Skills shortages are leading more and more Bulgarian companies to recruit outside the European Union. The EU Blue Card is the most suitable tool for hiring highly qualified employees, and the amendments to the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, in force since 1 July 2025, brought the national regime closer to Directive (EU) 2021/1883.
Key requirements
- Qualification — higher education or, in certain cases, proven professional experience relevant to the position;
- Employment contract — for highly qualified employment, with the minimum duration set by law;
- Salary — not lower than the statutory threshold linked to the national average gross salary, which is updated periodically;
- Documents — diplomas, recognised or accompanied by a certificate where required, passport, health insurance and accommodation.
Stages of the procedure
The process usually involves preparing documents by the employer and the employee, an opinion from the Employment Agency, a decision by the Migration Directorate, a type D visa (where the employee is outside Bulgaria) and collection of the card after arrival. A realistic timeframe is several months, so planning should start early.
Advantages over the single permit
Unlike the general regime, a labour market test is, as a rule, not required for a Blue Card. Holders benefit from more favourable conditions for changing employer after an initial period, for family reunification and for mobility within the EU.
Common mistakes
- A salary that no longer meets the requirement after the threshold is updated;
- A mismatch between the position in the employment contract and the candidate's qualifications;
- Incomplete or non-legalised documents from the country of origin;
- Starting work before the permit is issued.
How we can help
SM Legal combines immigration and employment law expertise and handles the entire process — from the eligibility assessment and employment contract to filing the application, liaising with the authorities and subsequent renewal. Because thresholds and administrative practice change periodically, we recommend an individual consultation before starting the procedure.
This publication is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on a specific matter, please contact us.
Sylvia Marushkina — Attorney-at-law, Founder of SM Legal