Guidance

Travel to Bulgaria for work

Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Bulgaria and how to get one if you do.

From:
Department for Business and Trade
Published
14 June 2021
Last updated
15 April 2024 — See all updates

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Bulgaria’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Bulgaria to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

On 31 March 2024, Bulgaria partially joined the Schengen area for border control-free travel via air and sea. Border controls will remain at all land and river borders, including those within the Schengen zone. Visits to any other Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel to Bulgaria will count towards your 90 day visa-free limit.

If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Bulgarian authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with Bulgaria’s embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Bulgaria. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Bulgaria’s embassy or immigration authorities.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

  • translated
  • ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
  • originals, or if copies are acceptable
  • signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
  • dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Bulgaria, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Bulgaria’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Bulgaria for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

  • running or attending job interviews
  • going to court as witness
  • attending trade fairs or conventions
  • attending board meetings
  • meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
  • meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers
  • fact-finding visits
  • attending a conference (unpaid)
  • studying
  • team building activities
  • visiting business partners
  • attending business meetings
  • touring a company facility
  • buying goods for sale outside the country
  • receiving classroom-based training
  • leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

  • proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
  • health insurance that covers your entire stay
  • proof of accommodation for your entire stay
  • enough money for the duration of your trip
  • an invitation letter from your employer or contractor explaining your trip, or other written proof, such as an invite to a seminar, interview or conference

Check Bulgaria’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

Bulgaria does not have any exemptions. You must apply for a work permit if you want to work in Bulgaria.

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Bulgaria’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Bulgaria’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Taking your family

If you have a family they will not be able to apply for dependant permits for short trips. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the visa waiver rules.

There may be different rules for taking your family if you have a long-term permit. Find out about family reunification.

Short and long-term visas and permits

You must register for short-term employment if you’re in Bulgaria for up to 90 days in a 12-month period and you’re providing short-term services to a client in Bulgaria for your UK-based employer.

If you work for a tour operator you can work for up to 180 days in a 12-month period.

You need to apply for a long-term work permit if you’re in Bulgaria because you’re:

Long-term permits are valid for up to 5 years depending on which one you need.

You need a work permit, a national D visa and a residence permit before you can start working in Bulgaria.

Register short-term employment

You need to be registered for employment if you’re providing short-term services to a client in Bulgaria for your UK employer.

To qualify, you must:

  • keep your UK employment
  • stay on UK payroll

Employment registration takes 10 days. It’s valid for up to 90 days (180 days for tour operators) in a 12-month period and you cannot extend it.

How it works

You need to check with Bulgaria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. The Bulgarian company registers your employment with the central administration of the Employment Agency.

  2. The Bulgarian company notifies the General Labour Inspectorate of where you’ll be working once you’re registered. They must do this within 7 days of registering your employment.

  3. The Bulgarian company submits a ‘posting declaration’ to the General Labour Inspectorate at least 1 day before you start work.

Application documents

Bulgaria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • UK passport with 2 blank pages, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
  • 3 completed original application forms (not photocopies), signed and stamped by the Bulgarian company
  • certified service contract between your UK employer and the Bulgarian company
  • assignment agreement with your UK employer (legalised with an apostille)
  • declaration of compliance with Bulgarian labour laws
  • original company registration certificate for the UK company
  • confirmation letter issued by your UK employer with the terms and conditions of your short-term work (legalised with an apostille)

Transferring long-term to a branch in Bulgaria or providing services to a client in Bulgaria

You need a long-term work permit if you’re:

  • transferring from a UK company to a branch in Bulgaria
  • providing services to a client in Bulgaria for a UK company

You can apply for an EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) permit if you’re a manager, specialist or trainee working for at least 1 year.

If you do not qualify for an EU ICT you can apply for a work permit (for posted workers).

You can also apply for this if you’re providing services to a client in Bulgaria for up to 1 year.

EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) permit

You need a long-term EU ICT permit if your UK-based company moves you to a Bulgarian branch to work for:

  • up to 3 years
  • 1 year if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

  • be a manager, specialist or trainee
  • have a bachelor’s level degree if you’re a trainee
  • have relevant professional experience and qualifications if you’re working as a specialist or manager
  • have worked for the UK company for at least 12 months if you’re a manager or specialist, or 6 months if you’re a trainee
  • meet minimum salary requirements – you need to check the required amount with the Bulgarian authorities as it may change over time
  • keep your UK employment contract
  • stay on UK payroll

An EU ICT permit can take between 10 to 12 weeks to get. It cannot be extended beyond 3 years or 1 year for trainees.

If you have a spouse or children under 18, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Bulgaria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer submits an ICT work permit application (appendix 3) to the Migration Directorate (local authority).

  2. You apply for a national D visa at the Bulgarian consulate or embassy.

  3. You apply for a residence permit at your local immigration office once you arrive in Bulgaria. You can start working legally in Bulgaria once you have your residence permit.

  4. Your employer submits a ‘posting declaration’ to the General Labour Inspectorate at least 1 day before you start work.

  5. Your accommodation provider registers you as a tenant with the local authorities.

Application documents

Bulgaria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed permit application form – the forms differ by Migration Directorate
  • UK passport with 2 blank pages, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
  • 1 colour passport photo (35mm x 45mm)
  • police clearance certificate
  • diploma certificate, if you’re a trainee
  • document proving you have specialist knowledge and experience in your field, if you’re a specialist or manager
  • signed assignment agreement with your UK employer
  • document proving you’ve worked for the UK company or group for 12 months if you’re a manager or specialist, or 6 months for trainees
  • organisation chart and excerpt from the companies’ register, or other relevant documents showing the relationship between the UK and Bulgarian companies
  • a signed internship agreement related to your training for a future position within the company, if you’re a trainee (this should include the length of the internship and confirmation that your training in Bulgaria is for the purpose of your professional development)
  • letter from the Bulgarian company explaining why you need the EU ICT permit
  • declaration of compliance with Bulgarian labour laws
  • list of non-Bulgarian employees working for the company in Bulgaria
  • marriage certificate, if applying with family
  • birth certificates of any children, if applying with family
  • comprehensive health insurance cover in Bulgaria for you and any dependants
  • evidence you have enough money to support yourself and your family
  • notarised landlord declaration
  • copy of your property deed or rental agreement in Bulgaria

Work permit (for posted workers)

You can apply for this work permit if you’re in Bulgaria for up to 1 year because you’re:

  • transferring from a UK-based company to a branch in Bulgaria
  • providing services to a client in Bulgaria for a UK employer

To qualify you must:

  • meet minimum salary requirements – you need to check the required amount with the Bulgarian authorities as it may change over time
  • have educational or professional experience relevant to the position
  • keep your UK employment
  • stay on UK payroll

This work permit can take between 16 to 18 weeks to get. It’s valid for the duration of the assignment for up to 1 year. You cannot extend it.

If you have a spouse or children under 18, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Bulgaria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer submits a work permit application to Bulgaria’s Employment Agency.

  2. You apply for a national D visa at the Bulgarian consulate or embassy.

  3. You apply for a residence permit at your local immigration office once you arrive in Bulgaria. You can start working legally in Bulgaria once you have your residence permit.

  4. Your employer submits a ‘posting declaration’ to the General Labour Inspectorate at least 1 day before you start work.

