Bulgaria Work Visas - SDWS LDA | Types, Requirements & Process

A stable economy, low cost of living, and numerous employment opportunities make Bulgaria a popular destination for expatriates. If your company is planning to expand or outsource operations in Bulgaria, you’ll need to ensure that all of your employees have the necessary permits and visas to work there legally.

Types of Work Visas in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has a variety of visas available for foreign nationals seeking entry into the country. As a member of the European Union (EU), Bulgaria allows citizens of other EU member states to work without a visa or permit.

For other foreign nationals, Bulgarian visas include:

Type A visas for airport transit
Type C visas for short stays
Type D visas for long stays

To obtain a Bulgarian work permit, foreign workers will need Type D visas.

If any of your company’s employees need to travel to Bulgaria for a short time for a business trip or conference, they’ll most likely need a Type C visa to do so.

Requirements to Obtain Bulgaria Work Visas

The Bulgarian employer is responsible for submitting the work permit application on behalf of foreign employees. However, the employee will need to provide some of the documents required along with the application. Required documents include:

Three passport photos of the applicant
A copy of the employee’s passport
A document stating the reason for requesting the work permit
A copy of the employer’s certificate of incorporation in Bulgaria
The employment contract
Documents proving the employee’s qualifications, such as a diploma, relevant certifications, and evidence of previous work experience
Any additional documents relevant to the job position
A completed work permit application form

The employee will also require a long-stay visa. To obtain one, they’ll need to produce the following documents:

A copy of the first page of their passport
A passport photo in color
Proof of the reason for travel, such as the work perm
Proof of medical insurance
Evidence of sufficient financial means
Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria, such as a lease agreement
A police background check