Migration questions Bulgaria

Temporary Residence Permit

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit

1: Work

Employment: having an employment contract with a Bulgarian employer.

Business trip or service provision: assignment or direction for providing services in Bulgaria.

Intra-corporate transfer: transfer within a company.

Self-employment: performing activities as a freelancer.

The list of documents may vary, but usually includes:

- Application in the established form.

- Valid international passport and its copies.

- Certificate of no criminal record from the country of citizenship or permanent residence.

- Proof of housing: rental or ownership agreement.

- Employment contract: if available.

- Proof of financial solvency: confirmation of sufficient funds for living.

Additional documents may be required depending on the specific situation.

2: Education

Foreign citizens enrolled in full-time studies at accredited educational institutions in Bulgaria are eligible for a residence permit.

The list of documents may vary, but usually includes:

- Application in the established form.

- Valid international passport and its copies.

- Certificate of enrollment in an educational institution.

- Proof of financial solvency to cover living and education expenses.

- Medical insurance valid in Bulgaria.

Initially, a residence permit is issued for up to one year with the possibility of annual renewal for the study period. It is important to note that only half of the time spent in the country based on a student residence permit counts towards the period required for obtaining permanent residence or citizenship.

3: Family Reunification

Family members of a foreigner with a residence permit or permanent residence in Bulgaria can apply for a residence permit under the family reunification program. Such family members include: spouse; minor children; dependent parents.

The list of documents may vary, but usually includes:

- Application in the established form.

- Valid international passport and its copies.

- Documents proving family relations (marriage, birth certificates, etc.).

- Proof of housing and sufficient financial means to support family members.

- Medical insurance for each applicant.

A residence permit for family reunification is issued for up to one year with the possibility of renewal.

4; Property Purchase

Acquiring property in Bulgaria by itself is not sufficient grounds for obtaining a residence permit. However, if the purchased property's value is at least 600,000 Bulgarian leva (approximately 306,000 euros), it can serve as a basis for obtaining a residence permit.

The list of documents may vary, but usually includes:

- Application in the established form.

- Valid international passport and its copies.

- Notarial act confirming property ownership.

- Proof of full payment for the property.

- Proof of sufficient financial means for living in the country.

A residence permit is issued for up to one year with the possibility of renewal when maintaining property ownership.

5: Investments

Foreign citizens can obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria based on investments in the country's economy. There are various investment options, including:

- Investment of at least 1,000,000 Bulgarian leva (approximately 512,000 euros) in the capital of a Bulgarian company creating at least 10 jobs for Bulgarian citizens.

- Purchase of government bonds worth at least 1,000,000 leva.

Depending on the amount and type of investment, it is possible to obtain either a temporary or permanent residence permit. Some investment programs also provide for expedited citizenship.

Thus, Bulgaria offers various opportunities to obtain a residence permit based on work, education, family reunification, property purchase, and investments. Each ground has its requirements and features, so it is recommended to carefully study the conditions and prepare the necessary documents before submitting an application.

Application Processing Times

The processing time for residence permit applications depends on the basis of submission and may vary. On average, the process takes from 14 to 60 days.

General Processing Times

Temporary residence permit: typically issued within 14 days from the date of application submission. However, if additional information or documents are required, the term can be extended to one month.

Long-term residence permit: the processing time is about 14 days, but in complex cases, it can be extended to 30 days.

Please note that the given times are approximate and may change depending on specific circumstances.

Permanent Residence Permit

A permanent residence permit in Bulgaria is a status that allows foreign citizens to reside in the country indefinitely without the need to renew the permit. Holders of a residence permit have rights close to those of Bulgarian citizens, except for voting rights and some other privileges.

Eligibility Criteria

- Continuous residence in Bulgaria based on a temporary residence permit for at least 5 years, provided that the absence from the country does not exceed 30 months during this period.

- Marriage to a Bulgarian citizen or a person with a permanent residence permit, concluded no less than 5 years ago.

- Bulgarian descent or birth on the territory of Bulgaria.

