(consolidated version as of State Gazette No. 52 of 27 June 2025)
The Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act was originally promulgated in the State Gazette of the Republic of Bulgaria (Bulgarian: Държавен вестник, hereinafter referred to as the State Gazette or SG)
Issue No. 153 of 23 December 1998.
The Act entered into force on 1 January 2000, unless specific provisions provided otherwise.
Last amended and supplemented:
18 June 2025, promulgated in State Gazette No. 52 of 27 June 2025,
effective as of 30 June 2025.
The State Gazette of the Republic of Bulgaria is the official publication of Bulgarian legislation.
Only legal acts published in the State Gazette acquire binding legal force.
All laws, amendments, supplements, repeals, transitional and final provisions become legally effective solely through promulgation in the State Gazette, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Since its initial promulgation, the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act has been amended and supplemented numerous times.
Below is a consolidated overview of all revisions as officially published in the State Gazette.
Each amendment enters into force:
Amended and supplemented — State Gazette No. 52 of 27 June 2025 — effective as of 30 June 2025.
The Act has been amended and/or supplemented in the following issues of the State Gazette:
The Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act is a dynamic legislative instrument regulating:
Since its promulgation, the Act has been regularly updated, reflecting:
Application of the Act always requires reference to the latest consolidated version.
This English translation is based on the Act amending and supplementing the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, promulgated in State Gazette No. 52 of 27 June 2025, issued pursuant to Decree No. 101 of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria dated 23 June 2025, adopted by the 51st National Assembly on 18 June 2025, and effective as of 30 June 2025.
This translation of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act has been prepared by the legal professionals of BSLC for informational purposes only, with the aim of facilitating access to Bulgarian legislation for English-speaking readers.
Although prepared with due professional care, this translation is not official and has no legal force, and BSLC (or its members or employees) carries NO responsibility, should any of the below information be used for any purposes other than informatory.
Only the Bulgarian-language text published in the State Gazette constitutes the legally binding version of the Act.
For legally binding interpretation and application, consultation with a qualified lawyer and reference to the official State Gazette are strongly recommended.
(amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) This Act lays down the conditions and procedure under which foreigners may enter, reside in, and leave the Republic of Bulgaria.
(2) This Act shall also apply to family members of a Bulgarian citizen who are not nationals of a Member State of the European Union, or of a state that is a party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, or of the Swiss Confederation.
(3) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; amended – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
The conditions and procedure under which nationals of other Member States of the European Union and their family members, as well as nationals of states that are parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area and of the Swiss Confederation and their family members, enter, reside in, and leave the Republic of Bulgaria shall be determined by the Act on the Entry, Residence and Exit of the Republic of Bulgaria of Citizens of the European Union and Members of Their Families.
(amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (amended – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009)
For the purposes of this Act, a foreigner is any person who is not a Bulgarian citizen.
(2) (new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
A foreigner shall also be a stateless person, namely a person who is not considered a national by any state under its legislation.
(3) (new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
Family members of a foreigner are persons who live with him/her in a single household and are:
(4) (new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013)
Family members shall also include children of the foreigner or of his/her spouse who have reached the age of 18 and are unmarried, where serious health reasons require personal care for them or, due to such reasons, they are objectively unable to provide for their own maintenance.
(5) (new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
Where the foreigner already has a spouse residing with him/her on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, family reunification with another spouse shall not be permitted.
(6) (former paragraph 2 – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013; supplemented – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
For the purposes of this Act, family members of a Bulgarian citizen are persons who live with him/her in a single household and are:
(1) Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria shall have all rights and obligations under Bulgarian law and the ratified international treaties to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party, except for those rights and obligations for which Bulgarian citizenship is required.
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
With regard to foreigners accredited as members of foreign diplomatic and consular missions, as well as missions of international organizations in the Republic of Bulgaria that enjoy immunities and privileges, the generally recognized norms of international diplomatic and consular law and the international treaties to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party shall apply.
Foreigners residing in the Republic of Bulgaria shall be obliged to comply with the laws and the established legal order, to be loyal to the Bulgarian state, and not to undermine the prestige and dignity of the Bulgarian people.
(repealed – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Foreigners who are present in territory under the sovereignty of the Republic of Bulgaria shall bear civil, administrative, and criminal liability in the same manner as Bulgarian citizens, unless a special law, an international treaty, or the norms of customary international law provide otherwise.
(amended – State Gazette No. 54 of 2002, effective as of 01.12.2002; amended – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013; amended – State Gazette No. 80 of 2015, effective as of 16.10.2015)
The conditions and procedure for granting protection to foreigners on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria shall be determined by a special law.
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017, effective as of 06.06.2018)
Unaccompanied minors and juveniles shall be represented in proceedings under this Act by the Social Assistance Directorate at their place of residence.
(new – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
(1) The right of residence of foreign children under 18 years of age shall be granted upon the joint consent of the parents. Where such joint consent is lacking, the dispute between them shall be resolved by the district court at the child’s place of residence.
(2) Court proceedings under paragraph (1) shall be initiated upon an application by one of the parents. The court shall hear the other parent unless he/she fails to appear without valid reasons. The court may also collect evidence ex officio.
(3) In the cases under paragraph (2), in each proceeding the court shall notify the Social Assistance Directorate at the child’s place of residence, and the provisions of the Civil Procedure Code regarding notification shall apply.
(4) The Social Assistance Directorate shall provide an opinion to the court containing:
(5) The court shall issue a decision replacing the missing consent of one of the parents or shall dismiss the request. The court may allow preliminary enforcement of its decision. The court decision shall be subject to appeal in accordance with the Civil Procedure Code.
(6) Where proceedings for granting the right of residence have been initiated, such proceedings shall be suspended until the court issues a final decision on the application under paragraph (2).
(7) After receipt of the final court decision, the Migration Directorate and the Migration departments/sections/groups at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall decide on granting the right of residence, carrying out an ex officio check of the other documents and circumstances related to the child’s legal status.
(title amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; amended – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
A foreigner may enter the Republic of Bulgaria if he/she holds a valid passport or a substitute travel document, as well as a visa or travel authorization where such is required.
(2) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
A visa shall not be required where this is provided for in Council Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, in other binding EU acts, in an international treaty to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party, or in an act of the Council of Ministers.
(3) (amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
A visa shall also not be required where the foreigner holds a valid long-term, long-stay, or permanent residence permit issued by a Member State.
(4) (new – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
No visa, work permit, or other authorization shall be required, except for an “EU Blue Card”, where a foreigner holding a valid “EU Blue Card” issued by a Member State of the European Union that fully applies the Schengen acquis enters and resides in the Republic of Bulgaria.
(5) (new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; former paragraph 4 – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
Following acceptance and approval of an application for family reunification, visas shall be issued to the family members under a facilitated procedure under conditions and in accordance with a procedure determined by an act of the Council of Ministers.
(new – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
A foreigner who is a family member of a Bulgarian citizen may enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria with a passport, as well as with a visa or travel authorization where such are required. The visa shall be issued under conditions and in accordance with a procedure determined by the Council of Ministers, without payment of fees for the processing of documents and issuance of the visa.
(2) A visa shall not be required where a foreigner, being a family member of a Bulgarian citizen, holds a residence card of a family member of a citizen of the European Union issued in:
(3) (repealed – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(4) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; amended – State Gazette No. 77 of 2018, effective as of 01.01.2019)
Border control authorities shall refuse entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria to a person who claims the status of a family member of a Bulgarian citizen but has failed, within a reasonable period, to certify this status with a document under paragraph (2) or with another duly issued document. The refusal shall be reasoned and shall be subject to appeal under Article 46.
(amended – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
A visa is an authorization for entry and residence or for airport transit.
(new – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (repealed – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(2) The types of visas are:
(3) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 103 of 2009; repealed – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(4) (repealed – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(5) (new – State Gazette No. 103 of 2009; repealed – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(new – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
A visa shall be issued by personalization of a visa sticker in accordance with the European Union model.
(2) The data entered on the visa sticker may not be altered.
(new – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
The visa sticker shall be affixed in a valid passport or in a substitute valid travel document recognized by the Republic of Bulgaria.
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Where the foreigner holds a passport or substitute travel document that is not recognized by the Republic of Bulgaria, the visa sticker may be affixed on a visa form of a uniform European Union model approved by an act of the Council of Ministers.
(3) (amended – State Gazette No. 93 of 2009, effective as of 25.12.2009; supplemented – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Transport and Communications, shall maintain and update a list of travel documents for foreign travel issued by states, international organizations, and other subjects of international public law in which a visa sticker may be affixed and which grant the foreigner the right to enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The conditions and procedure for coordination of the national position of the Republic of Bulgaria regarding the recognition or non-recognition of travel documents shall be determined by an act of the Council of Ministers.
(4) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
The conditions and procedure for printing, storage, affixing, annulment, scrapping, and destruction of visa stickers and visa forms shall be determined by an act of the Council of Ministers.
(new – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(1) Authorized officials designated by the head of the respective structure within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of Bulgaria abroad, and in the border control authorities may take decisions on the issuance, refusal to issue, annulment, and revocation of visas, and in the services for administrative control of foreigners – on annulment and revocation of visas, under the conditions and in accordance with the procedure determined by the ordinance under Article 9e(1).
(2) In compliance with the procedure established in the Act on International Treaties of the Republic of Bulgaria, bilateral and multilateral agreements for representation for the acceptance and processing of applications for visa issuance and for the exchange of personal data in this connection may be concluded.
(3) The Minister of Foreign Affairs or an official authorized by him/her may conclude a cooperation agreement with an external service provider for representation for the acceptance and processing of applications for visa issuance and processing of personal data, in compliance with the provisions on personal data protection, under the conditions and in accordance with the procedure determined by the ordinance under Article 9e(1).
(4) Diplomatic and consular missions may cooperate with commercial intermediaries on the basis of accreditation granted under the conditions and in accordance with the procedure determined by the ordinance under Article 9e(1), for the acceptance and processing of applications for visa issuance, except for the collection of biometric data.
(new – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; amended – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013)
(1) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
The conditions and procedure for issuance, refusal to issue, annulment, and revocation of visas, and for determining the visa regime, shall be determined by an ordinance of the Council of Ministers.
(2) The conditions and procedure for coordination of applications for visa issuance shall be determined by an instruction of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Interior, and the Chairperson of the State Agency for National Security.
