Employing foreign nationals in Bulgaria requires navigating the country's immigration and labor regulations. As a member state of the European Union, Bulgaria's system aligns with EU directives while also maintaining specific national requirements for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Understanding the necessary visas and work permits is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure legal compliance and a smooth transition for the foreign worker.
The process typically involves obtaining a long-stay visa (Type D) and securing the appropriate work authorization, which is often linked to the employer's sponsorship and approval from the relevant Bulgarian authorities. The specific requirements and procedures can vary depending on the worker's nationality, the nature of the work, and the duration of their intended stay.
Common Visa Types for Foreign Workers
Foreign nationals intending to work in Bulgaria for more than 90 days within any 180-day period must obtain a long-stay visa, known as a Type D visa. This visa is a prerequisite for applying for a long-term residence permit in Bulgaria, which is necessary for legal employment.
While the Type D visa allows for entry and the application for residency, the right to work is typically granted through a separate work permit or a combined permit that includes residency and work authorization. Common pathways include:
- Single Permit (Unified Permit for Stay and Work): This is the most common route for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. It combines the residence and work permit into a single document, simplifying the process.
- EU Blue Card: Available for highly qualified non-EU/EEA/Swiss professionals who meet specific criteria regarding salary, qualifications, and employment contract duration. It offers certain advantages regarding mobility within the EU.
- Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) Permit: For managers, specialists, or trainee employees transferred within a multinational company to a Bulgarian entity.
- Permits for Specific Activities: Including researchers, students working part-time, seasonal workers, or individuals under international agreements.
| Visa/Permit Type | Purpose | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Type D Visa | Long-term stay (over 90 days) | Prerequisite for long-term residency/work permit |
| Single Permit | Combined long-term residency and work authorization | Employment contract, employer sponsorship |
| EU Blue Card | Long-term residency and work for highly qualified professionals | High salary threshold, specific qualifications |
| Intra-Corporate Transferee | Residency and work for employees transferred within a company | Proof of transfer within the same corporate group |
Work Permit Application Requirements and Procedures
The process for obtaining work authorization, typically through the Single Permit, involves both the employer and the foreign national. The employer usually initiates the process by applying to the National Employment Agency (NEA) for permission to hire the specific foreign national.
Employer Requirements and Documentation
The employer must demonstrate that hiring the foreign national is necessary and that no suitable Bulgarian or EU/EEA/Swiss candidates are available for the position (market test, though exceptions exist). Required documents from the employer often include:
- Company registration documents.
- Proof of solvency and tax compliance.
- Detailed job description and requirements.
- Justification for hiring a foreign national.
- Draft employment contract.
- Declaration of commitment to comply with labor laws.
Employee Requirements and Documentation
The foreign national must meet specific eligibility criteria related to their qualifications, experience, and the requirements of the job. Required documents from the employee typically include:
- Valid passport.
- Proof of education and professional qualifications (legalized and translated).
- Proof of work experience.
- Clean criminal record certificate (legalized and translated).
- Medical certificate.
- Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria.
- Proof of financial means (sometimes required for the Type D visa).
Application Procedure
- Employer Application to NEA: The employer submits the application and supporting documents to the NEA.
- NEA Processing: The NEA reviews the application, potentially conducts a market test, and assesses the employer's and employee's eligibility. This stage can take several weeks.
- NEA Decision: If approved, the NEA issues a positive opinion or a permit.
- Type D Visa Application: The foreign national applies for a Type D visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their country of residence, submitting the NEA approval along with other required documents. Visa processing times can vary but often take 15-45 days, sometimes longer.
- Entry into Bulgaria: Upon receiving the Type D visa, the foreign national can enter Bulgaria.
- Residency Permit Application: Within a specified period (usually upon arrival or shortly after), the foreign national applies for a long-term residence permit (the Single Permit) at the local Migration Directorate office.
- Migration Directorate Processing: The Migration Directorate reviews the application and conducts checks. This process can take up to 14 days for standard processing or up to 10 days for expedited processing (if available and requested).
- Issuance of Permit: If approved, the foreign national is issued the Single Permit card, which serves as both their residence and work authorization.