- Investment in the country’s economy of at least 1,000,000 Bulgarian leva (approximately 512,000 euros).

- Close family ties with citizens or permanent residents residing in the country for at least 5 years.

Application Processing Time

The application processing time is usually up to 2 months from the moment of submission of the complete document package. In some cases, this period can be extended if additional information is required or checks need to be conducted.

Additional Information:

Once a permanent residence permit is obtained, a foreigner is assigned a Unified Civil Number and issued a plastic permanent resident card. Children of permanent residence permit holders can also receive this status, and a spouse can receive a temporary residence permit with the possibility of subsequently obtaining a permanent residence permit.

Additional Information

For more detailed information, it is recommended to refer to official sources:

Bulgarian Employment Agency: (https://www.az.government.bg/)

Bulgarian Ministry of the Interior: (https://www.mvr.bg/)

Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: (https://www.mfa.bg/)

Please be aware that procedures and requirements can change, so it is advisable to verify the accuracy of the information before starting the process.

To obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria, you need to follow a specific procedure.

Determine the basis for a residence permit.

Prepare the required documents depending on the chosen basis.

Apply for a visa

If you are outside of Bulgaria, you need to apply for a long-term stay visa (visa type "D") at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country. You will need to provide the aforementioned documents and pay the consular fee. The processing time for a type "D" visa is up to 35 business days.

Entry into Bulgaria and application for a residence permit

After obtaining a type "D" visa and entry into Bulgaria, you must submit an application for a residence permit at the local Migration Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior of Bulgaria within 90 days. You must have originals and copies of all previously prepared documents with you.

Payment of State Fees

A state fee is charged at the time of application submission, the amount of which depends on the type and term of the residence permit. Payment is made at local bank branches or directly at the Migration Directorate cash desks.

Additional Recommendations:

Carefully check the accuracy of the information: legislation and requirements may change, so it is advisable to refer to official sources or consult lawyers specialized in immigration law.

Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area have special rights for residence and work in Bulgaria based on the principles of freedom of movement and employment as enshrined in EU legislation.

Residence in Bulgaria

Short-term stay: EU and EEA citizens can stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without the need for registration or obtaining special permits.

Long-term stay: If the stay exceeds 90 days, registration at the local branch of the Directorate “Migration” of the Ministry of Interior of Bulgaria is required to obtain a Certificate of Long-Term Residence. To do this, one must provide:

- A valid passport or national identification card.

- Proof of financial means.

- Confirmation of health insurance coverage.

- Evidence of purpose of stay (e.g., employment contract, proof of enrollment in an educational institution).

Permanent residence: After continuous legal residence in Bulgaria for five years, EU and EEA citizens may apply for a Permanent Residence Certificate.

Working in Bulgaria

Employment: EU and EEA citizens have the right to work in Bulgaria without obtaining a work permit. They can enter into employment contracts under the same conditions as Bulgarian citizens.

Self-employment: It is possible to engage in entrepreneurial activities or work as a freelancer without additional permits.

Social security: When working in Bulgaria, EU and EEA citizens are required to pay contributions to the social insurance system and are entitled to appropriate social benefits and services.

Additional Information

Healthcare: EU and EEA citizens temporarily residing in Bulgaria can use the European Health Insurance Card for emergency medical assistance. For long-term stays, it is advisable to obtain local health insurance.

Education: Children of EU and EEA citizens have the right to free education in public schools in Bulgaria under the same conditions as the citizens of the country.

It is important to note that, despite the general principles of freedom of movement and employment, it is advisable to familiarize oneself with specific requirements and procedures in Bulgaria to ensure compliance with all necessary formalities.

Citizens of non-EU countries must take into account a number of specific requirements and procedures set by Bulgarian law when planning to stay and work in Bulgaria.

Entry and Visa Requirements

Short-term stay: For up to 90 days within a 180-day period, citizens of third countries generally require a short-term visa type “C” to visit Bulgaria. However, some nationalities are exempt from the visa requirement. It is advisable to check visa requirements in advance with the Bulgarian embassy or consulate.

