Work Permits & Visas in Bulgaria

As of January 1, 2026, Bulgaria has adopted the euro as its official currency, replacing the Bulgarian lev. Consequently, all financial figures in this document have been converted to euros.

Work Permits and Visas in Bulgaria: A Guide for Employers

Bulgaria has become an attractive destination for international talent, thanks to its stable economy, low cost of living, and growing job opportunities. If your company is hiring or relocating professionals to Bulgaria—or if you’re an employee with a job offer in hand—it’s crucial to understand the work permit and visa process. This comprehensive guide covers everything employers and sponsored employees need to know, from types of visas and permits to application steps, compliance tips, and how an (EOR) can help streamline the process.

Why Work Visa Compliance Matters for Employers in Bulgaria

Hiring internationally comes with strict immigration and labor regulations. Bulgarian authorities require anyone working in the country, even remotely, to have the proper work authorization. Failure to comply can lead to serious repercussions—employees without the correct visa or permit risk fines, deportation, or being barred from re-entry. Employers, too, can face hefty fines and future visa denials for non-compliance. In short, immigration compliance is not optional. Employers must be familiar with Bulgaria’s visa rules and ensure every foreign team member is working legally. Working with experts or an EOR can help navigate these requirements and avoid compliance pitfalls.

Who Needs a Work Permit to Work in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is a member of the EU, which means not everyone needs a work permit. Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland have the right to enter and work in Bulgaria without a visa or permit. However, if EU/EEA/Swiss nationals stay longer than 90 days, they must register with the Migration Directorate to obtain a residence certificate. This registration is a formality to document their longer-term stay.

For non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, a work permit is generally required to take up employment in Bulgaria. The employer in Bulgaria must secure this permit on the employee’s behalf before work begins. A long-term visa (Type D) is also needed for non-EU nationals to enter Bulgaria for work. Certain individuals may be exempt from permits—for example, foreigners who already hold permanent resident status in Bulgaria, or family members of EU citizens residing in Bulgaria, might not need a new work permit. But in most cases, if you’re hiring a non-EU foreign national or relocating as one, you will need both a work permit and the appropriate visa to stay compliant.

Types of Bulgarian Visas: A, C, and D (Short-Term vs. Long-Term)

Before diving into work permits, it’s important to understand Bulgaria’s visa categories. Bulgaria issues three main types of visas for entry:

Type A Visa (Airport Transit) for Bulgaria

This is a short-term transit visa for travelers changing planes in Bulgaria. It allows the holder to remain in the international airport zone only, not to enter the country fully, and is typically valid for up to 3 months. This visa is not relevant for employment, but for completeness, employers should know it exists for transit purposes.

Type C Visa (Short Stay) for Bulgaria

This is the standard short-stay visa for visits or business trips. A Type C visa can cover tourism, short business travel, or family visits. It allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 6-month period. These visas can sometimes be issued for multiple entries and can have a validity of 1 to 5 years for frequent travelers. If a team member needs to visit Bulgaria for a brief assignment, conference, or meeting (not for long-term work), a Type C visa would likely be required. However, a Type C visa alone does not grant the right to work long-term in Bulgaria; it’s meant for short visits.

Type D Visa (Long Stay) for Bulgaria

This is the long-term visa required for foreigners who intend to live and/or work in Bulgaria. A Type D visa is essentially the entry visa for those who have secured a work permit (or another basis for long-term stay such as study, family reunification). It is typically issued for 6 to 12 months depending on the purpose—for example, certain applicants like students or researchers may get up to one year. To qualify for a Type D, applicants must show they have a reason for long-term stay and the means to support themselves. Requirements include proof of accommodation in Bulgaria, valid health insurance, and sufficient financial resources (at least the monthly minimum wage in funds). Importantly, an in-person interview at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate is mandatory when applying for a Type D visa. Once approved, the Type D visa allows the individual to travel to Bulgaria, where they can then obtain a residence permit to legally reside and work.

In summary, short trips (up to 90 days) may only require a Type C visa (or none at all for visa-exempt nationals), but anyone relocating for work needs a Type D long-stay visa in addition to a work permit. Note that since Bulgaria is part of the Schengen Area, a valid Schengen visa allows entry into Bulgaria.

