To work as an employed worker in Bulgaria, you must obtain:
- a single/work permit;
- a visa “type D”; and
- a residence permit (not applicable in case of a single permit).
The total number of foreign workers cannot exceed 20% of the average number of Bulgarian/EEA/Swiss citizens in the previous 12 months and those non-EU citizens already residing in Bulgaria on a long-term basis and who are hired by the employer during the previous 12 months.
| Single permit | |
Where and how to apply | You must first obtain an approval for the issuance of a single permit. Before your arrival, your employer must apply for an approval for the issuance of a single permit at the Employment AgencySearch for available translations of the preceding link’s relevant local Directorate “Employment Office”, where he is established. The approval is given, after application of the labour market test, by the central administration of the Employment AgencySearch for available translations of the preceding link directly to the Migration Directorate of MoI and the employer is being informed. According to this labour market test, the employer must show that:
Exempted from a labour market test are the cases where the worker is:
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Visa “type D” Once the approval for a single permit has been given, you should apply for a visa “type D” at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home countrySearch for available translations of the preceding link. The visa gives you the right to enter Bulgaria. | |
Single permit Once you have arrived in Bulgaria with your valid visa (in case you need a visa to enter the country), you must also obtain a Single permit itself from the Migration DirectorateSearch for available translations of the preceding link. Your Single permit gives you the right to reside in Bulgaria and work at the respective employer’s enterprise in Bulgaria. | |
Documents required | To obtain a Single permit, you must present:
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| Duration of validity of permits | The Single permit is valid for a maximum of one year, renewable for a maximum of up to three years. You must apply to renew it with the Migration DirectorateSearch for available translations of the preceding link no later than 14 days before it expires. After three years, you must return to your home country for one month after which you can apply for a new work permit via the same procedure. |
Further requirements | After you arrive, you have five days to notify your address of residence to the competent authorities. |
| Appeals | Decisions related to Single permits can be challenged before local administrative courts within 14 days. |
Further information | More on visasSearch for available translations of the preceding link |
| Work Permit issued by the Employment Agency (national regime) | |
Where and how to apply | You must first obtain a work permit (for the purposes other than posting). Before your arrival, your employer must apply for a work permit at the Employment Agency’s relevant local Directorate “Employment Office”, where he is established. The work permit is issued by the central administration of the Employment Agency – in cases not covered by the conditions for application for a Single Permit. Such cases are:
Visa “type D” Once a work permit has been granted, you should apply for a visa “type D” at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home countrySearch for available translations of the preceding link. The visa gives you the right to enter Bulgaria. Residence permit Once you have arrived in Bulgaria with your valid visa (in case you need a visa to enter the country), you must also obtain a residence permit from the Migration DirectorateSearch for available translations of the preceding link after you enter Bulgaria. |
Documents required | To obtain a work permit, you must show:
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Duration of validity of permits | The work permit is valid for a maximum of one year, renewable for a maximum of up to three years. After three years, you must return to your home country for one month after which you can apply for a new work permit via the same procedure. The duration of the residence permit is aligned with the work permit. You must apply to renew it with the Migration DirectorateSearch for available translations of the preceding link no later than 14 days before it expires. Your residence permit will become invalid following expiry of your work permit. |
Further requirements | After you arrive, you have five days to notify your address of residence to the competent authorities. |
| Appeals | Decisions related to residence permits can be challenged before local administrative courts within 14 days. |
Further information | More on visasSearch for available translations of the preceding link |
| Change of employment | Single/Work permits are issued to a specific employee and to the specific position and type of work. Change is not allowed. If you want to change the employer, you must submit a new application. |
| Change of status | Change of status is allowed, according to the last changes in the Law for the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria. |
Long term residence | You will be eligible for long-term residence status after five years of legal residence. You cannot leave Bulgaria for more than six consecutive months or a total of 10 months during this five-year period. Applications for long-term residence must be submitted to the Migration DirectorateSearch for available translations of the preceding link of the Ministry of Interior. The duration of your long-term residence status will depend on the validity of the national passport with which you have entered Bulgaria. As a long-term resident, you will not need a single/work permit and will have equal access to health insurance and social security. |
No information available at the moment.