Long-term stay: If the stay is planned for more than 90 days, a long-term visa type “D” must be obtained. This visa is issued based on a specific purpose, such as work, study, family reunification, or investment.

Work Permit

To work in Bulgaria, citizens of third countries need to obtain a work permit. The procedure includes the following steps:

Finding an employer: An employer in Bulgaria must express willingness to hire a foreign citizen and submit the relevant application to the Employment Agency.

Labor market test: The Employment Agency conducts an assessment to ensure there are no suitable candidates among Bulgarian or EU citizens for the position.

Submission of documents: After approval, the employer and applicant provide the necessary documents, including an employment contract, proof of qualifications, and others.

Obtaining the permit: A work permit is issued upon a positive decision, serving as the basis for obtaining a type “D” visa and a subsequent residence permit.

It is important to note that some categories of foreign citizens are exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit, such as holders of permanent residence permits or family members of Bulgarian citizens.

Residence Permit

After obtaining a type "D" visa and entering Bulgaria, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit at the local office of the Directorate "Migration" of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Employment Features

Validity period: The work permit is issued for up to one year with the possibility of extension.

Restrictions: The permit is valid only for a specific employer and position. In case of changing jobs, a new permit must be obtained.

Rights and Obligations: Foreign workers have the same labor rights and obligations as Bulgarian citizens, including the right to social security and medical care.

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with up-to-date information in advance and, if necessary, seek consultation from specialists in migration law.

Extending a residence permit in Bulgaria requires timely preparation and compliance with established procedures.

Determining the validity of the current residence permit

It is important to know the exact expiration date of your current residence permit. It is recommended to start the extension process 30–45 days before this date to avoid possible delays.

Preparing the necessary documents

The list of documents for extending a residence permit may vary depending on the basis of your stay, but usually includes:

- Completed application for residence permit extension.

- Valid passport and its copies.

- Photographs in the established format.

- Health insurance valid in Bulgaria.

- Proof of financial solvency: bank statements confirming sufficient funds for living.

- Proof of housing: rental agreement or ownership certificate.

- Documents confirming the basis for the stay:

- For workers: work contract and employer's certificate.

- For students: a certificate from the educational institution on the continuation of studies.

- For family members: documents verifying family ties.

Submitting the application

The application for extending a residence permit is submitted to the local office of the Directorate "Migration" of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bulgaria at your place of residence. It is recommended to make an appointment in advance if this is provided in your region.

Payment of the state fee

When submitting the application, the state fee must be paid. The amount of the fee depends on the extension period and the category of the residence permit. Payment is made in local bank branches or directly at the cash desks of the Directorate "Migration".

Waiting for the decision

The application review period for extending a residence permit usually takes up to 14 days, but in some cases may be extended up to one month. During this period, it is recommended to monitor the status of your application and be prepared to provide additional documents if needed.

Receiving the updated residence permit

After your application is approved, you will be issued a new residence permit card with an updated validity period. Note that upon receiving the new card, the old one must be surrendered.

Additional recommendations:

Consult with lawyers: if difficulties arise, it is recommended to seek professional assistance.

To obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria, foreign citizens must obtain health insurance that meets the established requirements.

According to Bulgarian legislation, health insurance for a residence permit must:

- Be valid on the territory of Bulgaria.

- Cover the entire period of intended stay.

- Have a minimum coverage of at least 30,000 euros.

- Include costs for emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.

Choosing an insurance company

You can arrange insurance with either an international or a Bulgarian insurance company. However, it is recommended to choose companies registered in Bulgaria as their policies are more adapted to local requirements and facilitate the document submission process.

Insurance Registration

Online: Many Bulgarian insurance companies offer the opportunity to get a policy online. For this, you need to fill out a form, provide a copy of your passport, and pay for the policy with a bank card. After payment, the policy will be sent to your email address.

At the office: You can visit the office of an insurance company or its representative in Bulgaria. You need to bring your passport and possibly other documents confirming the purpose and duration of your stay.

Obtaining Bulgarian citizenship offers many advantages, including the right to live and work in European Union countries. There are several ways to acquire Bulgarian citizenship, each with its own requirements and procedures.

