Immigration Law
Residence and work permits in Bulgaria for third-country nationals — all legal grounds under Bulgarian and European legislation.
Immigration law is the leading specialisation of Global Lex Consulting. We have extensive experience in conducting immigration procedures for third-country nationals wishing to reside, work or do business in Bulgaria.
We have completed hundreds of immigration procedures on all legal grounds provided under the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria and applicable European legislation — including temporary and permanent residence permits, single permit for residence and work, EU Blue Card, residence permits for investors, property owners and family members of Bulgarian citizens.
We advise clients on the optimal legal ground for their specific situation and accompany them throughout the entire process — from document preparation to receipt of the permit.
What our work includes
- Temporary residence permit on all legal grounds
- Permanent residence permit
- Single permit for residence and work
- EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals
- Residence permit for investors
- Residence permit for property owners
- Family reunification with third-country nationals
- Residence as a family member of a Bulgarian citizen
- Residence based on a commercial representation of a foreign company
- Residence based on being a manager of a commercial company
- Residence as a student
- Immigration planning consultations and choice of legal ground
Do you have a question or need legal assistance in this area?
Book a consultationFrequently Asked Questions
- What are the main residence grounds for non-EU nationals in Bulgaria?
- The main grounds are: long-term residence (trade representative, manager of a company with more than 10 staff, property owner, digital nomad, student, pensioner, or family member of a Bulgarian citizen or of a foreigner holding a residence permit), permanent residence (5 years of long-term residence, investment in Bulgaria, Bulgarian origin, etc.), and residence and work — a work visa for a term of 3 or 5 years, subject to a valid employment contract and depending on the foreign national's education.
- How long does a Bulgarian residence permit application take?
- The long-term residence permit procedure takes 14 days for review by the Migration Directorate. The permanent residence permit procedure takes 2 months for review. Both procedures require a type D visa to be obtained in advance from a Bulgarian diplomatic mission abroad, which takes a further 2 to 7 weeks. The residence-and-work procedure takes 3 to 6 months.
- Can a foreigner establish a company in Bulgaria and obtain residence on this ground?
- Yes. A foreigner registered as the manager of a commercial company in Bulgaria may apply for a long-term residence permit on the ground of "manager." The company must meet certain conditions — having hired staff or a minimum capital — depending on the applicable legal ground.
- What happens if the residence permit application is refused?
- In case of refusal, there is a right of administrative appeal to the superior authority within a 14-day period, and if the refusal is upheld, a right of judicial appeal before the administrative court. The firm assists with the appeal and with assessing alternative grounds for residence.
- How can I get legal help with immigration law in Bulgaria?
- Contact us at +359 886 459 935 or Office.GlobalLexConsulting@proton.me. We offer a free initial consultation on your case.
Do you need legal assistance?
Contact us for a free initial consultation on your case.
Book a consultation