Getting Long Term Visa

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Before entering Bulgaria you should have applied for a Student Visa in your home country at the nearest Bulgarian consulate.

You can get in contact using this site > https://www.mfa.bg/en/7

Simple answer is: You don't.

Bulgaria only allows people to apply for visas where they currently have residency. So you would have to go back to where you hold residency (in your home country) and apply for the visa.

You would have to apply soon because the visa process can take awhile- at least 30-45 days, if not longer. In theory, you could then come back on your tourist visa/visa free, return to your home country to pick up the visa when it's ready, and come back on it.

I would talk to immigration about your options- I know some people they made exceptions for in the past. However, that was usually when they were here for one type of visa and wanted to switch to a different and had residency here. I've not known them to make an exception for people who simply came in on the wrong visa/visa free.

But isn't there a way to do like a border hop. I re-enter from let's say Greece with my new visa?

thank you for your help by the way!

There used to be maybe 10 years ago. But now the requirement is you must apply in a country where you have residence. Again, ask at immigration because maybe they can work something out for you. But I wouldn't count on it.

One thing you could potentially do (if you are visa free or have a multiple entry visa) since you only need around 20 days or so is leave Bulgaria every weekend to keep those days (leave friday night, return monday morning)  since it is 90 days every 180 days. By leaving for  most weekends you could extend your stay into January.

(Probably not ideal, but it's a solution if you can't get back to your home country to apply for a visa).

okay great. that is very helpful thank you!