  5. Your accommodation provider registers you as a tenant with the local authorities.

Application documents

Bulgaria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed permit application form – the forms differ by Migration Directorate (local authority)
  • UK passport with 2 blank pages, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
  • 3 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
  • police clearance certificate
  • letter from the Bulgarian company explaining why you need the work permit
  • diploma and transcript of records or other qualification certificate relevant to the job
  • detailed job description
  • signed UK employment contract
  • signed assignment agreement with your UK employer
  • declaration of compliance with Bulgarian labour laws
  • list of non-Bulgarian employees working for the Bulgarian company
  • company registration certificate for the UK company
  • confirmation letter issued by your UK employer stating the terms and conditions of your assignment
  • copy of service contract between your UK employer and the Bulgarian company justifying your assignment
  • marriage certificate, if applying with family
  • birth certificates of any children, if applying with family
  • comprehensive health insurance cover in Bulgaria for you and any dependants
  • evidence you have enough money to support yourself
  • notarised landlord declaration
  • copy of your property deed or rental agreement in Bulgaria

Working for a company in Bulgaria on a long-term Bulgarian contract

You need one of these long-term permits if you want to work for a company in Bulgaria on a Bulgarian contract:

EU Blue Card

You qualify for an EU Blue Card if you:

  • have an employment contract with a company in Bulgaria for at least 1 year
  • are being placed on Bulgarian payroll
  • earned at least 1.5 times more than the average salary in Bulgaria in the past year
  • have a 3-year bachelor’s level degree relevant to the position from an accredited university or 5 years of relevant professional experience

An EU Blue Card can take up to 10 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to5 years. You can extend it for another 5 years. This permit type can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a spouse or children under 18, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Bulgaria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer submits a work permit application to the Migration Directorate (local authority).

  2. You apply for a national D visa at the Bulgarian consulate or embassy.

  3. You apply for a residence permit at your local immigration office once you arrive in Bulgaria. You can start working legally in Bulgaria once you have your residence permit.

  4. Your accommodation provider registers you as a tenant with the local authorities.

Application documents

Bulgaria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed permit application form – the forms differ by Migration Directorate
  • UK passport with 2 blank pages, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
  • 1 colour passport photo (35mm x 45mm)
  • police clearance certificate
  • bachelor’s degree and transcript of records or any certificate relevant to the job
  • CV
  • detailed job description
  • signed employment contract with a Bulgarian company
  • letter confirming you meet the relevant requirements to carry out a regulated profession in Bulgaria, if applicable
  • letter from the Bulgarian company explaining why you need the EU Blue card
  • declaration of compliance with Bulgarian labour laws
  • marriage certificate, if applying with family
  • birth certificates of any children, if applying with family
  • health insurance cover valid at the time of filing your application
  • notarised landlord declaration
  • copy of your property deed or rental agreement in Bulgaria
  • evidence you have enough money to support yourself

Single residence and work permit

To qualify for this work and residence permit you must:

  • have an employment contract with a company in Bulgaria
  • be on Bulgarian payroll
  • meet minimum salary requirements – you need to check the required amount with the Bulgarian authorities as it may change over time
  • have education or professional experience relevant to the position

A single residence and work permit can take between 8 to 10 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years.

If you have a spouse or children under 18, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Bulgaria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer carries out a labour market test to prove that they have not been able to fill the position locally.

  2. Your employer submits a work permit application to the Bulgarian Migration Directorate (local authority).

  3. You apply for a national D visa at the Bulgarian consulate or embassy.

  4. You apply for a residence permit at your local immigration office once you arrive in Bulgaria. You can start working legally in Bulgaria once you have your residence permit.

  5. Your accommodation provider registers you as a tenant with the local authorities.

Application documents

Bulgaria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed permit application form – the forms differ by Migration Directorate
  • UK passport with 2 blank pages, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
  • 2 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
  • police clearance certificate
  • proof of labour market test
  • diploma and transcript of records or degree certificate relevant to the job
  • CV
  • signed employment contract with the Bulgarian company
  • detailed job description
  • written explanation from the Bulgarian company stating why they need to hire you
  • letter confirming you meet the relevant requirements to carry out a regulated profession in Bulgaria, if applicable
  • list of Bulgarian nationals and non-Bulgarians working for the Bulgarian company with equal rights and employment conditions, according to Bulgarian law
  • declaration of compliance with Bulgarian labour laws
  • marriage certificate, if applying with family
  • birth certificates of any children, if applying with family
  • comprehensive health insurance cover in Bulgaria for you and any dependants
  • notarised landlord declaration
  • copy of your property deed or rental agreement in Bulgaria
  • evidence you have enough money to support yourself

Self-employed (freelance) work

You need a permit for carrying out freelance activities if you want to carry out self-employed work or set up a business in Bulgaria.