Types of Work Permits in Bulgaria for Foreign Employees

Once the appropriate entry visa category is clear, the next step is understanding work permits. Bulgaria offers several work permit types and routes, depending on the nature of employment and the qualifications of the foreign worker. The most common work permits for foreigners in Bulgaria include the Single Residence and Work Permit and the EU Blue Card, but there are other special permits for certain situations. Below is an overview of each:

Single Residence and Work Permit (Standard Work Permit) in Bulgaria

This is the primary work permit for non-EU foreign nationals employed by a Bulgarian company. It is a combined work and residence permit, valid for up to one year, with the possibility of annual extensions. To obtain this permit, the Bulgarian employer must first prove that no suitable Bulgarian or EU candidate is available for the job, usually by conducting a labor market test. In fact, Bulgarian law currently limits foreign hires under this category—only up to 25% of a company’s workforce can be non-EU work permit holders (this quota can be higher for small and medium-sized companies). The work permit is tied to the specific employer and position. It can be renewed each year, but generally the total duration on this permit cannot exceed 3 years in continuous employment. After receiving the work permit approval, the employee must obtain a Type D visa to enter Bulgaria and then register for a residence permit. If the employment continues and the conditions remain the same, renewals are possible, and after five years of legal continuous residence, the individual may qualify for permanent residency.

EU Blue Card for Bulgaria

The EU Blue Card is a special European work and residence permit for highly skilled non-EU professionals, and Bulgaria participates in the Blue Card program. It is designed for roles requiring advanced qualifications (typically a university degree or extensive experience) and comes with advantages. Unlike the standard work permit, the Blue Card is not subject to the workforce quota. However, it has its own strict criteria: the applicant must have a higher education degree, and the job must offer a salary at least 1.5 times the average in Bulgaria (currently a minimum of €1,335 gross per month as a baseline). The Blue Card is issued for up to 4 years at a time (or the duration of the work contract, if shorter). It can be renewed and also provides a pathway to long-term EU residency rights. For employers, a Blue Card can be useful to attract skilled talent, and it removes the requirement of a labor market test since these roles are assumed to be in high demand. The application process for a Blue Card is similar (involving the National Employment Agency’s approval and then a visa), but the documentation must prove the employee’s high qualifications and meet the salary threshold.

Seasonal Work Permit for Bulgaria

For employers in industries like agriculture, tourism, or other seasonal sectors, Bulgaria offers a Seasonal Work Permit. This permit allows non-EU workers to be employed in Bulgaria for up to 9 months within a calendar year. Seasonal permits are typically used for temporary jobs such as harvest work or tourist season hospitality jobs. The application process is usually somewhat streamlined compared to standard permits, but the employer still needs to apply through the Employment Agency. After 9 months, the foreign worker must leave (there is usually a required departure period before reapplying). Seasonal work permits are specific to the employer/sector and cannot be converted directly into longer-term permits without leaving and reapplying.

Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit for Bulgaria

If you are transferring an employee from a multinational company’s foreign office to its branch or subsidiary in Bulgaria, the Intra-Corporate Transfer permit may apply. The ICT permit is designed for managers, specialists, or trainee employees sent to Bulgaria within the same corporate group. It allows the individual to work in Bulgaria for the hosting company branch without local hiring. Specific criteria apply (such as a prior period of employment with the company abroad, and the role being a qualifying managerial or expert position). The ICT permit has a limited duration (often up to 1 or 3 years depending on the role) and is tied to the international assignment. This route can bypass some of the local labor market testing since it’s an internal transfer, but the company must still notify authorities and get approval for the transfer under Bulgaria’s laws implementing the EU ICT directive.

Freelance (Self-Employment) Permit for Bulgaria

While Bulgaria does not yet have a dedicated “digital nomad visa,” it is possible for self-employed or remote entrepreneurs to obtain a residence permit via the so-called Freelance permit. This is essentially a long-term residence authorization for individuals who are not tied to a Bulgarian employer but wish to live and work in Bulgaria independently. To qualify, applicants typically need to present a detailed business plan, proof of professional experience (usually at least two years in their field), and evidence of financial stability to support themselves. The freelance permit route is more involved—Bulgarian authorities will evaluate the viability of the applicant’s self-employed activity. If approved, the individual would then apply for a Type D visa to enter Bulgaria. This option is useful for consultants, digital freelancers, or remote workers who have income (or savings) and want to base themselves in Bulgaria. Keep in mind that freelancers will need to comply with any business registration or tax requirements for self-employed persons in Bulgaria as well.

Quick recap: Most employers hiring a foreign national will use the Single Work Permit or the EU Blue Card route. Specialized scenarios like short-term seasonal jobs, internal corporate transfers, or self-employed expats use their respective permit types. In all cases, having a job offer or assignment in place is mandatory—Bulgaria does not issue open work permits to foreigners without an employment basis.