(new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(1) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
For the issuance of a visa, the applicant shall submit a completed and signed application form, to which documents proving the purpose of travel shall be attached.
The visa application may also be submitted electronically through an electronically completed application form signed with a qualified electronic signature.
The application form models shall be determined by the ordinance under Article 9e(1).
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
The deadlines for submission of visa applications shall be determined by the ordinance under Article 9e(1).
(3) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Upon submission of the visa application, personal data, including biometric data, shall be collected and processed.
The procedure for data collection shall be determined by the ordinance under Article 9e(1).
(4) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
The following applicants shall be exempt from the requirement to provide fingerprints when submitting applications for airport transit visas and short-term residence visas:
(5) (new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
The following shall be exempt from the requirement to provide fingerprints when submitting applications for long-stay residence visas:
(6) (former paragraph 5; amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; supplemented – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
In addition to the competent visa-issuing authorities, data from the Visa Information System may be used for the purposes of border control, the performance of tasks of the central and national units of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), administrative control of foreigners, the granting of asylum, as well as by authorized competent national authorities of the Republic of Bulgaria or of another Member State of the European Union, for the prevention, detection, and investigation of terrorist acts and crimes referred to in Article 36(1) of the Extradition and European Arrest Warrant Act.
The procedure for access to the data shall be determined by an act of the Council of Ministers.
(7) (new – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013; former paragraph 6; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
The rules for operation of the Visa Information System shall be determined by an instruction of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
(new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(1) Where the visa applicant has not presented a valid passport or substitute valid travel document, or has refused the collection of biometric data, or the visa fee has not been paid, the application for visa issuance shall be inadmissible.
(2) In the cases under paragraph (1), the diplomatic or consular mission shall immediately return the application, the paid visa fee, and the documents attached to the application, and shall destroy the collected biometric data.
(3) Before taking a decision on a visa application, the authorized officials shall have the right to request additional data and documents from visa applicants to substantiate credibly the declared purpose of travel and shall be obliged to carry out the necessary checks of the declared data.
(4) By way of exception, where the requirements under paragraph (1) have not been fulfilled, the application may be accepted as admissible where humanitarian reasons exist or where this is required by the state interest.
(5) An accepted visa application and the attached documents certifying the purpose of travel shall not give rise to an obligation to issue a visa.
(new – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
(1) A travel authorization shall be issued in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 September 2018 establishing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and amending Regulations (EU) No. 1077/2011, (EU) No. 515/2014, (EU) 2016/399, (EU) 2016/1624 and (EU) 2017/2226 (OJ, L 236/1 of 19 September 2018), hereinafter referred to as “Regulation (EU) 2018/1240”.
(2) A travel authorization shall be issued to:
(3) A travel authorization shall not be issued to foreigners referred to in Article 2(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240.
(new – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
(1) Where the Republic of Bulgaria has been designated under Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 as the competent Member State for processing an application for issuance of a travel authorization, the examination of the application shall be carried out by the International Operational Cooperation Directorate of the Ministry of Interior.
(2) The Director of the International Operational Cooperation Directorate or officials authorized by him/her shall take decisions on issuance, refusal, revocation, or withdrawal of a travel authorization under the conditions and in accordance with the procedure of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240.
(3) In accordance with Article 25a(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, for the purposes of examining an application for issuance of a travel authorization, the Director of the International Operational Cooperation Directorate or officials authorized by him/her may obtain electronically from the Central Criminal Records Bureau criminal record information on foreigners for the offences referred to in the Annex to Article 17(4)(a) of the Regulation.
(4) Refusal, revocation, or withdrawal of a travel authorization shall be issued in a standard form adopted by the European Commission and may be appealed before the Administrative Court – Sofia City under the conditions and in accordance with the procedure of the Administrative Procedure Code.
(5) A travel authorization with limited territorial validity may be issued for humanitarian reasons or where this is required by the state interest or the fulfilment of international obligations, where the application has been accepted as admissible but the processing procedure under Article 26 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 has not yet been completed, or where grounds exist for refusal, revocation, or withdrawal of the authorization.
(6) Travel authorizations issued under paragraph (5) shall be valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or on the territories of other Member States where agreement has been reached for this in accordance with Article 44 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240.
(new – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
(1) In addition to the International Operational Cooperation Directorate, access to the ETIAS information system shall be granted to:
(2) Access to the ETIAS information system through the International Operational Cooperation Directorate for the prevention, detection, and investigation of terrorist and other serious crimes referred to in Article 36(3) of the Extradition and European Arrest Warrant Act shall be granted to:
(3) Access to the ETIAS information system shall be granted by the International Operational Cooperation Directorate under the conditions and in accordance with the procedure of Articles 51 and 52 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, on the basis of a reasoned request by officials authorized by the heads of the structures under paragraph (2), submitted in written or electronic form.
(4) In urgent cases where it is necessary to prevent an immediate danger to a person’s life related to a terrorist or other serious crime, the International Operational Cooperation Directorate shall process the request immediately, and verification of the conditions under Article 52 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 shall be carried out within seven days after receipt of the request.
(5) The authorities under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall adopt and apply internal rules for effective control over authorized persons with access rights to the ETIAS information system.
(6) The International Operational Cooperation Directorate, the General Directorate “Border Police”, and the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall maintain, in accordance with the requirements of Article 69(3) and (4) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, registers of officials duly authorized to enter and retrieve data from the ETIAS information system.
(7) The International Operational Cooperation Directorate shall record, in accordance with the requirements of Article 70 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, all data processing operations carried out on the basis of requests for access to the ETIAS information system.
(new – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
(1) Upon entry into and exit from the Republic of Bulgaria, the border control authorities shall enter into the Entry/Exit System (EES), in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2017 establishing an Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering entry and exit data and refusal of entry data of third-country nationals crossing the external borders of the Member States, determining the conditions for access to the EES for law enforcement purposes, and amending the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement and Regulations (EC) No. 767/2008 and (EU) No. 1077/2011 (OJ, L 327/20 of 9 December 2017), hereinafter referred to as “Regulation (EU) 2017/2226”, data on foreigners who:
(2) Data shall also be entered into the EES for foreigners whose entry has been refused in accordance with Article 14 of the Schengen Borders Code.
(3) Data on foreigners referred to in Article 2(3) of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 shall not be registered in the EES.
(4) In addition to the competent border control authorities, access to the EES for the purposes of entering, amending, deleting, and querying data shall be granted to:
(5) Officials under paragraph (4), items 1, 2, 3, and 5 shall be granted search access to the EES for the purposes of issuance, extension, annulment, or revocation of visas directly through the EES, based on the data referred to in Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226.
(6) Officials under paragraph (4), item 3, authorized to carry out checks on the territory of the country regarding compliance with the conditions for entry and residence, shall be granted access to the data under Articles 26 and 27 of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 through an automated workstation connected to the EES, for the purposes of verifying or establishing the identity of a foreigner and/or verifying whether the conditions for entry and residence have been complied with.
(7) Officials under paragraph (4), item 4, may query data in the EES in read-only mode for the purposes of issuance, refusal, revocation, or withdrawal of a travel authorization.
(8) The authorities under paragraph (4) shall create and maintain, in accordance with the requirements of Article 46(3) and (4) of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, registers of officials duly authorized to process data in the EES.
(new – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
(1) Access to data in the EES through the central access units for the prevention, detection, and investigation of terrorist and other serious crimes referred to in Article 36(3) of the Extradition and European Arrest Warrant Act shall be granted to:
(2) Access to the data shall be granted by the central access units under the conditions and in accordance with the procedure of Articles 31 and 32 of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, on the basis of a reasoned request by officials authorized by the heads of the structures under paragraph (1), submitted in written or electronic form.
(3) In urgent cases where it is necessary to prevent an immediate danger to a person’s life related to a terrorist or other serious crime, the central access units shall process the request immediately, and verification of the conditions under Article 32 of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 shall be carried out within seven days after receipt of the request.
(4) The central access units shall record, in accordance with the requirements of Article 59 of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, all data processing operations carried out on the basis of requests for access to data in the EES.
(new – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
(1) Upon entry into and exit from the Republic of Bulgaria, the border control authorities shall enter into the Entry/Exit System (EES), in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2017 establishing an Entry/Exit System (EES) for the purpose of registering data relating to entry and exit and data relating to refusal of entry of third-country nationals crossing the external borders of the Member States, determining the conditions for access to the EES for law enforcement purposes, and amending the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement and Regulations (EC) No. 767/2008 and (EU) No. 1077/2011 (OJ, L 327/20 of 9 December 2017), hereinafter referred to as “Regulation (EU) 2017/2226”, data on foreigners who:
(2) Data shall also be entered into the EES for foreigners whose entry has been refused in accordance with Article 14 of the Schengen Borders Code.
(3) Data on foreigners referred to in Article 2(3) of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 shall not be registered in the EES.
(4) In addition to the competent border control authorities, access to the EES for the purposes of entering, amending, deleting, and querying data shall be granted to:
(5) Officials under paragraph (4), items 1, 2, 3, and 5 shall be granted access for searching in the EES for the purposes of issuance, extension, annulment, or revocation of visas directly through the EES, on the basis of the data referred to in Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226.
(6) Officials under paragraph (4), item 3, who are authorized to carry out checks on the territory of the country regarding compliance with the conditions for entry and residence, shall be granted access to the data under Articles 26 and 27 of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 from an automated workstation connected to the EES, for the purposes of verifying or establishing the identity of a foreigner and/or verifying whether the conditions for entry and residence have been complied with.
(7) Officials under paragraph (4), item 4, may query data in the EES in read-only mode for the purposes of issuance, refusal, revocation, or withdrawal of a travel authorization.
(8) The authorities under paragraph (4) shall create and maintain, in accordance with the requirements of Article 46(3) and (4) of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, registers of officials who are duly authorized to process data in the EES.
(new – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
(1) Access to data in the EES through the central access units in connection with the prevention, detection, and investigation of terrorist and other serious crimes referred to in Article 36(3) of the Extradition and European Arrest Warrant Act shall be granted to:
(2) Access to the data shall be granted by the central access units under the conditions and in accordance with the procedure of Articles 31 and 32 of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, on the basis of a reasoned request by officials authorized by the heads of the structures under paragraph (1), submitted in written or electronic form.
