Japan’s Embassy in Bulgaria handles services for the Japanese community in Sofia and visas for travel to Japan. The distinction between a passport, a certificate and a visa matters: a passport documents Japanese identity, a certificate may be needed by a Bulgarian institution, and a visa applies to foreign travellers subject to the relevant rules.
The Consular Section is at Ul. Lyulyakova Gradina 14, Sofia 1113. It serves visitors Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:30–5:00 p.m., except holidays; the consular telephone is +359 2 971 2708 and the email is consul.jpn-emb@sf.mofa.go.jp. Advance booking is the Embassy’s general rule, though it says walk-ins may still be served after booked visitors. Photo identification is required at entry.
Common procedures include passports, residence, police, signature and civil-status certificates, family notifications, overseas residence registration and voting. Eligible passport applications may start online, but collection is a separate step and generally requires attendance. The office estimates roughly one to one-and-a-half months because passports are produced in Japan. Bulgarian-language documents may need an English translation prepared by a competent institution.
For certificates, electronic applications and advance online payment are available in eligible cases, but recipients must bring the originals of uploaded documents; the applicant must attend for a residence certificate. Japanese visa documents vary by purpose. Foreign nationals residing in Bulgaria may need to show a temporary or permanent residence card. Bulgarian passport holders can qualify for a short-stay visa exemption of up to 90 days if the purpose and conditions match the published rules; it does not cover paid work or every type of stay.
Consular office profile
Consular Section, Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria
Sources consulted
- Consular counter, booking, contact, security and procedures — Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria.
- Embassy address and transport directions — Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria.
- Passport applications and timing — Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria.
- Visa documents and applicant residence — Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria.
- Visa status and exemption guidance — Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria.
- Google Maps rating/count (aggregated result) — Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria.
- Google Maps exact-location search — Google Maps.
- Consular counter, booking, contact, security and procedures — Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria.
- Embassy address and transport directions — Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria.
- Passport applications and timing — Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria.
- Visa documents and applicant residence — Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria.
- Visa status and exemption guidance — Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria.
- Google Maps rating/count (aggregated result) — Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria.
- Google Maps exact-location search — Google Maps.
Information checked on 19 October 2026. Confirm jurisdiction, documents, appointments and hours on the official source before visiting.
For certificates, electronic applications and advance online payment are available in eligible cases, but recipients must bring the originals of uploaded documents; the applicant must attend for a residence certificate. Japanese visa documents vary by purpose. Foreign nationals residing in Bulgaria may need to show a temporary or permanent residence card. Bulgarian passport holders can qualify for a short-stay visa exemption of up to 90 days if the purpose and conditions match the published rules; it does not cover paid work or every type of stay.
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Consular Section, Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria
Ul. Lyulyakova Gradina 14, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
Japan’s Consular Section in Bulgaria serves Japanese nationals in the country and accepts Japanese visa applications. The official site separates passport, certificate, family and nationality, overseas-residence, election and visa procedures, each with its own document list.
Japan’s Consular Section in Bulgaria serves Japanese nationals in the country and accepts Japanese visa applications. The official site separates passport, certificate, family and nationality, overseas-residence, election and visa procedures, each with it
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Consular counter, booking, contact, security and procedures ↗
Primary source
Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria · Accessed October 19, 2026
Weekday hours; advance booking is the rule but walk-ins may be served after booked visitors; ID required at entry; contact and common service categories.
-
Embassy address and transport directions ↗
Primary source
Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria · Accessed October 19, 2026
Official location, telephone/email and public-transport landmarks.
-
Passport applications and timing ↗
Primary source
Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria · Accessed October 19, 2026
Online and counter application, personal appearance, documents, Bulgarian-document translation and estimated issuance 1–1.5 months.
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Visa documents and applicant residence ↗
Primary source
Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria · Accessed October 19, 2026
2026 document list, foreign resident card requirement where applicable, and additional documents by purpose.
-
Visa status and exemption guidance ↗
Primary source
Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria · Accessed October 19, 2026
Short-stay visa exemption conditions for Bulgarian passport holders.
-
Consular counter, booking, contact, security and procedures ↗
Primary source
Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria · Accessed October 19, 2026
Weekday hours; advance booking is the rule but walk-ins may be served after booked visitors; ID required at entry; contact and common service categories.
-
Embassy address and transport directions ↗
Primary source
Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria · Accessed October 19, 2026
Official location, telephone/email and public-transport landmarks.
-
Passport applications and timing ↗
Primary source
Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria · Accessed October 19, 2026
Online and counter application, personal appearance, documents, Bulgarian-document translation and estimated issuance 1–1.5 months.
-
Visa documents and applicant residence ↗
Primary source
Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria · Accessed October 19, 2026
2026 document list, foreign resident card requirement where applicable, and additional documents by purpose.
-
Visa status and exemption guidance ↗
Primary source
Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria · Accessed October 19, 2026
Short-stay visa exemption conditions for Bulgarian passport holders.
-
Google Maps rating/count (aggregated result) ↗
Secondary source
Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria · Accessed October 19, 2026
Exact-address listing at Lyulyakova Gradina 14 displays Google 4.80 from 30 reviews; attribution via aggregator only, captured 19 October 2026.
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Google Maps listing for Consular Section, Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria ↗
Secondary source
Google Maps · Accessed October 19, 2026
Direct check of rating, review count, operating status, and address; variable data.
-
Google Maps rating/count (aggregated result) ↗
Secondary source
Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria · Accessed October 19, 2026
Exact-address listing at Lyulyakova Gradina 14 displays Google 4.80 from 30 reviews; attribution via aggregator only, captured 19 October 2026.
-
Google Maps listing for Consular Section, Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria ↗
Secondary source
Google Maps · Accessed October 19, 2026
Direct check of rating, review count, operating status, and address; variable data.