Amendments to the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act

In response to the dynamically developing European legislation and the need for full implementation of a number of European Union directives, the Bulgarian Foreigners Act underwent significant changes recently, published in the State Gazette, issue 52 of 2025.

These changes aim not only to modernize and harmonize the national legal framework, but also introduce key simplifications, clarifications, and new opportunities that directly affect both foreign citizens and their employers. Other related legal acts are also affected, such as the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act, the Tourism Act, the Health Act, etc.

Innovations in Visas and Residence

Several important changes have been introduced in the field of visas and residence permits:

Expansion of visa types:
- A visa with limited territorial validity has been added, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 810/2009. This means that a visa can now be issued that is valid for the territory of one or more member states, but not for all.
- Unification of the "C" visa: The short-stay visa (type "C") is now defined as a single visa, valid for the entire territory of the member states, which is a direct reflection of European legislation.
- Issuance of visas at external borders: The procedure for issuing visas at external borders is now carried out in accordance with Articles 35 and 36 of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, replacing the previous possibility of issuing single-entry visas by way of exception.
New grounds for residence::
- Long-term residence permit for digital nomads: A completely new ground for obtaining a long-term residence permit for digital nomads has been introduced, reflecting modern trends in the work environment.
- Clarification of "family members": The changes specify that a long-term residence permit can be obtained by family members of a foreigner with granted asylum or international protection. Concepts such as "temporary protection" or "humanitarian status" are no longer mentioned in this context.
- Resident: With the introduction of a new Article 24p. in the Bulgarian Foreigners Act, the possibility of obtaining a long-term residence permit for up to one year for foreigners admitted as trainees in the Republic of Bulgaria is regulated, provided that they hold a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1.

Stricter Requirements for Trade Representative Offices

For foreign commercial companies wishing to register representative offices, the number of representatives who can obtain a residence permit has been reduced from three to two. New financial requirements are also introduced – the company must have had an annual turnover of at least BGN 100,000 for each of two consecutive years before registration. The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) will issue a certificate for these circumstances, and for extending the residence, it will require proof of real activity and the existence of an office. Control is also tightened through the mandatory notification of "Migration" by the BCCI in case of changes.

Changes for Seasonal Workers

Given that over 50% of all issued permits for access to the labour market or declared employment in Bulgaria are in the tourism sector, the changes concerning seasonal workers are of particular importance. A new fast-track procedure has been introduced for foreigners who have already worked as seasonal workers in the Republic of Bulgaria at least once in the last 5 years. This measure significantly simplifies the process for returning staff, which is critical for sectors such as tourism and agriculture that rely heavily on this type of employment. Furthermore, with the new changes, the employer will now be responsible and will owe compensation to the foreigner if the application for a permit is rejected due to their fault.

Simplifications and Responsibility for Single Permit for Residence and Work (SPRW)

significant change occurs in the procedure for issuing a Single Permit for Residence and Work (SPRW) after entering Bulgaria with a long-term visa. Now, the employer or a person authorized by them is obliged to appear заедно с the foreigner at "Migration" within a 14-day period. This shifts part of the responsibility for the initial registration to the employer. The requirement for medical insurance covering the entire period of residence from the very beginning has been abolished – now, insurance valid for at least three months, or until the issuance of the Single Permit for Residence and Work, is required. It is also explicitly regulated that the termination of the employment relationship automatically leads to the termination of the right of residence.

It is important to note that the employment contract will now enter into force not from the date of issuance of the worker's residence document, but from the date of receipt, which is beneficial for the employer.

Simplifications and Responsibility for Single Permit for Residence and Work (SPRW)

The changes transposing Directive (EU) 2021/1883 significantly improve flexibility for holders of the "EU Blue Card". The deadline for submitting a visa application has been extended from 20 to 30 days, and upon appearance after entering the country, the deadline becomes 14 days, with the employer now being obliged to appear together the foreigner. After the first 12 months of highly qualified employment, Blue Card holders can change employers or positions through a simplified procedure after an opinion from the Employment Agency. Greater mobility between member states is also introduced, allowing relocation to Bulgaria after 6 months of residence in another member state, as well as short-term residence for work purposes (up to 90 days) with a valid Blue Card from another member state.

Family Reunification

A completely new Article 33f of the Bulgarian Foreigners Act is introduced, which details the conditions and procedures for family reunification. A foreigner with a permitted residence in Bulgaria for at least one year can submit an application to the "Migration" Directorate. Documents for the family member are attached to it. The application is reviewed within one month after coordination with the State Agency for National Security (SANS). A positive decision is a ground for issuing a long-term visa under a simplified procedure, and the visa application must be submitted to an overseas representation within 6 months of notification. It is explicitly stated that family reunification under Article 33o, paragraph 2 and Article 33r, paragraph 1 is not tied to the requirement for a minimum residence period of the holder.

The team at KGK Law Firm has significant experience in the field of labour migration. For more information or assistance, please contact us..