(3) In urgent cases where it is necessary to prevent an immediate danger to the life of a person related to a terrorist or other serious crime, the central access units shall process the request immediately, and verification of the conditions under Article 32 of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 shall be carried out within seven days after receipt of the request.
(4) The central access units shall record, in accordance with the requirements of Article 59 of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, all data processing operations carried out on the basis of requests for access to data in the EES.
(1) (amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
The issuance of a visa or entry into the country of a foreigner shall be refused where:
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
In the cases under paragraph (1), a visa may be issued or entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria may be permitted for humanitarian reasons or where this is required by the state interest or by the fulfilment of international obligations.
(3) (new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; repealed – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(1) Refusals to issue visas may be appealed in accordance with the procedure of the Administrative Procedure Code as regards their lawfulness.
(2) When taking a decision to refuse the issuance of a visa, the authorized officials shall be obliged to notify the visa applicant in writing of the legal grounds and the reasons for the decision.
(3) The reasons for refusals to issue visas under Article 10(1), items 1–3, as well as where disclosure of the data and circumstances on the basis of which the decision was taken affects or could directly affect the foreign policy and international relations of the Republic of Bulgaria or national security, shall be set out in a separate document prepared by the relevant competent authorities. Where this document contains classified information, it shall be drawn up in accordance with the Classified Information Protection Act.
(4) Refusals to issue visas under Article 9a(2), item 4 shall not be subject to judicial appeal, except where the person claims infringement of fundamental rights and freedoms under the European Convention on Human Rights.
(supplemented – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; repealed – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
An airport transit visa may be issued to a foreigner who intends to arrive by aircraft from one state and remain in the international transit area of an airport on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for the purpose of continuing his/her journey by the first subsequent flight to another state.
(2) A foreigner travelling with an airport transit visa shall be considered as not admitted to the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
(amended – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; repealed – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(amended – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(1) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
A short-term residence visa may be issued to a foreigner who intends to transit through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or to reside short-term on its territory for a period of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
A short-term residence visa for the purpose of transit passage entitles its holder to enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and to leave it within a period of up to 48 hours while travelling from one state to another state, unless provisions of an international treaty or of European Union law, which are in force and applied by the Republic of Bulgaria, provide otherwise.
(3) (repealed – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(4) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
A short-term residence visa may have a validity period of up to five years and may be issued for single, double, or multiple entry.
(5) (new – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
A short-term residence visa for multiple entry with a validity period of up to five years may be issued where the foreigner:
(6) (new – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
Short-term multiple-entry visas may be issued for the following validity periods, unless the validity of the visa exceeds the validity of the travel document:
(7) (new – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
A multiple-entry visa with a validity period of up to five years may also be issued to foreigners who substantiate their intention to travel regularly, provided that they prove their good faith and reliability and the lawful use of previous visas, their economic situation in the state of origin, and their genuine intention to leave the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria before the expiry of the visa for which they apply.
(8) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; former paragraph 5 – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
Irrespective of the data declared in the visa application, on the basis of the results of checks carried out and the risk assessment, the authorized officials shall have the right to determine shorter periods of validity of the visa and of the duration of the permitted residence.
(new – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; repealed – State Gazette No. 103 of 2009; new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
(1) A short-term residence visa may also be issued to a foreigner who wishes to perform seasonal work under the conditions of Article 24l.
(2) In the cases under paragraph (1), a note shall be entered on the visa sticker indicating that it has been issued for the purposes of seasonal work.
(amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2012; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
A long-stay residence visa with a validity period of up to six months and with a right of residence of up to 180 days may be issued to a foreigner who wishes to obtain a long-term residence, long-stay residence, or permanent residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria on one of the grounds provided for in this Act.
(2) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 16 of 2013; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
A long-stay residence visa with a validity period of up to one year and with a right of residence of up to 360 days may be issued where this is provided for in the ordinance under Article 9e(1).
(3)
A long-stay residence visa entitles its holder to multiple entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria within the period of its validity.
(4) (amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
The long-stay residence visa under paragraph (1) shall be annulled upon issuance of a residence permit by the services for administrative control of foreigners, and upon issuance of a card under Article 23a – by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) Possession of a visa may not constitute the sole ground for entry into and residence in the Republic of Bulgaria.
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
The border control authorities may refuse entry into the Republic of Bulgaria to a foreigner holding a visa in the cases under Article 10(1) or in the event of non-compliance with the requirements of Article 19.
(3) (amended – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
Where entry is refused, the border control authorities shall serve the foreigner with a uniform European Union form indicating the reasons for refusal of entry into the territory of the country. Refusals of entry into the country may be appealed under the conditions and in accordance with the procedure of the Administrative Procedure Code.
(4)
The border control authorities and the services for administrative control of foreigners may annul an issued visa, reduce the number of permitted entries, and the period of residence in the event of non-compliance with the requirements of this Act and in accordance with the procedure determined by an act of the Council of Ministers. In such cases, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be notified immediately.
(5) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomatic and consular missions may annul an issued visa, reduce the number of permitted entries, or the period of residence in the event of non-compliance with the requirements of this Act and in accordance with the procedure determined by the ordinance under Article 9e(1).
(amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Foreigners shall enter the Republic of Bulgaria and leave its territory through border control checkpoints determined by an act of the Council of Ministers or by an international treaty, as well as through internal borders.
(2)
A foreigner who holds more than one personal document for international travel and identity or carries such documents of another person shall be obliged to declare them to the border control authorities.
(3)
A foreigner who holds more than one citizenship shall be obliged to declare to the border control authorities the citizenship which he/she will invoke during his/her residence in the Republic of Bulgaria and to certify this with a valid international travel document of the state whose citizenship has been declared.
(4)
A foreigner who holds more than one valid international travel document shall be obliged to leave the country with the document with which he/she entered.
(5) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
The border control authorities and the services for administrative control of foreigners may process biometric data for the purpose of verifying the declared identity of the foreigner or establishing his/her actual identity. The border control authorities may process biometric data of persons whose entry or refusal of entry is subject to registration in the EES pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, for the purpose of creating a personal file.
(6) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; supplemented – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
Upon entry into and exit from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, the border control authorities shall affix a stamp in the passport or substitute travel document of the foreigner in accordance with Annex IV to the Schengen Borders Code.
(amended – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; amended – State Gazette No. 63 of 2005, effective as of 01.01.2006)
(1) (amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Upon entry into the Republic of Bulgaria, the foreigner shall declare the purpose of his/her visit and, within three days from entry, shall indicate in writing the address at which he/she will reside by completing an address card in a standard form approved by the Minister of Interior, except in cases of organized tourism.
(2) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Foreigners accredited as members of foreign diplomatic, consular, and trade missions, as well as of representations of intergovernmental organizations in the Republic of Bulgaria, shall be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under conditions and in accordance with a procedure determined by an international treaty, a law, or an act of the Council of Ministers.
(3) (amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
Foreigners who transit through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria shall not complete address cards.
(amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) A foreigner entering the Republic of Bulgaria or transiting through its territory, depending on the purpose of travel, shall be required to possess:
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
The amount of financial means under paragraph (1), item 2, the minimum insurance amounts and covered insurance risks under paragraph (1), item 3, the model of the invitation, and the documents under paragraph (1), item 5 shall be determined by the ordinance under Article 9e(1).
(amended – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; amended – State Gazette No. 37 of 2003)
(1) (amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
A carrier transporting foreigners by land, air, or water to and/or from the Republic of Bulgaria shall, prior to performing the service, be obliged to establish:
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Where a foreigner has been refused entry into the Republic of Bulgaria, the carrier that transported the foreigner shall, at the request of the border control authorities and at its own expense, return him/her to the state from which he/she was transported, to the state that issued the travel document with which the foreigner arrived, or to another state in which he/she will be admitted. Where the return cannot be carried out immediately, the costs of the foreigner’s stay shall be borne by the carrier.
(3)
The carrier shall also be obliged, at its own expense and in accordance with paragraph (2), to return a foreigner who transits through the Republic of Bulgaria where the subsequent carrier refuses to transport him/her to the destination state.
(4)
The provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis to a foreigner returned back to the Republic of Bulgaria who has transited through the country.
(new – State Gazette No. 63 of 2007; repealed – State Gazette No. 15 of 2016)
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Where necessary and in accordance with the procedure of the International Treaties Act of the Republic of Bulgaria, agreements may be concluded with the competent authorities of other states for the sending and receiving of specialists in the field of travel document security and for carrying out checks at airports on the territories of the contracting parties of the travel documents of passengers on international flights.
(new – State Gazette No. 103 of 2016)
(1) The border control authorities and the services for administrative control of foreigners may conduct interviews with foreigners who have entered the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for the purpose of carrying out control activities.
(2) Minutes shall be drawn up for the interview.
(3) Interviews may also be conducted by other authorities in accordance with the procedure provided for by law.
(1) A foreigner who enters, resides, or transits through the country by land, air, or water with a vehicle shall be required to possess:
(2) Entry into the country of a vehicle shall not be permitted where the grounds under paragraph (1), items 1, 4, and 5 are not present.
(3) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; amended – State Gazette No. 82 of 2006; amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
The border control authorities shall detain the vehicle and the documents where the grounds under paragraph (1), items 2 and 3 are not present, for which a report shall be drawn up, a copy of which shall be served on the foreigner. The report and the documents shall be sent to the competent customs authorities.
(4) A foreigner holding valid documents for entry into the country but not holding those for the vehicle under paragraph (1) shall be permitted to enter the country.
(new – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001)
(1) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 109 of 2007, effective as of 01.01.2008; amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
The Minister of Interior, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Chairperson of the State Agency for National Security, or officials authorized by them may periodically include foreigners in the information register of foreigners undesirable in the country where the grounds under Article 10(1) are present.
(2) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 109 of 2007, effective as of 01.01.2008)
The conditions and procedure for maintaining and updating the information register under paragraph (1) shall be determined by the Minister of Interior, the Chairperson of the State Agency for National Security, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
GRANTING OF STATELESS PERSON STATUS IN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(1) Stateless person status may be granted to a foreigner who is not considered as a citizen by any state in accordance with its legislation.
(2) The procedure for granting stateless person status shall be determined by this Act and by the regulations for its implementation.
