Bulgaria
Introduction
Bulgaria, along with Romania, joined the European Union on 1 January 2007. The nation is experiencing difficulty in finding skilled labor as the economy grows and wages rise.
Living and Working in Bulgaria
EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of the EU/EEA do not require any special permission to live and work in Bulgaria.
Non-EU/EEA citizens
For third country nationals wishing to live and work in Bulgaria, the first step is obtaining a long term "Type D" visa. This visa, which allows a person to reside in Bulgaria for six months, can be obtained by submitting an application to a Bulgarian embassy in the person's originating country or from the embassy in a country that services the originating country.
The application must have two photographs, the reason for residing in Bulgaria, and proof of accommodation and the ability to sustain yourself financially during this period.
Once the Type D visa is acquired, a person can apply for 1-year temporary residence or permanent residency.
Temporary Residency
To acquire a temporary residence permit, a person must show that they can support themselves financially and will be required to make regular contributions to the social security system. Accommodation and health insurance are also required.
If a person is to be employed by a Bulgarian-based employer, a work permit will be required along with a guaranteed one-year contract. The work permit must be applied for along with the Type D visa from outside the country.
If the person is starting a company in Bulgaria, there must be a minimum of ten local employees.
Exceptions to work permit rules include students, spouses of Bulgarian citizens or permanent residents, and parents of Bulgarian citizens or permanent residents who are financially secure. Retired persons who are financially secure can also obtain temporary residency, as well as people seeking and paying for treatment at Bulgarian medical facilities.
Self-employed persons can also obtain temporary residency if they get permission from the Ministry of Labour.
Permanent Residency
Permanent residency can be obtained if the person is married to a Bulgarian citizen or permanent resident and has lived in Bulgaria for a minimum of two years, or if the person has renewed their temporary residence permit continuously for five years.
If the person is of Bulgarian descent or a child of a Bulgarian or foreign citizen who has permanent residence then he/she may be granted permanent residence.
Work Permits
Work permits are also required for third country nationals wishing to be employed within Bulgaria. Work permits must be applied for at a Bulgarian embassy in the applicant's home country.
Further Information
Work Permits and Residence Permits