Bulgaria Work Visa Requirements
A work visa by definition is where an individual is required to obtain authorisation in order to undertake employment in a country where they would not normally be eligible to work in. The approval and issue of a work visa must come from the relevant authority in the country he/she intends to work in (typically the Governmental immigration department or the Ministry of Labour and Social affairs). Generally a work visa will be in the form a standard document or a stamp in your passport. It must be noted that some individuals are not required to obtain a work visa. Generally all jurisdictions with reciprocal treaty agreements do not stipulate that an individual must obtain a work visa for undertaking employment in those countries. Each jurisdiction will lay down conditions which need to be satisfied in order to be approved a work visa.
Bulgaria Work Visa
Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007, since their membership, work and residency visa requirements have been reformed to meet EU standards making it a more accessible country for foreign nationals to reside in Bulgaria.
If you are a foreign national you are legally required to apply for and obtain a valid work permit (also known as an NEA work permit) in order to legitimately work in Bulgaria. The sponsor company (employer) in Bulgaria will apply for a work permit on behalf of the applicant to the Bulgarian Employment Agency. The sponsor company is legally required to register European nationals and foreign nationals at the National Revenue Agency within 3 days from when the applicant commences employment with them, regardless of whether the applicant is required to obtain a work permit or not.
Bulgaria Long Stay Visa
To qualify for a work permit in Bulgaria you must first obtain a ‘long-stay’ visa. There are two types of entry visas for Bulgaria; ‘long stay’ and ‘short stay’. Holders of a short stay visa are not eligible to seek employment in Bulgaria
Applying for a Bulgaria Work Permit requires the submission of certain documents;
- Copy of your employment contract
- Documentation detailing certain activities of a Bulgaria business trip
- Valid passport
- Passport photos
- Certified document evidencing your long stay visa
- Relevant medical report demonstrating applicants good health
Categories of individuals eligible to apply for a Bulgaria work visa are;
- Employed
- Self employed
- Commissioned work
Only individuals who have specialized skills and knowledge can apply for a Bulgaria Work Visa.
Validity of a Bulgaria Work Permit
The maximum period of validity for a Bulgarian work permit is 1 year which can be renewed thereafter for a further 3 years. Renewal of the work permit is subject to all the standard legal conditions being satisfied by the applicant during his 1st year of residency and employment in Bulgaria.
Individuals who do not require a work permit include:
- Managers of companies of foreign legal entities
- Members of the board of directors of local companies who are not employed on a labour contract
- Trade representatives of foreign companies registered at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Foreign nationals who have a permanent residence in Bulgaria
- Individuals who are sent to Bulgaria on a business trip
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