Bulgaria self-employed residence: the permit chain

Visas and residence · Last reviewed: 2026-10-07

The links in the chain

1. 1

   Agency permit

   The permit is issued by the Employment Agency's executive director and underpins residence under Article 24a of the Foreigners Act. The Agency decides within 30 days of filing; for defects it gives 15 days to fix them.
2. 2

   Type D visa

   After the permit, apply for a visa at the nearest Bulgarian diplomatic or consular mission; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is competent.
3. 3

   Residence

   After entering on the visa, apply for prolonged residence at the Migration Directorate. Notify the Labour Inspectorate within 7 days of actually starting the activity.

Documents for the Agency

• •A short description of the type, nature and aims of the activity, and a detailed plan for the permit term (showing economic and social effect).
• •Proof of at least two years of professional experience in the activity (legalised).
• •Proof of financial means matching the plan, and proof of Bulgarian at level B1 or higher.
• •Proof of meeting the conditions of a regulated profession, a passport page copy and a photo.

According to the page, documents are filed electronically, through the secure electronic delivery system or the e-government portal, and signed with an electronic signature; a power of attorney is attached if a representative files. The Agency's decision fee is stated as EUR 204.52, paid by bank transfer. The permit runs up to one year; the subject of the activity may not change during the first term, and data changes are reported to the Agency within 7 days. Renewal documents are filed at least 30 days before expiry and include at least two service contracts and a report on the plan.

The EU Immigration Portal's Bulgaria page (1 April 2025) gives a one-year term renewable up to three years in total, then one month spent outside the country; the main activity cannot change in the first year.

Frequently asked questions

Related topics