The Bulgarian National Employment Agency has introduced changes to the procedure for submitting documents for short-term seasonal employment (for a period of up to 90 days) of third-country nationals. The changes have been introduced in response to an increasing number of reports from both citizens and law enforcement authorities concerning the misuse of work permits.
As of 14 April 2026, the National Employment Agency has discontinued the acceptance of hard copy documents for the registration of short-term seasonal employment of third-country nationals. The standard declaration form (Annex No. 5) must now be submitted exclusively by electronic means through one of the following channels:
- The Secure Electronic Delivery System under Article 26(5) of the Electronic Governance Act
- The Platform for Procedure and Issuing of Work permits to Foreigners, available on the Bulgarian National Employment Agency’s website.
All documents must be electronically signed by the employer’s legal representative or by a person authorized by the employer (with the relevant authorization document attached).
Application form: Annex 5.1.
