VISAS & PERMITS

EU citizens with valid regular passports have the right to stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days without a visa, but you will need to be granted a work permit or visa to take up employment.
The main types of visa are:
• An airport visa - enables a change of flight at the airport without entry to Bulgaria
• A transit visa - this obligates the visa holder to leave Bulgaria within 24 hours of the time of entry
• A short term visa - permits entry on one or more occasions for a maximum period of 90 days. This visa is valid for three months from the date of issue
• A long term visa - valid for several entries into Bulgaria of up to 90 days. This visa is valid for a maximum period of 12 months
Permanent Resident's Permit
• The spouse and children of Bulgarian citizens or of foreigners with a permanent resident's visa, are eligible for this permit.
• A permanent resident's visa is issued to persons who have lived permanently in Bulgaria for more than 10 years, or more than six years in the case of anyone having business interests in Bulgaria.
Work Permit
• Foreign nationals with a permanent resident's permit and refugees who receive sanctuary in Bulgaria are entitled, along with other Bulgarian citizens, to work in Bulgaria
• Temporary work permits are issued to foreigners and bear the name of the foreign worker, the name of the employee and the period for which the permit is valid
• A work permit is not granted if the work can be undertaken by a Bulgarian citizen
• An employer cannot hire foreign workers in excess of 10% of his total work force
• Foreigners who work in Bulgaria as self employed individuals or as partners in a business must take out relevant insurance cover. The insurance premium is between 29% - 32% of income