Issuance of work permit and visa

The process of hiring third-country nationals (i.e., citizens of countries outside the European Union) in Bulgaria involves a series of administrative and legal procedures that ensure their legal right to work in the country. To hire a foreigner, both the employer and the candidate must go through various steps, which include document collection, fee payments, and interviews. All necessary permits and certificates must be issued in accordance with Bulgarian and European legislation.
What does this process include?
- Work Permit – A primary document that allows the foreigner to engage in employment activities in Bulgaria.
- Employer Application – The employer submits an application for a work permit, providing evidence that no suitable candidates were found within the Bulgarian labor market.
- Candidate Documents – The candidate must provide educational and qualification documents that meet the requirements for the position.
- Fees and Interviews – Depending on the case, payment of fees and participation in interviews may be required to assess the documents and eligibility for employment.
- Issuance of Permit – After successfully completing all steps, a work permit is issued, allowing the candidate to start working in the country.
Legal Requirements
The candidate must possess at least a secondary education or a higher qualification corresponding to the requirements for the specific position.
Exceptions to these conditions may be made for foreigners whose employment is based on international agreements, for senior management staff or specialists employed under internal corporate transfer conditions, and for seconded employees, specialists in the field of installation or implementation of specific technologies.
The process of issuing a work permit in Bulgaria is strictly regulated and aims to protect the national labor market while providing an opportunity for qualified foreigners to work legally in the country.