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BulgariaWork permitsLast checked October 17, 2026

Single permit for residence and work

and EU Blue Card

Third-country nationals who get access to the labour market under the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act receive a single permit for residence and work. It follows a decision by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy bodies. It is issued for one year (or the length of the contract if shorter) and is renewable. Highly qualified workers can get an EU Blue Card through a similar process. Workers normally enter on a type D visa first.

See requirements ↓

Life in Bulgaria

Money

3

Currency

Bulgarian Lev

BGN

Bulgarian Lev

Cost of living

24

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

Flat 10%

Income tax (national)

VAT 20%

Flat 10% on the annual tax base after mandatory social contributions; 15% for sole proprietors.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

5.7

#82 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Foreign employees hired by Bulgarian employers, including highly qualified workers (EU Blue Card) and seasonal workers.

Eligibility

  • Labour market access

    Must meet the access requirements of the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act. The permit follows a decision by Ministry of Labour and Social Policy bodies.

  • Entry

    Hold a type D visa (Art. 15(1)) or a residence permit on other grounds.

  • EU Blue CardEU Blue Card

    Highly qualified workers under the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementSeasonal
  • Document checklistCopy of valid passport (photo, data, D visa and last entry stamp pages); original shown
  • FeesApplication (service) fee

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  • 1 more requirement
  • 6 documents
  • 4 fees
  • 4 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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