Bulgaria offers two primary types of work visas:
1. Visa for Short-Term Work – Valid for employment lasting up to 3 months.
2. Type D Visa – Designed for long-term employment.
Procedure for Obtaining a Work Visa in Bulgaria
To secure a work visa, follow these steps:
1. Obtain a Work Permit from the Bulgarian Employment Agency
Your Bulgarian employer must secure a work permit on your behalf. This involves confirming the lack of suitable Bulgarian or EU candidates, analyzing the labor market, and ensuring compliance with employment laws.
Required documents for the work permit:
- Application form
- Private health insurance in Bulgaria
- Medical insurance from your home country
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Explanation letter for the request
- Employment contract
- Passport valid for at least 7 months and passport-size photos
- Employer’s registration documents
- Proof of education, skills, and work experience
- Employee count report from the employer
- Additional work-related documents
2. Prepare Documents for the Visa Application
Once the work permit is approved, compile the following for your visa application:
- Biometric passport
- Signed employment contract
- Work permit
- Visa application form
- Medical insurance (minimum 6 months)
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Housing rental agreement or proof of property ownership
3. Complete the Visa Application Form
Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
4. Schedule an Appointment
Book a visit to the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate.
5. Attend the Appointment
Bring all required documents to the scheduled meeting.
6. Pay the Visa Fee
The application fee is €120.
7. Await Approval
Visa processing typically takes 15 business days but may extend to 30 days or more.
Following these steps will help streamline the process of obtaining a Bulgarian work visa.