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(1) Proceedings for granting stateless person status shall commence with a written application submitted personally to the Migration Directorate or to a Migration sector/group at the Sofia Directorate of Interior or the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior.
(2) An application of a minor shall be submitted by his/her parents or guardians. The application shall be submitted by only one parent where the other parent has been deprived of parental rights.
(3) An application of a juvenile shall be submitted in the presence of his/her parents or custodians, who shall express their consent by affixing their signature to the application. Consent may be expressed by only one parent where the other parent has been deprived of parental rights.
(4) In the absence of a parent, guardian, or custodian, the application shall be submitted in accordance with the procedure laid down in the regulations for the implementation of the Act.
(5) An application of unaccompanied minors and juveniles may also be submitted through a representative of a non-governmental organization carrying out activities for the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups, or by another person designated as his/her representative pursuant to law.
(6) Upon submission of the application, the applicant shall be informed of his/her rights and obligations in connection with the proceedings under this chapter, as well as of the consequences of failure to comply with his/her obligations.
(7) In the course of the proceedings, the applicant shall be obliged to cooperate by presenting his/her situation in good faith and by submitting all evidence relevant to the examination of his/her application that he/she possesses or that there are grounds to presume are available to him/her.
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(1) After establishing all relevant facts and circumstances, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an official authorized by him/her shall issue a decision granting or refusing stateless person status in the Republic of Bulgaria.
(2) The decision under paragraph (1) shall be taken after conducting an interview with the applicant for stateless person status in accordance with the procedure laid down in the regulations for the implementation of the Act.
(3) The decision under paragraph (1) shall be issued within six months from the submission of the application; in cases of legal or factual complexity, the time limit may be extended by a further two months.
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; amended – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
The Director of the Migration Directorate or an official authorized by him/her shall issue a decision refusing to grant stateless person status where it is established that the applicant:
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
The Director of the Migration Directorate or an official authorized by him/her shall terminate the proceedings where:
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
A decision refusing to grant stateless person status and a decision terminating the proceedings shall be issued and shall be subject to appeal under the conditions and in accordance with the procedure of the Administrative Procedure Code.
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(1) Proceedings for granting stateless person status shall be suspended where it is established that the applicant has also submitted an application for international protection.
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
The proceedings shall be suspended until a final decision on the application for international protection has entered into force.
(3) Where there is a final decision refusing, withdrawing, or terminating refugee status or humanitarian status, or terminating the proceedings for international protection, the proceedings for granting stateless person status may be resumed after submission of a written application to that effect by the applicant.
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(1) A person granted stateless person status in the Republic of Bulgaria and issued with a permanent or long-term residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria shall be issued an identity document titled “Travel document for a stateless person for travel abroad” with a validity period of not less than three months and not more than two years.
(2) The document under paragraph (1) shall indicate that it has been issued in accordance with the requirements of the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, adopted in New York on 28 September 1954. The front page shall also bear the designation “Convention of 28 September 1954”.
(3) The document under paragraph (1) may also be issued to a person granted stateless person status by another state where he/she has been issued a residence permit as a permanently or long-term residing foreigner in the Republic of Bulgaria and, due to insurmountable reasons proven in accordance with the procedure laid down in the regulations for the implementation of the Act, cannot renew his/her travel document from the state that originally issued it.
(4) (new – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019, effective as of 24.10.2019)
A person granted stateless person status in the Republic of Bulgaria who does not meet the conditions for granting permanent or long-term residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria may be granted long-term residence for a period of up to one year in accordance with the procedure laid down in the regulations for the implementation of the Act.
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(1) Stateless person status in the Republic of Bulgaria may be withdrawn by the Director of the Migration Directorate or by an official authorized by him/her where it is established by written evidence that the data on the basis of which the status was granted are untrue.
(2) The decision withdrawing stateless person status shall be issued and shall be subject to appeal under the conditions and in accordance with the procedure of the Administrative Procedure Code.
RESIDENCE OF FOREIGNERS IN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
(1) Residence of foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria shall be carried out on the basis of:
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; repealed – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013)
(3) (repealed – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013)
(4) (new – State Gazette No. 109 of 2007, effective from 01.01.2008; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; supplemented – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
The permit under paragraph (1), item 4 shall be issued after a written opinion from the State Agency “National Security”, which shall be binding on the Migration Directorate and on the Migration departments/sectors/groups at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior.
(amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(1) Foreigners shall reside in the Republic of Bulgaria as follows:
(2) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, effective from 01.05.2013)
The time limits under paragraph (1), items 1, 2, and 4 shall not apply to foreigners who have been granted protection under the Asylum and Refugees Act.
(3) (new – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013; repealed – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(4) (new – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013; repealed – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(5) (new – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
For the purpose of obtaining the right of continuous residence, a foreigner shall submit personally to the Migration Directorate or to the Migration departments/sectors/groups at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior an application in the prescribed form and documents in accordance with the regulations for the implementation of the Act.
(6) (new – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
For the purpose of obtaining the right of permanent or long-term residence, a foreigner shall submit personally to the Migration Directorate or to the Migration sectors/groups at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior an application in the prescribed form and documents in accordance with the regulations for the implementation of the Act.
(7) (new – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
The directors of the Migration Directorate, the Sofia Directorate of Interior, the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, or officials authorized by them shall issue or refuse to issue a permit for continuous or short-term residence of a foreigner on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, unless otherwise provided in this Act.
(new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(1) After registration under conditions and according to a procedure determined by law or by an act of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall issue to foreigners who are members of the staff of a diplomatic or consular mission or of a representation of an international organization accredited in the Republic of Bulgaria, and to the members of their families:
(2) After registration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall issue cards to the family members of the persons under paragraph (1) of the same type as those of the principal holder.
(3) Family members of the persons under paragraph (1), unless otherwise provided in a bilateral or multilateral international treaty, shall be the persons who live with the principal holder in the same household and are:
(4) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall notify the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Finance, and the State Agency “National Security” of the registrations carried out.
(5) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall maintain an electronic register of registrations and issued cards, which shall contain:
(6) The cards under paragraph (1) shall be issued with validity for the period of accreditation, but not exceeding five years, and shall certify the granted immunities and privileges within the meaning of international law, as well as the right of multiple entry and residence on the territory of the country, unless otherwise provided in an international treaty in force for the Republic of Bulgaria or arising from conditions of reciprocity.
(7) The cards under paragraph (1) shall be returned upon expiry of the period of accreditation, upon death, or upon declaration of the person as undesirable.
(amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) A permit for continuous residence may be granted to foreigners who hold a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, and who:
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; supplemented – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
For the purpose of obtaining a continuous residence permit, the persons shall have secured housing, mandatory health insurance and health coverage, and sufficient means of subsistence without resorting to social assistance, in an amount not less than the minimum monthly wage, minimum scholarship, or minimum pension under Bulgarian legislation for the duration of the residence.
Upon submission of an application for issuance of an initial residence permit, the documents substantiating the application for issuance of a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1 shall also be submitted, and foreigners who have reached 18 years of age, except stateless persons in the Republic of Bulgaria, shall also submit criminal record, criminal registration, or police registration documents issued under the legislation of the state of citizenship, state of origin, or habitual residence.
(3) (new – State Gazette No. 63 of 2005; amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; supplemented – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
The application for issuance of a continuous residence permit shall be examined within 14 days of submission, under conditions and according to a procedure determined by the regulations for the implementation of the Act. In cases of legal and factual complexity and the need to provide additional documents and information, this period may be extended by one additional month.
The foreigner shall be notified in writing of the extension, and the notification shall specify that the required documents and information must be provided within 14 days of receipt of the notice. Where the additional documents and information are not provided within the specified period, the proceedings shall be terminated, and the application shall not be subject to reconsideration.
(4) (new – State Gazette No. 21 of 2012; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; supplemented – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
Upon submission of an application for issuance of a continuous residence permit, the persons under paragraph (1), item 17, descendants born on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria of the persons under Article 23a, paragraph 1, and of foreigners holding continuous, long-term, or permanent residence, as well as a family member of a Bulgarian citizen who has exercised the right of free movement and holds a valid residence document as a family member of a Union citizen issued by another EU Member State, shall be exempt from the obligations under paragraph (2) and from the requirement to hold a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1.
(5) (new – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Upon dissolution of a marriage due to divorce or death, the administrative control services for foreigners may issue a one-time independent continuous residence permit to a foreigner who has obtained continuous or long-term residence on the grounds of paragraph (1), items 13 and 18, where the family has resided continuously and lawfully on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for at least two years.
(6) (new – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013)
Under the conditions of paragraph (5), an independent continuous residence permit may also be issued to family members of a Bulgarian citizen under Article 2, paragraph 6, items 1, 2, and 3.
(7) (new – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Where exceptional circumstances exist, family members of a foreigner with continuous, long-term, or permanent residence, and family members of a Bulgarian citizen under Article 2, paragraph 6, items 1, 2, and 3, may be issued a one-time independent continuous residence permit under a procedure determined by the regulations for the implementation of the Act.
(8) (new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Acceptance of an application for issuance of a residence permit shall not create an obligation to issue a continuous residence permit. Issuance of a continuous residence permit shall be refused where the ground stated in the application differs from the ground for issuance of the long-term residence visa under Article 15, paragraph 1.
(9) (new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
Upon the death of a Bulgarian citizen, the right of continuous residence of his/her family members granted under Article 24m shall not be affected where they have resided in the Republic of Bulgaria for at least one year prior to the death as family members.
(10) (new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
Upon the death of a Bulgarian citizen, the right of continuous residence granted under Article 24m to a family member exercising parental rights and to his/her children shall not be affected, provided that the children are enrolled in pre-school, school, or higher education institutions until completion of their education or upon submission of evidence of subsequent stages of education.
(11) (new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
A family member of a Bulgarian citizen who has been granted rights under Article 24m shall retain the right of continuous residence upon dissolution of the marriage if he/she meets the conditions of being an employee or self-employed person in the Republic of Bulgaria and possesses health insurance and sufficient financial resources for covering residence expenses without burdening the social assistance system, and where one of the following circumstances exists:
(12) (new – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
The persons under paragraphs (9)–(11) shall prove that they are employees or self-employed persons or possess sufficient financial means for themselves and their family members so as not to become a burden on the social assistance system during their residence, and that they have full health insurance.