Citizenship by origin: If you have Bulgarian roots, you can apply for citizenship by origin. According to Article 15 of the Bulgarian Citizenship Act, descendants of Bulgarians up to the third degree of kinship can acquire a passport of the republic through a simplified procedure.

Citizenship by naturalization: Naturalization is the process of acquiring citizenship through long-term residence in the country. Requirements include being over 18 years old; permanent or long-term residence in Bulgaria for at least 5 years; no criminal record for intentional offenses; having a legal source of income; proficiency in the Bulgarian language.

Citizenship through investment: Bulgaria offers a program for obtaining citizenship through investment. Requirements include investments in the country's economy amounting to at least 1,000,000 Bulgarian levs (about 512,000 euros); maintaining the investments for a specific period.

Citizenship through marriage: Foreigners married to a Bulgarian citizen can apply for citizenship. Requirements include marriage to a Bulgarian citizen for at least 3 years; residence in Bulgaria during this period.

Citizenship for special merits: In exceptional cases, citizenship can be granted for special merits to Bulgaria in science, culture, sports, or other fields.

General Recommendations

Obtaining Bulgarian citizenship is a complex process requiring careful attention and compliance with all legal norms. Consult specialists in migration law for advice.

Main Aspects

Multiple border crossings: A temporary residence permit allows an unlimited number of crossings of the Bulgarian border during its validity period.

Validity period of the temporary residence permit: A temporary residence permit is usually issued for up to one year with the possibility of extension. It is important to monitor the validity period of your temporary residence permit and submit documents for an extension in a timely manner to avoid issues when crossing the border.

Resident's obligations: While a temporary residence permit allows free entry and exit from the country, it is recommended not to be absent from Bulgaria for an extended period without valid reasons, especially if you plan to obtain a permanent residence permit or citizenship in the future. Prolonged absence may affect your immigration status.

Recommendations

Informing the authorities: If you plan to be absent from the country for a long time, it is recommended to notify the local immigration authorities to avoid possible misunderstandings upon return.

Receiving a refusal to grant a residence permit in Bulgaria may be unpleasant, but there are certain steps you can take to appeal the decision or reapply.

Analysis of reasons for refusal

After receiving a notification of refusal, carefully study the specified reasons. Often, refusal is related to a lack of or non-compliance with the submitted documents, lack of necessary grounds, or violations of submission procedures.

Appealing the decision

If you believe the refusal is unfounded, you have the right to appeal it:

Appeal deadlines: According to Bulgarian law, you have 14 days from the date of receipt of the notification of refusal to file an appeal with the relevant administrative court.

Appeal Procedure

Prepare a written complaint detailing your arguments and attach additional evidence or documents supporting your position.

Submit the complaint to the administrative court at the location of the authority that issued the refusal decision.

Complaint review: The court will review your case and make a decision to confirm or overturn the refusal.

Reapplication

If the appeal did not result in a positive outcome or you prefer not to go to court, you can submit a new application for a temporary residence permit.

Consultation with a Lawyer

It is recommended to seek help from a specialist in immigration law, who can help assess the validity of the refusal; prepare the necessary documents for the appeal or resubmission; represent your interests in court or before government authorities.

Alternative Grounds for Temporary Residence Permit

If the initial ground for obtaining a residence permit was unsuitable, consider applying based on other criteria provided under Bulgarian law.

Refusal of a residence permit in Bulgaria is not a final obstacle. With the right approach, careful analysis of the reasons for refusal, and adherence to established procedures, you have the opportunity to appeal the decision or submit a new application considering all requirements.

When undergoing immigration procedures in Bulgaria, foreign citizens often need to provide documents in Bulgarian. This is because the country's official institutions accept only legalized documents with translation into Bulgarian. The translation must be done by a certified translator and, in some cases, notarized. To ensure the accuracy and legal validity of the translation, it is recommended to contact professional translators or translation agencies accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria; many law firms specializing in immigration law also work with experienced translators and can recommend reliable specialists.