Fees and Processing Times
Fees vary depending on the type of permit and the processing speed.
- Type D Visa Fee: Typically around €100-€150.
- Single Permit Application Fee (NEA): Varies, often a few hundred Bulgarian Leva (BGN).
- Single Permit Application Fee (Migration Directorate): Varies based on duration (e.g., 6 months, 1 year) and processing speed (standard vs. expedited). Fees can range from BGN 100 to BGN 500 or more.
- Processing Time (NEA): Can take 1-2 months or longer.
- Processing Time (Type D Visa): 15-45 days on average.
- Processing Time (Migration Directorate for Permit): Up to 14 days (standard), up to 10 days (expedited).
Total processing time from initial NEA application to receiving the residence/work permit can take 2-4 months or potentially longer, depending on individual circumstances and administrative efficiency.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
After residing legally in Bulgaria for a continuous period, typically five years, foreign nationals holding a long-term residence permit (such as the Single Permit) may become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
The five-year period is calculated based on legal stay in Bulgaria. Absences from the country are generally permitted up to a certain limit (e.g., not exceeding 30 months in total during the five-year period, and no single absence exceeding 6 consecutive months).
Requirements for permanent residency often include:
- Proof of continuous legal residence for the required period.
- Proof of stable and sufficient financial resources to support oneself and dependents.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Clean criminal record from Bulgaria and the country of origin.
- Knowledge of the Bulgarian language may be required or advantageous.
The application is submitted to the Migration Directorate. Processing times can vary.
Dependent Visa Options
Foreign nationals holding a long-term residence permit in Bulgaria, including those on a work-based Single Permit or EU Blue Card, generally have the right to family reunification. This allows their close family members to apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) and subsequently a residence permit to join them in Bulgaria.
Eligible family members typically include:
- Spouse.
- Minor children (under 18 years old).
- Dependent parents (under specific conditions).
The process for dependents usually involves:
- The main permit holder obtaining their long-term residence permit in Bulgaria.
- The main permit holder potentially applying for family reunification approval from the Migration Directorate.
- Family members applying for a Type D visa at the Bulgarian embassy/consulate in their country of residence, providing proof of the relationship and the main applicant's residence status in Bulgaria.
- Upon arrival in Bulgaria with the Type D visa, family members apply for their own residence permits at the Migration Directorate.
Documentation required for dependents includes proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates - legalized and translated), passports, proof of accommodation, and proof that the main applicant has sufficient funds and adequate accommodation to support the family.
Visa Compliance Obligations
Both employers and foreign employees have significant obligations to ensure compliance with Bulgarian immigration and labor laws.
Employer Obligations
- Obtain Work Authorization: Ensure the foreign national has the correct work permit or combined permit before they start working.
- Comply with Labor Law: Adhere to Bulgarian labor laws regarding employment contracts, working hours, wages, and working conditions, ensuring they are no less favorable than for Bulgarian nationals.
- Notify Authorities: Inform the relevant authorities (e.g., NEA, Migration Directorate) of the start and termination of the foreign national's employment within specified deadlines.
- Maintain Records: Keep copies of the employee's permit, visa, passport, and employment contract.
- Ensure Valid Status: Monitor the validity of the employee's permit and support renewal applications in a timely manner.
- Provide Information: Inform the employee about their rights and obligations.
Employee Obligations
- Maintain Valid Status: Ensure their visa and residence/work permit remain valid throughout their stay and employment.
- Comply with Permit Conditions: Adhere to the conditions of their permit, including working only for the sponsoring employer and in the specified position.
- Notify Authorities of Changes: Report changes in personal circumstances (e.g., address, marital status) to the Migration Directorate.
- Respect Bulgarian Laws: Comply with all Bulgarian laws and regulations.
- Carry Identification: Carry their residence permit card as proof of legal status.
Failure to comply with these obligations can result in significant penalties for both the employer and the employee, including fines, deportation of the employee, and bans on future entry or employment. Maintaining strict adherence to the legal framework is essential for successful and lawful employment of foreign talent in Bulgaria.