(13) (new – State Gazette No. 28 of 2020, effective from 13.03.2020; amended – State Gazette No. 44 of 2020, effective from 14.05.2020; amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 98 of 2020)
A foreigner with permitted continuous residence in the Republic of Bulgaria whose residence period expires during a declared state of emergency, or within nine months after its revocation, may submit an application for extension of residence within nine months after revocation of the state of emergency, and this period shall not be considered an interruption where the foreigner submits an application for long-term or permanent residence.
A continuously residing foreigner whose permitted residence expires during a declared state of emergency or within nine months after its revocation may enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria without a long-term residence visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, within nine months after revocation of the state of emergency.
(new – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; amended – State Gazette No. 112 of 2001, effective from 01.01.2002; amended – State Gazette No. 33 of 2016, effective from 21.05.2016)
(1) A continuous residence permit or a long-term residence visa may be granted to foreigners who wish to carry out freelance activity and who meet the conditions for obtaining authorization to perform freelance activity within the meaning of the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act.
(2) For the issuance of the documents under paragraph (1), the following documents shall be submitted to the diplomatic and consular representations, respectively to the administrative control services for foreigners:
(3) A long-term residence visa for the purpose of performing freelance activity shall not be issued to a foreigner in the cases under Article 24, paragraph 1, items 1–13 and items 16–20.
(new – State Gazette No. 63 of 2007; amended – State Gazette No. 24 of 2018, effective from 23.05.2018)
(1) (amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
A continuous residence permit may also be granted to foreigners who hold a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1 and who are researchers having concluded an agreement for the implementation of a research project with a research organisation seated in the Republic of Bulgaria, included in the register under Article 81, paragraph 1, item 1 of the Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation.
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
The permit under paragraph (1) shall be issued for a period of not less than one year. Where the term of the agreement for implementation of the research project is shorter than one year, the permit shall be issued for the term of the agreement.
(3) (amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
An application for obtaining a permit under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, using the prescribed form in accordance with the regulations for the implementation of the Act, and the foreigner shall attach:
(4) (amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Prior to issuance of the permit under paragraph (1), the Migration Directorate or the department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall carry out a verification regarding the registration of the research organisation in the register under Article 81, paragraph 1, item 1 of the Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation.
(5) (amended – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
The permit under paragraph (1) shall be issued within 30 days from submission of the application, of which the applicant shall be notified in writing.
(6) (amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
A continuous residence permit may also be granted to the family members of a researcher under paragraph (1) on the grounds of Article 24, paragraph 1, item 13, for the duration of the researcher’s residence permit, provided they meet the conditions under Article 24, paragraph 2.
(7) (amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
A foreigner who has been admitted as a researcher in another EU Member State may conduct part of his or her research in the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of up to 180 days within any 360-day period, on the basis of an agreement concluded with a research organisation in the first Member State.
(8) (amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
In the cases under paragraph (7), the host research organisation in the first Member State shall notify the competent authorities of the first Member State and of the Republic of Bulgaria of the planned conduct of part of the research on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, within the period of validity of the permit issued by the first Member State.
(9) (amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
In the cases under paragraph (7), the competent authorities of the first Member State shall notify the Republic of Bulgaria of the planned stay and shall submit the following documents:
(10) (amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
The planned stay under paragraph (7) may be carried out after expiry of the period for objection by the Migration Directorate to the first Member State, which may not exceed 30 days from receipt of the complete notification.
(11) (amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
For family members of a foreigner admitted as a researcher in the Republic of Bulgaria under paragraph (7) who wish to accompany him or her on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, the documents under paragraph (9) shall be submitted, as well as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, together with the notification under paragraph (8).
(12) (amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
A permit under paragraph (1) may also be granted to a foreigner who holds a valid residence permit issued by the first Member State and who intends to conduct part of his or her research in a research organisation on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for a period exceeding 180 days but not more than two years. The Republic of Bulgaria shall notify the first Member State of its decision.
(13) (amended – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
In the cases under paragraph (12), the foreigner shall submit the documents under paragraph (3), excluding the visa under Article 15, paragraph 1.
(14) (amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
The department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall immediately notify the Migration Directorate and the foreigner of the granted continuous residence permit under paragraph (12). The Migration Directorate shall notify the foreigner and the first Member State within 30 days from the date of submission of the application for the permit under paragraph (12).
(15) (new – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
A continuous residence permit may also be granted to the family members of a researcher under paragraph (12) who hold a valid residence permit issued by the first Member State – for a period until expiry of the researcher’s residence permit on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
For obtaining the permit, the foreigner shall submit an application to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior in the prescribed form, attaching the documents under paragraph (3), items 1–5, as well as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
(16) (new – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
Simultaneous notification under paragraph (8) and submission of an application for issuance of a permit under paragraph (12) shall not be allowed. The application under paragraph (12) may be submitted once short-term mobility has commenced, but not later than 30 days before expiry of its period.
(17) (new – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
Where the researcher or members of his or her family do not meet or have ceased to meet the conditions for issuance of a residence permit under paragraphs (1), (6), (12), or (15), the Migration Directorate shall notify the first Member State that granted the residence permit, for the purpose of their readmission to its territory without delay and formalities. This shall also apply where the validity of the permit issued by the first Member State expires or it is withdrawn during the stay in the Republic of Bulgaria.
(18) (new – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
A continuous residence permit for a period of up to 9 months may also be granted to a foreigner who has obtained a continuous residence permit under paragraph (1) or (12) and who, within 7 working days after completion of a research project, has submitted an application to the Employment Agency for registration as a job-seeker under the Employment Promotion Act, which shall be verified ex officio by the Migration Directorate or the department/sector/group “Migration”.
The application for issuance of a continuous residence permit shall be submitted in the prescribed form at least 30 days before expiry of the permitted residence period.
(19) (new – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
Following issuance of a continuous residence permit under paragraphs (1), (6), (12), and (15), documents shall be issued in accordance with the requirements of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals, hereinafter referred to as “Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002”.
In the cases under paragraph (1), the entry “researcher” shall be indicated in the field “type of permit”.
In the cases under paragraph (12), the permits shall be issued with a validity of up to two years, and the entry “researcher – mobility” shall be indicated in the field “type of permit”.
(new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 24 of 2018, effective from 23.05.2018; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, effective from 01.06.2021)
(1) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
A continuous residence permit for up to one year may be granted to foreigners who hold a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1 and who have been admitted as students in full-time form of education at a higher education institution in the Republic of Bulgaria.
The permit shall be issued for a period of 18 months when it concerns the final year of study.
(2) An application for obtaining a permit under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, using the prescribed form in accordance with the regulations for the implementation of the Act, and the foreigner shall attach:
(3) A permit under paragraph (1), without holding a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, may be granted to foreigners of Bulgarian origin who have been admitted as students in full-time form of education at a higher education institution in the Republic of Bulgaria and who submit a document certifying Bulgarian origin.
In addition to the documents under paragraph (2), the foreigner shall attach to the application a birth certificate or a certificate of Bulgarian origin issued by the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad, where submission of a birth certificate is impossible.
The certificate of Bulgarian origin shall be attached where it is impossible for the Migration Directorate or the department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior to apply ex officio an inquiry from the information system of the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad regarding the Bulgarian origin of the foreigner.
(4) A continuous residence permit for the duration of the studies, but for no more than two years, may be granted to foreign students who will conduct part of their studies on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, who hold a valid residence permit issued by another EU Member State, and who are covered by a Union programme or a multilateral programme providing for studies in more than one Member State, or by an agreement between two or more higher education institutions, at least one of which is Bulgarian, and who have the right to enter and stay for the purpose of conducting part of their studies at a higher education institution in one or more second Member States.
(5) The foreign student shall submit an application for obtaining a permit under paragraph (4) electronically to the address of the Migration Directorate or to the national contact point for mobility matters, after having been admitted to the first Member State and immediately after becoming aware of the planned mobility to the Republic of Bulgaria.
The application shall be in the prescribed form in accordance with the regulations for the implementation of the Act, and the foreigner shall attach the following documents, accompanied by a translation into Bulgarian:
(6) The application under paragraph (5) shall be examined within 30 days of its receipt.
The Migration Directorate may request from the competent authorities of the first Member State the necessary information regarding the foreigner’s stay on its territory.
Where one of the conditions under paragraph (5) is not met or one of the required documents has not been submitted, the Migration Directorate may, within the 30-day period, raise an objection to the student’s mobility to the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The objection shall be in writing and shall be sent immediately to the student and to the competent authorities of the first Member State.
In the latter case, the student shall not be admitted to the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
(7) Within 14 days after entering the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, the foreigner under paragraph (5) shall appear before the Migration Directorate and submit proof of payment of the state fee for issuance of a continuous residence permit and a copy of a valid passport or a substituting document.
(8) A permit under paragraph (1) for the purpose of conducting part of studies at a higher education institution on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria may be granted to a foreigner who holds a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1 and who is not covered by a programme or agreement under paragraph (4), following submission of an application under the procedure of paragraph (2).
(9) A continuous residence permit for up to one year may be granted to foreigners who hold a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1 and who are pupils admitted for education at the secondary level within a student exchange programme.
(10) An application for obtaining a permit under paragraph (9) shall be submitted to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior.
The application shall be in the prescribed form in accordance with the regulations for the implementation of the Act, and the foreigner shall attach:
(11) A continuous residence permit for the duration of the internship, but for no more than one year, may be granted to foreigners who are interns under Article 38a of the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act and who hold a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1.
(12) An application for obtaining a permit under paragraph (11) shall be submitted to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior.
The application shall be in the prescribed form in accordance with the regulations for the implementation of the Act, and the foreigner shall attach:
(13) After completing studies as a full-time student at a higher education institution in the Republic of Bulgaria, a foreigner who has obtained a continuous residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria may obtain a continuous residence permit for up to 9 months after submitting an application in the prescribed form in accordance with the regulations for the implementation of the Act at least 30 days before expiry of the permitted residence period, attaching the documents under paragraph (2), items 1–3, and a document from the higher education institution certifying completion of the studies.
The Migration Directorate or the department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall verify ex officio whether the foreigner has, within 7 working days after completion of studies, submitted an application to the Employment Agency for registration as a job-seeker under the Employment Promotion Act.
