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Long-stay visas (Type D)

Bulgarian Single Residence and Work Permit

A combined work-and-residence permit for non-EU nationals hired by a Bulgarian employer under a local labour contract, covering both the right to live and to work in one document.

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Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Bulgaria government website before you apply.
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Issued by
National Employment Agency (labour decision) + Migration Directorate, MVR (residence card)
Who applies
The Bulgarian employer initiates the process
Typical duration
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
Labour-market test
Employer must show the post cannot be filled locally
A cap applies on the share of an employer's staff who may be work-permit holders
Route to long-term residence
Counts toward the 5 years of continuous residence needed for long-term/permanent status

Who it's for

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with a concrete job offer from a Bulgarian-registered employer
  • Roles that do not meet the higher-skill and salary bar of the EU Blue Card
  • Employers who need to sponsor a specific foreign hire for a specific position

Requirements

  • A signed employment contract or binding job offer with a Bulgarian-registered employer
  • Employer evidence that the vacancy could not be filled from the local/EU labour market
  • The employer's foreign-worker headcount stays within the statutory limit
  • Valid passport and, where required, professional qualifications for the role
  • Health insurance and proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
  • Clean criminal record certificate

What you can do

  • Live in Bulgaria and work legally for the sponsoring employer in the authorised position
  • Renew annually while the employment continues
  • Accumulate residence time toward EU long-term / permanent residence
  • Bring family members via family reunification once you hold the permit

How to apply

The employer submits the single-permit application to the National Employment Agency, which assesses the labour-market conditions together with the Migration Directorate.

Once a positive decision is issued, the worker applies for a type 'D' long-stay visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence.

After entering Bulgaria, the worker applies in person at the regional Migration Directorate (ODMVR) to have biometrics taken and a residence card issued, then renews before expiry.

Documents

  • Valid passport (with the type 'D' visa once issued)
  • Employment contract / binding job offer
  • Employer's application and labour-market justification
  • Proof of qualifications for the role where required
  • Health insurance valid in Bulgaria
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Criminal record certificate
  • Completed application forms and fee payment

Frequently asked questions

  • The permit is tied to a specific employer and job, so moving to a new employer generally requires a fresh authorisation rather than a simple transfer.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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