How to Secure Work Visas and Authorization in Bulgaria: A Complete Guide for Global Employers

Expanding operations into Bulgaria can offer strategic advantages: cost-effective talent, favorable tax rates, and access to the EU market. But before onboarding foreign talent in Sofia or beyond, employers must navigate the country’s work visa and authorization landscape. Here’s what international businesses need to know to legally employ non-EU nationals in Bulgaria.

Understanding Bulgaria’s work visa process

Bulgaria requires non-EU foreign nationals to secure both a work permit and a long-stay visa (Visa D) before they can legally work and reside there. While the Bulgarian employer generally initiates the application process, the employee must also provide supporting documents for the application.

Securing a Bulgarian work visa is a multi-step process involving several government bodies, including the Employment Agency and the Migration Directorate under the Ministry of Interior. For a comprehensive understanding of what a work visa entails, consult our glossary.

Work authorization requirements

A Bulgarian work permit is necessary for most non-EU citizens and is typically issued for up to one year. The permit ties the employee to a specific employer and role, and the position must be one that cannot be filled by a local Bulgarian or EU citizen. In practice, the employer must justify hiring a foreign national by proving that they couldn’t fill the role domestically.

Employers must also offer fair compensation that meets Bulgarian labor standards. The salary offered must not be lower than what a Bulgarian citizen would earn for the same role, and the employment must comply with Bulgarian labor laws and EU regulations.

Key steps for securing a work visa

Employers are responsible for initiating the visa and permit process. Key steps include:

1. Labor market test. Demonstrating that no qualified local or EU candidates are available for the role.
2. Employment contract. Drafting and submitting a valid job offer and employment agreement.

Work permit application. Filing with Bulgaria’s National Employment Agency, accompanied by company documents.

Employees are then responsible for obtaining a Visa D and residence permit.

• Visa D application. Once the permit is approved, the employee applies for a long-stay Visa D at a Bulgarian consulate in their home country.
• Residence permit. After arrival, the employee applies for a residence permit at the local Migration Directorate.

Who needs a work visa in Bulgaria?

Eligibility criteria

Any non-EU/European Economic Area (EEA)/Swiss national planning to work in Bulgaria needs a work visa and permit. EU citizens, by contrast, can live and work freely in Bulgaria without a visa, though they must register with local authorities if staying longer than three months.

Types of work visas

Bulgaria offers several types of work permits:

• General work permit. Most common, issued for up to 12 months
• EU Blue Card. For highly skilled workers with a university degree and a job offer with a salary 1.5 times the average
• Intra-corporate transferee (ICT) permit. For senior managers or specialists temporarily transferred to Bulgaria from a company outside the EU

More information on these categories can be found in the European Commission’s immigration portal.

How employers can navigate the application process

Required documentation

Employers must submit:

• Copy of the company’s registration
• Proof of tax compliance
• Employment contract
• Justification for hiring a foreign national
• Proof of job posting (labor market test)

Step-by-step process

1. Submit the job offer to Bulgaria’s National Employment Agency
2. Collect and submit all required employer and employee documents
3. Receive work permit approval (typically 30 calendar days)
4. Forward approval to the employee to apply for Visa D
5. Employee arrives and applies for a residence permit within 90 days

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting incomplete documentation or outdated company registrations
• Skipping the labor market test
• Missing the Visa D window (must be applied for within three months of permit approval)

Costs and fees associated with Bulgarian work visas

Breakdown of application costs

Typical costs include:

• BGN600 (approximately US$330) for work permit application
• Visa D fee varies by country, averaging around US$100–225
• BGN500–1,000 (approximately US$290–575) for residence permit processing

Additional fees and processing charges

• Translation and legalization of foreign documents
• Courier or travel fees for consular appointments
• Legal advisory services, if used

Cost variations based on permit type

EU Blue Cards often carry higher processing fees and stricter criteria, especially around salary thresholds and qualifications. Learn more about minimum wage by country to understand salary benchmarks.

Up-to-date costs are detailed on Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs site.

Timelines and processing time for work visas

Expected processing timeframes

• Work permit: ~30 calendar days
• Visa D: ~35–45 business days
• Residence permit: Issued within 14 calendar days of submission

Factors affecting application processing

• Complexity of employment contract
• Delays in document translations
• Backlogs at consulates or immigration offices

Fast-track and expedited options

There is no official expedited process, but using local legal counsel or a global mobility provider can help prevent delays.

Post-approval steps and compliance for employers

Employee onboarding considerations

Once in-country, employers must:

• Register the employee with the National Revenue Agency
• Ensure health insurance is in place
• Submit an employment contract to the Labor Inspectorate

Maintaining compliance with Bulgarian laws

• Renew permits before expiration
• Track changes in employment terms or roles
• Maintain salary standards and working conditions in line with Bulgarian labor law

Renewals and extensions of work permits

Work permits may be renewed annually. EU Blue Cards are valid up to four years and can also be extended. Renewals must be submitted at least 30 days before expiration.

Tips and resources for a successful application

• Start early. Begin the application process well in advance to account for any potential delays.
• Ensure document accuracy. Submit clear, complete, and translated documents where required.
• Consult experts. Work with legal advisors or immigration specialists who understand Bulgarian law.
• Stay updated. Monitor relevant government portals for the latest information on visa regulations and requirements.

Consider benefits. Attract top candidates with a strong global employee benefits program that reflects local expectations.

How Velocity Global can help

Hiring talent in Bulgaria shouldn’t require navigating bureaucracy alone. Velocity Global’s Employer of Record (EOR) solution in Bulgaria enables companies to compliantly hire, onboard, and pay talent in the country without the need to set up a legal entity. Our team alleviates the administrative burden on global employers to manage visa sponsorship, compliance, and local labor requirements. That frees up time and resources that companies can reallocate international expansion.

Get in touch to Learn more about how Velocity Global simplifies international hiring and helps businesses access top global talent, wherever they are.

This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided “as is,” and no representations are made that the content is error-free. 
 

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