The permit shall be issued within 30 days from submission of the application.
(14) In the cases under paragraphs (1), (3), (4), (8), (9), and (11), the validity of the passport or substituting document of the foreigner shall cover at least the requested period of residence.
(15) The Ministry of Education and Science shall provide ex officio to the Migration Directorate a certificate for admission of a foreigner for study in the Republic of Bulgaria.
(16) Applications, except for those under paragraphs (5) and (13), shall be submitted no later than 14 days before expiry of the permitted residence period of the foreigner on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Applications, except for those under paragraphs (5) and (13), shall be examined and decided within 14 days.
In cases of legal or factual complexity and necessity to submit additional documents, this period may be extended by one month, of which the foreigner shall be notified in writing, with instructions that the required documents and information must be submitted within 14 days.
Where the additional documents and information are not submitted within the indicated period, the proceedings shall be terminated and the application shall not be subject to re-examination.
(17) The Migration Directorate and the department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall coordinate each application with the State Agency for National Security, which shall, within 7 days of receipt, send a written opinion under Article 41, paragraph 1, item 2 of the State Agency for National Security Act.
(18) After issuance of a continuous residence permit under paragraphs (1), (3), (4), (8), (9), (11), and (13), documents shall be issued in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002.
In permits under paragraphs (1), (3), (4), and (8), the entry “student” shall be indicated in the field “type of permit”;
in permits under paragraph (9), the entry “pupil” shall be indicated;
and in permits under paragraph (11), the entry “intern” shall be indicated.
(19) Foreigners shall be notified in writing of decisions taken on the basis of residence applications under this Article, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code.
(new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(1) A long-term residence status shall be granted to a foreigner who has resided lawfully and continuously on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for 5 years prior to submission of the application for granting long-term residence.
After acquisition, the long-term residence status shall be permanent, unless grounds arise for its withdrawal under Article 40.
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Periods of residence of persons under Article 23a, and of persons residing exclusively on the basis of temporary grounds, such as au pair programme participants, seasonal workers, cross-border service providers, workers or employees posted by a service provider for the provision of cross-border services, or where their residence permit is formally limited, shall not be counted when calculating the residence period under paragraph (1).
(3) When calculating the residence period under paragraph (1), only half of the residence period of foreigners as students, pupils, or interns on the basis of Article 24c shall be counted.
(4) (new – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, effective from 01.05.2013)
Long-term residence status may also be granted to a foreigner who benefits from international protection.
(5) (new – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, effective from 01.05.2013)
With regard to foreigners granted international protection, when calculating the residence period under paragraph (1), half of the residence period from the date of submission of the application for international protection until the date of issuance of a Bulgarian identity document under the Bulgarian Identity Documents Act shall be included, or the entire period between those dates where it exceeds 18 months.
(6) (new – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, effective from 01.05.2013)
Holding a residence permit in another Member State on the basis of protection other than international protection, or the existence of pending proceedings for issuance of such a permit, shall not constitute grounds for granting long-term residence status.
(7) (new – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, effective from 01.05.2013)
The existence of pending proceedings for granting international protection shall not constitute grounds for granting long-term residence status.
(8) (former paragraph 4)
Periods of absence from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria shall not interrupt the period referred to in paragraph 1 and shall be counted when calculating it, where such absences are each shorter than six consecutive months and do not, in aggregate, exceed ten months over the five-year period.
(9) (former paragraph 5)
For granting long-term residence status, the foreigner shall present evidence that he or she has sufficient means of subsistence for himself or herself and for family members, without recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimum wage and minimum pension, as well as evidence of mandatory health insurance or insurance for the period of residence under Bulgarian law.
(10) (former paragraph 6; amended – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
The competent authority of the Ministry of Interior shall take a decision on the application for granting long-term residence status within two months of its submission.
In cases of legal or factual complexity and necessity to submit additional documents, this period may be extended by two months.
(11) (former paragraph 7)
Upon granting long-term residence status, the foreigner shall be provided with information on the rights and obligations arising from this status.
(12) (former paragraph 8)
The procedure for examination of the application shall be determined by the regulations for the implementation of the Act.
(new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(1) A foreigner who has obtained long-term residence status shall be issued a residence permit for long-term residence in the European Union.
This permit shall have a validity of 5 years, and upon expiry it shall be renewed upon submission of an application.
Expiry of the residence permit for long-term residence in the European Union shall not constitute grounds for withdrawal or loss of the status.
(2) The residence permit for long-term residence in the European Union shall be issued on the basis of a personally submitted application and in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002.
In the field “type of permit”, the entry “long-term resident – EU” shall be indicated.
(3) (new – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, effective from 01.05.2013)
Upon issuance of a residence permit for long-term residence in the European Union to a foreigner granted international protection, the field “remarks” shall indicate the international protection granted by the Republic of Bulgaria and the date on which it was granted.
(new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(1) Family members of a long-term resident foreigner may obtain a continuous residence permit with a validity of one year, renewable, without exceeding the permitted residence period of the principal holder.
(2) For issuance of a residence permit to family members, the requirements of Article 24, paragraph 2 shall be met.
(3) (second sentence effective from 01.06.2011)
After 5 years of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, provided that the spouse and adult children of the foreigner residing in the country have not obtained residence permits on grounds other than family reunification, they shall have the right to obtain an independent long-term residence permit, irrespective of the principal holder, where the grounds under Article 24g are present.
When calculating the residence period of family members of an EU Blue Card holder, residence in different Member States may be accumulated in accordance with Article 33m, paragraph 1.
(4) (amended – State Gazette No. 79 of 2015, effective from 01.08.2016)
Upon dissolution of the marriage, the children of the long-term resident and the other parent shall have the right to an independent continuous residence permit, provided they meet the requirements of Article 24, paragraph 2, and where the children are enrolled in preschool, school, or higher education until completion of the academic year or the course of study.
(5) The procedure for issuance of the permits under paragraphs (1)–(4) shall be determined by the regulations for the implementation of the Act.
(New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(1) In the cases under Article 40, paragraph 1, items 6, 9 and 11, the right of long-term resident status in the Republic of Bulgaria may be restored under a simplified procedure regulated by the regulations for the implementation of the Act.
(2) The procedure under paragraph (1) shall apply to the persons under Article 40, paragraph 1, item 9, who have resided in the second Member State for the purpose of education.
(New – State Gazette No. 21 of 2012)
(1) A long-term residence permit may also be granted to illegally residing foreigners who are participants in pending administrative or criminal proceedings instituted under Article 227, paragraphs 3 and 5 of the Penal Code – until the completion of the proceedings.
(2) The period of residence permitted under paragraph (1) shall not be taken into account when calculating the period of residence for obtaining permanent residence or long-term resident status.
(New – State Gazette No. 70 of 2013, in force from 24.12.2013; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, in force from 01.06.2021)
(1) A long-term residence and work permit of the type “Single Permit for Residence and Work” may be granted to foreigners who meet the conditions for access to the labour market under Bulgarian legislation and hold a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1 or a residence permit issued in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002.
(2) The permit under paragraph (1) shall be issued for a period of three years, and where the duration of the employment contract is shorter than three years, the permit shall be issued for the duration of the contract.
(3) It shall not be required that the foreigner who has been granted the right of residence in the country be outside the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria when initially applying for a permit under paragraph (1). It shall likewise not be required that the foreigner be outside the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria when subsequently applying for a permit under paragraph (1).
(4) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
An application for the issuance of a permit under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the Migration Directorate or to a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior by the employer or a person authorized by him/her, or personally by the foreigner when he/she holds a long-term residence permit, and the application shall also be signed by the employer.
Where the foreigner holds a long-term residence permit, the application shall be submitted no later than two months before the expiry of the permitted period of long-term residence.
Upon submission of the application, the applicant shall be provided with information regarding all documents required for obtaining the permit, including the rights and obligations arising therefrom for the foreigner.
(5) The application shall be submitted on a standard form pursuant to the regulations for the implementation of the Act, indicating an electronic address for correspondence, and shall be accompanied by:
(6) The professional skills and experience of the foreigner shall be certified by a document on employment history issued by the competent authority of the respective state, indicating the employer, the length of employment and professional experience for the occupied position.
The requirement to submit documents under paragraph (5), items 5 and 7, shall not apply to:
(7) Where the exercise of the profession or activity requires professional capacity recognized by a Bulgarian authority, an issued permit or a licence, the following shall be attached to the application under paragraph (4):
(8) Where the application under paragraph (4) is submitted to a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, it shall, together with the attached documents, be sent immediately by electronic means to the Migration Directorate and to the territorial directorates of the State Agency for National Security. No later than three days after submission, the application and documents shall also be sent in original. Within the period under the second sentence, the Migration department/sector/group shall carry out an inspection where there are substantiated doubts that the foreigner will not reside at the declared address, and the inspection report shall be sent together with the application.
(9) The Migration Directorate shall verify the submitted documents and, where a document is missing or where additional documents under paragraphs (5)–(7) are required, shall notify the applicant electronically and set a 7-day time limit for remedying the irregularities.
(10) Where the documents are not submitted within the period under paragraph (9), the Director of the Migration Directorate or an official authorized by him/her shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of the permit under paragraph (1).
(11) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The Migration Directorate shall send electronically to the Employment Agency, within 14 days of submission of the application, those applications in respect of which the proceedings have not been terminated under paragraph (10), together with the attached documents, and the documents under paragraph (5), item 5, shall also be sent in original.
Where the foreigner holds a long-term residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria, a reference regarding his/her permitted right of residence shall also be attached.
The applications and attached documents shall also be sent electronically to the State Agency for National Security, which shall issue a written opinion under Article 41, paragraph 1, item 2 of the State Agency for National Security Act within 14 days where the person is on the territory of the country, and in the cases under paragraph (15) – within three days after issuing an opinion on the application for a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1.
(12) Within 15 days of receipt of the file under paragraph (11), the Employment Agency shall send electronically to the Migration Directorate a written opinion by its Executive Director regarding the existence or absence of grounds for granting access to the labour market. Where there are irregularities in the documents or a need for additional documents from the applicant, the Employment Agency shall notify the Migration Directorate and the time limit shall be suspended until the documents are received or the irregularities are remedied. The Migration Directorate shall notify the applicant electronically and set a 7-day time limit.
