Bulgaria single permit: residence and work in one

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

Who applies, and for whom

According to the Employment Agency's procedure page, the Ministry of Interior issues the single permit, and it contains the Agency's positive written opinion on labour-market access. It is for people employed under the Labour Code by a Bulgarian employer. The employer or its representative files with the Migration Directorate; a foreigner who already holds a prolonged residence permit may file personally, but the employer also signs the application.

• •Non-EU nationals employed over the previous 12 months may not exceed 20% of the average headcount (35% for small and medium enterprises); exceptions such as international agreements, guest lecturers, sportspeople and performers are listed on the page.
• •Working conditions and pay must not be less favourable than for Bulgarian citizens, and the foreigner must have the knowledge and experience for the post.
• •The file includes the employment contract, job description, education and experience documents (legalised, with a certified Bulgarian translation), a criminal-record certificate, and the employer's justification and job adverts.

Step by step

1. 1

   Filing and checks

   The Migration Directorate checks the documents and gives 7 days to fix gaps. The file goes to the Employment Agency and the State Agency for National Security; the Agency sends its opinion within 15 days.
2. 2

   Visa

   After positive opinions the employer receives a notice; the foreigner must apply for a type D visa within 20 days of it being sent.
3. 3

   After entry

   Within 14 days of entering, the employer or representative attends the Migration Directorate with the foreigner, bringing a copy of the passport page with the visa and health insurance for at least three months. The Directorate decides within three days of the documents being presented.

The page says the whole procedure should not exceed two months, extendable by two more for complex files. Validity is three years, or the contract term if shorter. Renewal, per the page, is requested at least two months before expiry. The EU Immigration Portal's Bulgaria page (1 April 2025) gives different figures (one year, renewable up to three, and 14 days before expiry); if they conflict, ask the Migration Directorate to confirm in writing.

Frequently asked questions

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