To qualify you must:

  • prove that your business is economically viable
  • be able to show that you can support yourself financially
  • be able to speak Bulgarian

A freelance permit can take between 12 to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it. This permit type can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a spouse or children under 18, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Bulgaria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You apply for a self-employment permit from the central administration of the Employment Agency.

  2. You apply for a national D visa at the Bulgarian consulate or embassy.

  3. You apply for a residence permit at your local immigration office once you arrive in Bulgaria. You can start working legally in Bulgaria once you have your residence permit.

  4. Your accommodation provider registers you as a tenant with the local authorities.

Application documents

Bulgaria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed permit application form – the forms differ by Migration Directorate (local authority)
  • UK passport with 2 blank pages, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
  • 3 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
  • police clearance certificate
  • business plan
  • proof you have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in your trade
  • proof you have enough money to support yourself
  • proof of your trade, such as a professional licence that meets Bulgarian standards, if application
  • proof of Bulgarian language proficiency (minimum level B1)
  • marriage certificate, if applying with family
  • birth certificates of any children, if applying with family
  • comprehensive health insurance cover in Bulgaria for you and any dependants
  • notarised landlord confirmation
  • copy of your property deed or rental agreement in Bulgaria

Research work

To qualify for a residence permit for research you must have an employment offer from a recognised research institution in Bulgaria. You must have:

  • a hosting agreement to work on a research project under the provisions of the Scientific Research Promotion Act
  • at least a master’s degree

A researcher permit can take between 9 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for the term of the hosting agreement and you can extend it. This permit type can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a spouse or children under 18, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Bulgaria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You apply for a national D visa at the Bulgarian consulate or embassy.

  2. You apply for a residence permit at your local immigration office once you arrive in Bulgaria. You can start working legally in Bulgaria once you have your residence permit.

  3. Your accommodation provider registers you as a tenant with the local authorities.

Application documents

Bulgaria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed permit application form – the forms differ by Migration Directorate (local authority)
  • UK passport with 2 blank pages, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
  • 1 colour passport photo (35mm x 45mm)
  • hosting agreement with a Bulgarian research institution
  • police clearance certificate
  • marriage certificate, if applying with family
  • birth certificates of any children, if applying with family
  • comprehensive health insurance cover in Bulgaria for you and any dependants
  • notarised landlord confirmation
  • copy of your property deed or rental agreement in Bulgaria
  • evidence you have enough money to support yourself

Bulgarian government guidance

Read official Bulgarian government information on visas, work permits and residence.

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check foreign travel advice for Bulgaria, for updates on issues such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

Published 14 June 2021
Last updated 15 April 2024 + show all updates

  1. Legislation updates were made to the Short and long-term visas and permits section and EU Blue card section

  2. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 11 September 2023.)

  3. Changed how long it can take to get an EU ICT  from between 12 to 16 weeks to between 10 to 12 weeks. Changed how long it can take to get an EU blue card from between 8 to 10 weeks to between 10 to 12 weeks. Changed length of time you can extend EU blue card from 4 to 5 years. Changed how long it can take to get a single residence and work permit from between 16 to 20 weeks to between 8 to 10 weeks. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 21 July 2023).

  4. Updated guidance on the EU Blue Card. You're now eligible if you have a 3-year bachelor’s level degree or 5 years of relevant professional experience. A card takes 8 to 10 weeks to get and is valid for up to 5 years. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 22 March 2023).

  5. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 9 January 2023).

  6. Added details of the employer 'posting declaration' requirement for short-term employment and assignments. Added language requirement for the self-employment permit. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.

  7. Content reviewed. No changes made. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.

  8. Amend to visa-free limit information, to make clearer.

  9. First published.

Contents

Related content