Working in Bulgaria with a foreign diploma
There is no single route to work in Bulgaria with a foreign diploma: academic recognition of a university degree belongs to NACID (the National Centre for Information and Documentation), while recognition of a professional qualification in a regulated profession belongs to that profession's competent authority. The pages read describe the two separately.
Working life · Last reviewed: 2026-10-08
This is not legal or financial advice
Academic recognition (NACID)
According to the NACID page, bachelor and master diplomas, or equivalent documents, are subject to recognition if issued, in line with the legislation of the country concerned, by institutions that country's competent authority recognises as part of its secular higher-education system. The diploma must give academic rights in the issuing country. These are not recognised: documents that give no official higher-education rights, documents not issued by a recognised institution, documents issued in breach of the country's legislation, documents found not to have been issued by the institution, and diplomas for study in structures abroad not lawfully opened.
The official period is up to 2 months from submission of all required documents, or about one month if no additional documents are needed. If further information is requested, it must be provided within two months of notification. The result is a recognition certificate stating the recognised degree.
Professional recognition (regulated professions)
NACID's professional-recognition page covers qualifications obtained in countries covered by Directive 2005/36/EC: the application goes to the authority competent to recognise the profession, with the documents named in the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Act. Documents that may be requested include the application form and CV, an ID document, the diploma and other qualification evidence, proof of professional experience, a document on the length and content of the training, and (where needed) health and clean-record certificates not older than three months. Certified or licensed translations may be required only for the main documents (diploma, certificate, ID). The authority decides within 3 months under automatic recognition or 4 months under the general system; refusals are reasoned and the right of appeal is notified. The page does not cover diplomas from non-EU countries such as Türkiye; ask the competent authority of the profession.
Apostille and translation of documents
On the Employment Agency's FAQ page on foreigners' employment, education, qualification and experience documents from abroad must be apostilled or legalised depending on the issuing country's treaty status, translated into Bulgarian and certified. The same page states that an employment contract under Bulgarian law with a third-country national takes effect on the date the residence document is issued, and the contract should say so.
This page is not legal advice
Frequently asked questions
Is NACID recognition always required for a foreign diploma?
The pages read do not state it as a general rule; the procedure is for those who want academic recognition of the diploma. For regulated professions, recognition by that profession's competent authority is sought.
How long does academic recognition take?
Per the NACID page, up to 2 months from submission of all required documents, or about one month if no extra documents are needed.
Sources
The information on this page is based on the official sources listed below. Legislation changes — open the links and verify the current position.
- НАЦИД — 1. Кои документи се признават (академично признаване на висше образование, бакалавър и магистър) — https://nacid.bg/bg/foreign_qualifications_in_bulgaria_b_m/bm_page_1/ · 2026-10-08
- НАЦИД — 7. Колко време ще ми отнеме цялата процедура — https://nacid.bg/bg/foreign_qualifications_in_bulgaria_b_m/bm_page_7/ · 2026-10-08
- НАЦИД — Процедура на професионално признаване — https://nacid.bg/bg/chuzhdestranni-kvalifikacii-v-bulgariya/procedura-na-profesionalno-priznavane/ · 2026-10-08
- Агенция по заетостта — Заетост на чужденци: въпроси и отговори — https://www.az.government.bg/pages/zaetost-na-shuzdentsi-faq · 2026-10-08
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