Bulgaria: EU Blue Card for Non-EU Professionals

• July 30, 2024
• Immigration

Non-EU professionals can now access streamlined employment and residency in Bulgaria via the EU Blue Card, offering long-term residency and family reunification.

Here's a concise guide on primary aspects associated with obtaining a EU Blue Card in Bulgaria.

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS:

• Visa Requirement: You must possess a long-term visa (Visa Type D) before applying for the EU Blue Card.

• Qualifications: You must be a highly-qualified professional as defined by the law, holding higher education qualifications OR, for some positions, a proof of experience – “knowledge, skills and competence” certificate, issued by a competent authority.

• Salary Criteria: Your employer must demonstrate that your gross wage is at least 1.5 times the average salary in Bulgaria based on data from the previous 12 months.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Employer’s Role: Your employer must apply for the approval of the EU Blue Card at the Employment Agency, which includes a labor market test.

• Visa Application: Once the approval is granted, apply for a Visa Type D at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country.

• Arrival in Bulgaria: After arriving with your valid visa, obtain the EU Blue Card from the Migration Directorate within seven days.

• Alternative Route: If you hold an EU Blue Card from another EU country and have resided there for at least 18 months, you can apply for a Bulgarian EU Blue Card within one month of arrival.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Residence and Employment: The EU Blue Card permits you to reside and work in Bulgaria. It is valid for the duration of your work contract plus 3 months, up to a maximum of 5 years, and is renewable.

• Changing Employment: You can change jobs, but the new position must match your qualifications. During the first 2 years, changing employers requires written permission from the Employment Agency.

• Unemployment: The EU Blue Card remains valid if unemployment does not exceed 3 months or occur more than twice during the card's validity.

• Family Reunification: You can bring your family members, including your spouse and children under 18, to Bulgaria at any time during your Blue Card's validity.

LONG-TERM AND PERMANENT RESIDENCE:

• Eligibility: You can apply for long-term resident status after 5 years of continuous residence in the EU as a Blue Card holder. Short absences for work or study (up to 12 consecutive months and 18 months in total) do not interrupt this period.

• Application: Application is to be submitted to the Migration Directorate. The validity of your long-term residence permit will be linked to your national passport.

• Benefits: As a long-term resident, you will not need a work permit and will have equal access to health insurance and social security.

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