedure for High-Tech and Innovative Projects
The Bulgarian Ministry of Innovation and Growth has announced the launch of the application process for VISA-1.001 – Certificate for a High-Tech and/or Innovative Project, commonly referred to as the Startup Visa.
📅 Applications open on 2 January 2026 and are submitted entirely online through the Information System for Management and Monitoring of EU Funds in Bulgaria (ISUN 2020).
What is the Startup Visa?
The Startup Visa is an official certificate that allows foreign citizens from third countries (outside the European Union) to establish and develop innovative and high-tech businesses in Bulgaria, with a strong focus on research and development activities.
As Bulgaria is an EU Member State, the initiative provides international founders with an opportunity to build and grow their startups within the European market.
Important clarification
The Ministry of Innovation and Growth emphasizes that:
The Startup Visa is not a residence visa
It is one of the documents that may serve as a legal basis for applying for a residence permit in Bulgaria
It applies specifically to innovative and/or high-tech business projects
How to apply
Applications are submitted fully electronically
The process follows approved conditions, criteria and procedures
Submission is done via ISUN 2020: https://eumis2020.government.bg/en/s/Procedure/Info/2c891513-0493-4658-823a-56fe215e0e0e
Subscribe for our platform: https://agriventures.co/
Agriventures Connect 19 th of March Sofia: Early bird tickets here: https://connect.agriventures.co/#awards
Tags
Related Articles
Continue reading our latest insights and updates from the AgriVentures ecosystem.
SYSARM Officially Launches with Kick-Off Meeting in Napoli, Italy
The implementation of the SYSARM - Systems Thinking for Agricultural Risk Management project has officially begun following a successful kick-off meeting held in Napoli, Italy. The meeting marked the start of an ambitious collaboration focused on strengthening resilience, systems thinking, and risk management competences within the European agri-food sector. Developed under the Erasmus+ framework, SYSARM responds to the growing challenges faced by agriculture and food systems across Europe,...
SAFE-AGRI Initiative officially kicks off
Agriventures is proud to officially launch the SAFE-AGRI Initiative — a new effort focused on exploring the future of secure, responsible, and resilient agri-food innovation in Europe. As agriculture rapidly evolves through AI, robotics, biotechnology, drones, sensors, and digital data infrastructures, new opportunities are emerging alongside important ethical, societal, and security-related questions. SAFE-AGRI was created to help address these challenges through collaboration, foresight,...
Agriventures joins AgroDigiRise 2.0 - European Digital Innovation Hub for Agriculture
Agriventures is proud to announce its onboarding in the second edition of AgroDigiRise 2.0 - the Bulgarian European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) for agriculture, led by AgroHub.BG. AgroDigiRise 2.0 brings together key stakeholders from agriculture, technology, research, and entrepreneurship to support the adoption of advanced digital solutions across farming and food production ecosystems. The initiative focuses on helping farmers, SMEs, startups, and agribusiness organisations access...
Circular Voices in Agrifood: Funding, Partnerships & Innovation Across Europe - Register today
Europe’s agri-food systems are under increasing pressure from climate change, resource depletion, food waste, rising production costs and supply chain instability. At the same time, agriculture and food systems remain central to the European Green Deal, the Bioeconomy Strategy and the transition toward more resilient regional economies. According to European Commission data, the EU generates more than 59 million tonnes of food waste annually, while agriculture remains one of the largest users...
Agriventures Partner Spotlight: Verimpact Launches Free ESG Reporting First Adopters Programme for SMEs and Innovative Companies
As sustainability reporting requirements continue to evolve across Europe, businesses are increasingly facing growing pressure to monitor, structure, and communicate their ESG performance in a credible and strategic way. At the same time, many companies, especially SMEs, startups, and growing innovative businesses, still struggle with the complexity, cost, and fragmented nature of ESG reporting frameworks. To address this challenge, Verimpact has launched a limited-time First Adopters...
Green Transition Forum and Agriventures Partnership Brings Together European and Global Leaders Shaping the Future of Food and Agriculture
High-level panel at Green Transition Forum will focus on innovation, digitalisation, and competitiveness in agriculture and food systems On 4 June 2026, within the framework of Green Transition Forum 2026, Agriventures in partnership with Green Transition Forum will organise a specialised panel dedicated to the future of food and agriculture. The event is part of the sixth edition of the forum, taking place between 1 and 5 June in Sofia, which has established itself as one of Europe’s most...
Never Miss an Update
Join our community to receive the latest insights, funding opportunities, and industry news from AgriVentures.