A freelance/self-employed work permit:
- Issued by the Employment Agency;
- A detailed activity plan for the duration of the permit;
- Documents proving education and qualifications;
- A Bulgarian language proficiency certificate (minimum level B1);
- Professional experience of at least two years in performing the relevant activity;
- An evidence of sufficient financial resources for carrying out the activity;
- Valid for a maximum of one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years (after which the applicant must return to their home country for one month and reapply following the same procedure);
Type D visa:
- Application for a type D visa must be submitted at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate;
- Grants the right to enter the country;
Residence permit:
- Aligned with the freelance/self-employment permit;
- Obtained from the Migration Directorate after entering the country;
- Must be renewed by submitting an application to the Migration Directorate no later than 14 days before its expiration;
- The residence permit automatically becomes invalid upon the expiration of the freelance/self-employment permit;
- The address of residence must be reported to the Migration Directorate within 5 days of arrival;
No changes to the primary activities of the work are allowed during the first year:
- Changes can only be made with approval from the Employment Agency;
Change of status:
- Requires a new application to be submitted from outside Bulgaria;
Permanent residence:
- Granted after a 5-year period of legal residence;
- During this period, the individual must not leave Bulgaria for more than six consecutive months or a total of 10 months;
- The application is submitted to the Migration Directorate or at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country;
- The duration of the permanent residence status will depend on the validity of the national passport used to enter Bulgaria;
- Once permanent residence is granted, no further work permits are required;
- Equal access to health insurance and social security is also provided.