(13) Where the additional documents are not submitted or the irregularities are not remedied within the 7-day period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an official authorized by him/her shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of the permit under paragraph (1) and notify the Employment Agency.
(14) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Where the application under paragraph (4) has been submitted by the employer or an authorized person, the Migration Directorate shall send electronically to the employer, within three days of receipt of the positive opinions under paragraph (12), a notification stating that grounds exist for granting the foreigner access to the labour market. The notification shall also be sent to the Consular Relations Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(15) The employer shall notify the foreigner of the notification under paragraph (14), and within 20 days of the sending of the notification, the foreigner shall take steps to submit an application for a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1. In cases of refusal to issue a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, the Consular Relations Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall notify the Migration Directorate and the State Agency for National Security.
(16) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Within 14 days of the foreigner’s entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria with a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, the employer or an authorized person shall appear together with the foreigner at the Migration Directorate or at a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior and submit to the application under paragraph (4) a copy of the passport page bearing the visa and mandatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for at least three months – until issuance of the Single Permit for Residence and Work.
Where the documents are not submitted within the prescribed period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an official authorized by him/her shall terminate the proceedings.
(17) The Director of the Migration Directorate or an official authorized by him/her shall issue or refuse to issue the Single Permit for Residence and Work within three days of submission of the documents under paragraph (16). After issuance of the permit, a document shall be issued in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002, with the field “type of permit” indicating “single permit for residence and work”.
(18) The procedure for issuance of the Single Permit for Residence and Work may not exceed two months, and in cases of factual or legal complexity this period may be extended by two months. Within the procedure, the applicant or an authorized person may withdraw the application under paragraph (4), which shall constitute grounds for termination of the proceedings.
(19) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The employer shall notify the Migration Directorate of any change affecting the admission criteria occurring during the application procedure and of termination of the employment relationship with the foreigner within three days of the date of the change or termination. From the date of termination of the employment relationship, the right of residence shall also be terminated.
(20) The applicant shall be notified of the decisions taken on the basis of the application in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Administrative Procedure Code.
(New – State Gazette No. 33 of 2016, in force from 21.05.2016; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, in force from 01.06.2021)
(1) (Amended – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
A long-term residence permit for the purpose of employment as a seasonal worker shall be issued to a foreigner who meets the conditions for access to the labour market under Bulgarian legislation and holds a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1.
(2) When applying for the permit under paragraph (1), the foreigner must be residing outside the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
(3) The permit under paragraph (1) shall be issued for the duration of the employment contract, but for not less than 90 days and not more than 9 months within each period of 12 months.
The permit may be extended once within the 9-month period upon continuation of the employment contract with the same employer or upon change of employer.
(4) Where the permit under paragraph (1) expires while a procedure for extension or renewal is pending, the foreigner shall have the right to remain on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria until a decision on the application is taken, provided that the application was submitted within the validity period of the permit under paragraph (1) and the maximum period under paragraph (3) has not expired.
(5) The permit under paragraph (1) shall be issued under an accelerated procedure for foreigners who have worked at least once on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria as seasonal workers during the last 5 years.
(6) The Migration Directorate or a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall provide information on all documents required for obtaining a long-term residence permit for the purpose of employment as seasonal workers, including the rights and obligations arising therefrom for the foreigner.
(7) For issuance of the permit under paragraph (1), the employer or a person authorized by him/her shall submit a written application to the Migration Directorate or to a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior.
(8) The application under paragraph (7) shall be submitted on a standard form pursuant to the regulations for the implementation of the Act, indicating an electronic address for correspondence, and shall be accompanied by:
(9) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Where the application under paragraph (7) is submitted to a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, it shall, together with the attached documents, be sent immediately by electronic means to the Migration Directorate and to the State Agency for National Security, and within three days also in original, accompanied by an address-verification document where there are doubts that the foreigner will reside at the declared address.
(10) The Migration Directorate shall verify the submitted documents and, where a document is missing or additional documents under paragraph (8) are required, shall notify the applicant electronically and set a 7-day time limit for remedying the irregularities.
(11) Where the documents are not submitted within the period under paragraph (10), the Director of the Migration Directorate or an official authorized by him/her shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of the permit under paragraph (1).
(12) (Amended – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
The Migration Directorate shall send electronically to the Employment Agency, within 14 days of submission of the application, the applications under paragraph (7) in respect of which the proceedings have not been terminated, together with the attached documents, and the documents under paragraph (8), item 3, shall also be sent in original.
When applying for extension of seasonal employment, a reference regarding the foreigner’s permitted right of residence in the Republic of Bulgaria shall also be attached.
The application and documents shall also be sent electronically to the State Agency for National Security, which shall issue a written opinion under Article 41, paragraph 1, item 2 of the State Agency for National Security Act within 14 days, and in the cases under paragraph (17) – within three days after issuing an opinion on the visa application under Article 15, paragraph 1.
(13) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
The Executive Director of the Employment Agency or officials authorized by him/her shall send electronically to the Migration Directorate a written opinion regarding the existence or absence of grounds for granting access to the labour market within 10 days of receipt of the application by the Employment Agency; in the cases under paragraph (5), the period shall be 5 days.
(14) Where irregularities are identified in the documents or additional documents are required, the Employment Agency shall notify the Migration Directorate electronically within 7 days, and the period under paragraph (13) shall be suspended until the irregularities are remedied or the documents are received.
(15) The Migration Directorate shall notify the applicant electronically of the circumstances under paragraph (14) and set a 7-day time limit. Where the irregularities are not remedied or the documents are not submitted within that period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorized official shall terminate the proceedings and notify the Employment Agency.
(16) (Amended – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
The Migration Directorate shall send electronically to the employer, within three days of receipt of the positive opinions under paragraph (13), a notification stating that grounds exist for granting the foreigner access to the labour market. The notification shall also be sent to the Consular Relations Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(17) The employer shall notify the foreigner, and within 20 days of the notification the foreigner shall take steps to apply for a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1. In the event of refusal to issue the visa, the Consular Relations Directorate shall notify the Migration Directorate.
(18) (Amended – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Within 7 days of the foreigner’s entry into the Republic of Bulgaria with a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, the employer or an authorized person shall appear together with the foreigner before the Migration Directorate or a Migration department/sector/group and attach to the application under paragraph (7) a copy of the passport page bearing the visa and mandatory medical insurance valid for at least three months. Failure to do so shall result in termination of the proceedings.
(19) The Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorized official shall issue or refuse the permit under paragraph (1) within three days of submission of the documents under paragraph (18).
(20) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
After issuance of the permit, a residence document shall be issued in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002, with the field “type of permit” indicating “seasonal worker”. Upon change of employer and submission of an Employment Agency opinion, a new permit shall be issued with validity up to the expiry of the original one.
(21) The employer shall notify the Migration Directorate of termination of the employment relationship within three days.
(22) The procedure for issuance of the permit under paragraph (1) shall not exceed two months.
(23) Until completion of the proceedings, the employer or an authorized person may withdraw the application, which shall constitute grounds for termination.
(24) Where the application is rejected due to the employer’s fault, the employer shall owe compensation to the foreigner under Bulgarian law.
(25) The applicant shall be notified of decisions taken on the basis of the application under paragraph (7) in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code.
(26) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
After expiry of the maximum permitted period of residence, the foreigner may continue to reside in the Republic of Bulgaria if granted another residence permit different from those under paragraph (1), Article 24i, Article 33k and Article 33p, without being required to leave the country.
(New – State Gazette No. 33 of 2016, in force from 21.05.2016)
(1) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
For the performance of seasonal work for a period of up to 90 consecutive days, a foreigner shall be required to hold a valid short-term residence visa for the purposes of seasonal work, where such a visa is required, and the employment shall be registered by the authorities of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy in accordance with the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act and the regulations for its implementation.
(2) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The registration of employment under paragraph (1) shall also be carried out where the foreigner is exempt from the visa requirement in accordance with Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806.
(3) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
The foreigner may continue to work for the same employer or change the employer for the duration of the new employment contract, but for no more than 180 consecutive days within each 12-month period from the initial registration, without being required to leave the territory of the country, and without being required to hold a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1.
The foreigner shall submit an application on a standard form pursuant to the regulations for the implementation of the Act to the Migration Directorate or to a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior 30 days before the expiry of his/her lawful residence on the territory of the country, attaching the documents under Article 24k, paragraph 8.
(4) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
The Migration Directorate or a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall verify the submitted documents and, where a document is missing or additional documents under Article 24k, paragraph 8 are required, shall notify the applicant electronically and set a 7-day time limit for remedying the irregularities.
(5) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
Where the documents are not submitted within the period under paragraph (4), the Director of the Migration Directorate or the Director of the respective regional directorate of the Ministry of Interior, or officials authorized by them, shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of the permit under paragraph (3).
(6) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024; supplemented – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
For issuance of a long-term residence permit for the purpose of employment as a seasonal worker in the cases under paragraph (3), the Migration Directorate or a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall send electronically the application and the attached documents to the Employment Agency and to the State Agency for National Security, which shall issue a written opinion under Article 41, paragraph 1, item 2 of the State Agency for National Security Act within 14 days of receipt.
The permit shall be issued under an accelerated procedure for foreigners who have worked at least once on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria as seasonal workers during the last 5 years.
(7) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024; supplemented – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The Executive Director of the Employment Agency or officials authorized by him/her shall send electronically to the Migration Directorate or to Migration departments/sectors/groups at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior a written opinion regarding the existence or absence of grounds for granting access to the labour market within 10 days of receipt of the application by the Employment Agency; under the accelerated procedure the period shall be 5 days.
(8) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
Where irregularities are identified in the documents or additional documents are required, the Employment Agency shall notify the Migration Directorate electronically within 5 days, and the period under paragraph (7) shall be suspended until the irregularities are remedied or the required documents are provided.
(9) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
The Migration Directorate or a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall notify the applicant electronically of the circumstances under paragraph (8) and set a 7-day time limit for remedying the irregularities or providing the required documents.
Where the irregularities are not remedied or the documents are not provided within that period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or the Director of the regional directorate of the Ministry of Interior, or officials authorized by them, shall terminate the proceedings for granting residence.
(10) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
The Director of the Migration Directorate or the Director of the respective regional directorate of the Ministry of Interior, or officials authorized by them, shall issue or refuse to issue a long-term residence permit for the purpose of employment as a seasonal worker within three days of submission of the opinion of the Employment Agency.
