The EU Blue Card is one of the most attractive residence and work permits in the European Union for highly qualified specialists from third countries. Unlike the standard single permit, it does not require a labour market test — the employer is not obliged to prove that they searched for a candidate among Bulgarian or EU nationals. The card is issued for a period of up to five years.
In Bulgaria the regime is governed by the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria. The procedure is conducted before the Migration Directorate and includes approval from the Employment Agency. A minimum 24-month employment contract is required, along with a gross monthly salary of at least 1.5 times the national average. This article covers the full eligibility requirements, the documents needed, the stages of the procedure, and the rights the Blue Card confers.
Who may apply
A non-EU national may apply for an EU Blue Card if they:
- hold a higher education diploma or can demonstrate five years of professional experience at a comparable level;
- have a concluded employment contract or a firm job offer in Bulgaria for a period of no less than 24 months;
- will receive gross remuneration of no less than 1.5 times the national average gross salary.
Procedure
Stage 1 — labour market access permit. The employer submits a set of documents to the Migration Directorate, which forwards them to the Employment Agency and DANS (State Agency for National Security) for their opinion. Once a positive opinion has been received from both agencies, the applicant is granted a labour market access permit.
Stage 2 — Visa D. On the basis of the issued permit the applicant attends an interview at a Bulgarian consulate, and upon successfully completing it, receives a type D visa.
Stage 3 — EU Blue Card. After entering Bulgaria the procedure is concluded before the Migration Directorate, which issues a residence and work permit of type "EU Blue Card" within three working days.
Advantages over the standard single permit
- Foreign employees may make up more than 35% of the workforce — unlike the single permit, where their number is capped.
- No labour market test is required — the employer does not need to prove they searched for a suitable candidate among the local workforce before hiring the third-country specialist.
- Easier labour market access — after 12 months of lawful residence in Bulgaria the holder may change employer through a simplified procedure.
- Family reunification — family members receive a residence permit for the duration of the Blue Card.
How we can help
We prepare the document package for the employer and the applicant, advise on salary thresholds and qualification requirements, and handle all communication with the relevant authorities. Contact us for an assessment of your specific case.
Related articles
Cases from practice
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the EU Blue Card and who can obtain it?
- The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified third-country nationals. It requires a higher education degree (or 5 years of equivalent experience) and an employment contract with an annual salary of at least 1.5 times the average salary in Bulgaria.
- What is the difference between an EU Blue Card and a single permit?
- The Blue Card targets highly qualified professionals with a higher minimum salary threshold but grants broader rights — after 18 months it allows EU mobility (working in another member state). The single permit is more accessible but without this mobility.
- Can an EU Blue Card holder bring family to Bulgaria?
- Yes. Family reunification for Blue Card holders follows a simplified procedure — the mandatory one-year waiting period that applies to standard residence permits does not apply.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The law changes — for a current and binding assessment of your situation, please contact us.
Do you have a question or need legal assistance on this topic?
Book a consultation