Work permit in Bulgaria
19 Sep 2016webmaster
Work permit in Bulgaria is almost mission impossible. One of the grounds to obtain residency in Bulgaria is if you have a work permit. Is not enough to have just a job offer, but to pass trough a very long process that many times is almost not achievable.
Who can apply?
You cannot apply for a work permit yourself, but your employer has to take the lead in this process. The employee is a simple observer who provides information and documents for the employer. A number of legal terms and conditions must be met for the permit to be issued. One of them is not to have any other Bulgarians in line for that position. One very important requirement is that the employee must be out of the country during the procedure.
How long is the permit valid?
Work permits are issued for a maximum period of 1 year. The employer can extend the total duration, but it cannot exceed 3 years.
What happens if I lose my job? Do I keep the work permit?
The work permit is given for the specific job and if you are fired or dismissed you lose the work permit.
If I find a local employer who can hire me without a work permit, am I safe?
Bulgarian employers must report signed labor contracts with foreigners and European citizens at the National Revenue Agency within 3 days from their signing. The employer is taking a big risk if he/she hires you without a work permit.
I am an EU country citizen. What do I do?
You don’t need work permit, you can be employed, self-employed or commissioned to a business trip and may work in Bulgaria without restrictions and without the need of work permits.
Is there some other way to work in Bulgaria without a work permit?
If you have a long-term residency, you may work with a civil contract for a certain job. You also can register a Bulgarian company and be a subcontractor.
In conclusion, if you want to live in Bulgaria, try to find another way to obtain a long-term residency. Try with business visa, investment or some other legal way, but work permit is the hardest way.
Various sources were used in the making of this article.