Non-EU citizens seeking employment in Bulgaria must secure a work permit, a “Type D” visa, and potentially a residence permit. This guide outlines the necessary conditions, procedures, and rights for obtaining these permits.

1. Conditions for Working in Bulgaria

  • Work Permit: Required to legally work in Bulgaria.
  • Visa “Type D”: Necessary for entry and residency in Bulgaria for employment purposes.
  • Residence Permit: Applicable if you do not have a single permit.

Quota Limits: Non-EU workers cannot exceed 20% of the workforce employed by the company over the previous 12 months.

2. Procedures for Obtaining Permits

Single Permit:

  • Employer’s Role: Your employer must apply for a single permit on your behalf at the local Employment Office.
  • Labor Market Test: The employer must demonstrate efforts to find a suitable local candidate before hiring a non-EU worker.
  • Exemptions: Certain categories, like guest professors and athletes, may be exempt from the labor market test.

Visa “Type D”:

  • Application: Once approved for a single permit, apply for the “Type D” visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country.
  • Purpose: Allows entry into Bulgaria to work.

Obtaining the Single Permit:

  • After arriving in Bulgaria with your visa, apply for the single permit at the Migration Directorate. This permit allows you to reside and work in Bulgaria.

Documents Required:

  • Copy of a valid passport
  • Criminal record check from your home country
  • Proof of financial means
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Health insurance
  • Relevant educational or professional qualifications

3. Validity and Renewal

  • Single Permit: Valid for up to one year, renewable for up to three years. Renewal must be requested at least 14 days before expiration.
  • Work Permit: Same validity as the single permit, aligned with the employment contract.

After three years, you must leave Bulgaria for one month before reapplying for a new work permit.

4. Further Requirements

  • Residence Notification: Within five days of arrival, notify the authorities of your address in Bulgaria.

5. Rights and Appeals

Change of Employment:

  • Single/Work Permits: Tied to a specific employer and position; a new application is required if you change employers.

Long-Term Residence:

  • Eligible after five years of continuous legal residence, with restrictions on the amount of time you can spend outside Bulgaria.
  • Long-term residents have equal rights to Bulgarian citizens in areas such as health insurance and social security.

Appeals: Decisions related to permits can be appealed within 14 days at local administrative courts.

This detailed guide ensures compliance with Bulgarian immigration laws while helping non-EU nationals navigate the process of obtaining the necessary work permits and visas.