(11) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
After issuance of a long-term residence permit for the purpose of employment as a seasonal worker, a residence document shall be issued by the Migration Directorate or a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002, with the field “type of permit” indicating “seasonal worker”.
(12) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
The employer shall notify the Migration Directorate or a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior of termination of the employment relationship with the foreigner within three days of the date of termination.
(13) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
The procedure for granting long-term residence for the purpose of employment as a seasonal worker shall not exceed 30 days.
(14) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024)
Until completion of the proceedings, the employer or an authorized person may withdraw the submitted application, which shall constitute grounds for termination of the proceedings.
(15) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Where the application for issuance of a permit under paragraph (3) is rejected due to the fault of the employer, the employer shall owe compensation to the foreigner in accordance with Bulgarian legislation.
(16) (New – State Gazette No. 39 of 2024; former paragraph 15 – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The applicant shall be notified of decisions taken on the basis of the application under paragraph (3) in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code.
(New – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
(1) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
A family member of a Bulgarian citizen who has exercised the right of free movement and holds a valid residence document as a family member of a Union citizen, issued by another Member State of the European Union, shall submit an application to the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior or to the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior for the issuance of a residence card, issued in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1157 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement (OJ L 188/67 of 12 July 2019), hereinafter referred to as “Regulation (EU) 2019/1157”, certifying his or her right of long-term residence, for which a temporary certificate shall be issued immediately.
(2)
The application under paragraph (1) shall be submitted within three months from the date of entry of the person into the Republic of Bulgaria and shall be accompanied by:
1. a valid passport;
2. documents proving the existence of family ties;
3. a document certifying payment of the state fee;
4. documents proving lawful residence in the other Member State;
5. medical documents concerning the existence of serious health reasons requiring personal care by the Bulgarian citizen, where applicable.
(3)
The residence card of a family member of a Union citizen, certifying the right of long-term residence, shall be issued within three months from submission of the application and shall be valid for five years.
(4)
Where any of the documents under paragraph (2) is missing, the person shall be granted a 14-day period from notification to submit it, during which period the time limit under paragraph (3) shall be suspended.
If the requested documents are not submitted within the specified period, the administrative authority shall take action to terminate the proceedings in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code.
(New – State Gazette No. 24 of 2018, in force from 23.05.2018)
(1)
In the cases under Article 24, paragraph 1, item 17, the long-term residence permit shall be issued on the basis of the act under Article 27 of the Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Act.
(2)
For the duration of their stay in the country, foreigners who have obtained a permit under paragraph (1) shall enjoy the rights of persons with permanent residence, with the exception of the right under Article 35, paragraph 2.
(3)
A permit under paragraph (1) shall not be issued to persons who do not possess identity documents and refuse to cooperate in the identification of their identity.
(New – State Gazette No. 24 of 2018, in force from 23.05.2018)
(1)
In the cases under Article 24, paragraph 1, item 21, the long-term residence permit shall be issued in accordance with the requirements of Council Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals, with the field “type of permit” indicating “volunteer”.
(2)
The validity period of the permit under paragraph (1) shall correspond to the duration of the agreement with the host organization, but not exceed one year.
(3) (Amended – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
The Migration Directorate, a Migration department/sector/group at the Sofia Directorate of the Ministry of Interior, or the respective regional directorate of the Ministry of Interior shall notify the applicant in writing of the permit under paragraph (1) no later than 14 days from the date of submission.
(4)
The permit under paragraph (1) shall be issued in accordance with the procedure laid down in the regulations for the implementation of the Act.
(5)
In the cases under paragraph (1), the validity period of the passport or substitute document of the foreigner shall cover at least the requested period of residence.
(New – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
(1) (Amended – State Gazette No. 22 of 2022, in force from 18.03.2022)
A long-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who hold a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, have been issued a certificate for a high-tech and/or innovative project, known as a “Startup Visa”, by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, and who, after issuance of the long-term residence visa, have become partners or shareholders in a Bulgarian commercial company, holding no less than 50 per cent of the capital of the company, whose subject of activity corresponds to that declared upon issuance of the certificate.
(2) (Amended – State Gazette No. 22 of 2022, in force from 18.03.2022)
The Ministry of Innovation and Growth shall immediately notify the Migration Directorate of any change in the circumstances related to the issued certificate for a high-tech and/or innovative project that leads to non-compliance with the requirements for issuance of the certificate, which shall constitute grounds for revocation of the granted right of residence.
(3)
The conditions and procedure for issuance, extension, and revocation of the certificate for a high-tech and/or innovative project shall be determined by an ordinance of the Council of Ministers.
(New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
(1)
A long-term residence permit of up to one year may be granted to foreigners who hold a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1 and have been admitted as specialization trainees in the Republic of Bulgaria.
(2)
An application for issuance of the permit under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the Migration Directorate or to a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior on a standard form pursuant to the regulations for the implementation of the Act, accompanied by:
1. a copy of a valid passport or substitute document, including the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under Article 15, paragraph 1 where required, and the stamp of the last entry into the country; the original passport or substitute document shall also be presented for verification;
2. proof of secured accommodation;
3. compulsory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act;
4. proof of stable, regular, predictable, and sufficient means of subsistence, without recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimum monthly wage, minimum scholarship, or minimum pension for the country, for the period of residence;
5. a criminal record certificate issued by the state of which the foreigner is a national or by the state of habitual residence – upon initial submission;
6. a certificate of admission for specialization in the Republic of Bulgaria issued by the Ministry of Education and Science;
7. a certificate issued by the higher education institution confirming that the foreigner is a specialization trainee during the relevant year;
8. proof of payment of the enrollment fee at the higher education institution, submitted after entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
(3)
The application under paragraph (2) shall be submitted within 14 days after the foreigner’s entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and shall be examined within 30 days from submission. In cases of legal and factual complexity and where additional documents are required, this period may be extended by one month, of which the foreigner shall be notified in writing, with instructions to submit the required documents and information within 14 days. If the additional documents and information are not submitted within the specified period, the proceedings shall be terminated and the application shall not be subject to re-examination.
(4)
The Migration Directorate or a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall coordinate each application with the State Agency for National Security, which shall issue a written opinion under Article 41, paragraph 1, item 2 of the State Agency for National Security Act within 14 days of receipt.
(5)
After issuance of a long-term residence permit under paragraph (1), a residence document shall be issued in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002.
(6)
Foreigners shall be notified in writing of decisions taken on the basis of applications under paragraph (2) in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code.
(New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
(1)
In the cases under Article 24, paragraph 1, item 23, a long-term residence permit shall be issued, in addition to compliance with the conditions under Article 24, paragraph 2 and the regulations for the implementation of the Act, provided that the foreigner proves an average annual income of not less than 50 (fifty) minimum monthly wages under the legislation of the Republic of Bulgaria for the preceding calendar year.
For the purposes of determining the income amount, the gross amount of acquired income shall be taken into account.
(2)
The validity period of the permit under paragraph (1) shall be one year. The permit may be extended once for an additional year. Where the permit under paragraph (1) expires while a procedure for extension is pending, the foreigner shall have the right to remain on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria until a decision on the application is taken, provided that the application was submitted within the validity period of the permit under paragraph (1).
(1) (Former text of Article 25 – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009)
Permanent residence permits may be granted to foreigners who are:
1. (amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
of Bulgarian origin;
2. (amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; supplemented – State Gazette No. 108 of 2013)
five years after entering into a civil marriage with a foreigner permanently residing in the country and who have resided lawfully and continuously for a period of five years on the territory of the country; in the case of marriage to a foreigner with permanent residence under items 6, 7 or 8, the residence requirements shall not apply;
3. (amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; supplemented – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
minor and underage children of a Bulgarian citizen or of a foreigner permanently residing in the country, who have not entered into marriage;
4. (amended – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013)
parents of a Bulgarian citizen, where they provide the legally required maintenance and have resided lawfully and continuously for a period of three years on the territory of the country;
5. (amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; repealed – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; new – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013; amended – State Gazette No. 70 of 2013)
who have resided lawfully and without interruption on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria within the last five years prior to submission of the application for permanent residence and during that period have not been absent for more than 30 months, and in the cases under Article 24v only half of the period of residence shall be taken into account;
6. (amended – State Gazette No. 11 of 2005; amended – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
who have made an investment or increased their investment through acquisition of:
7. (new – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009; repealed – State Gazette No. 16 of 2013; new – State Gazette No. 108 of 2013; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021; amended – State Gazette No. 22 of 2022, in force from 18.03.2022)
who have invested in the country by contributing to the capital of a Bulgarian commercial company an amount of not less than BGN 2,000,000 for the implementation of a priority investment project, certified under the Investment Promotion Act, certified by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth;
8. (new – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009)
who have invested in the capital of a Bulgarian commercial company whose shares are not traded on a regulated market an amount of not less than BGN 6,000,000;
9. (new – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; former item 7 – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
who are not persons of Bulgarian origin, were born on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, have lost Bulgarian citizenship under emigration agreements or have been released from Bulgarian citizenship and wish to settle permanently on the territory of the country;
10. (new – State Gazette No. 37 of 2003; former item 8 – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009)
who, until 27 December 1998, entered, resided or were born on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and whose parent entered into a civil marriage with a Bulgarian citizen;
11. (new – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; former item 9 – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009; supplemented – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
family members of a Bulgarian citizen, provided that they have resided lawfully and continuously on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria during the last five years;
12. (new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
who, until 27 December 1998, entered, resided and did not leave the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or were born on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and were not recognised as citizens of the former Soviet republics; for this category the requirement under Article 15, paragraph 1 shall not apply;
13. (new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; supplemented – State Gazette No. 16 of 2013; amended – State Gazette No. 14 of 2015; amended – State Gazette No. 22 of 2022, in force from 18.03.2022)
who carry out activities and are certified under the Investment Promotion Act, certified by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth in accordance with Article 25v;
14. (new – State Gazette No. 43 of 2011, in force from 15.06.2011; amended – State Gazette No. 24 of 2019, in force from 01.07.2020; amendment concerning entry into force – State Gazette No. 101 of 2019)
minor and underage children born and abandoned by foreign parent(s) on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, placed in a social or integrated health-social residential care service as a child protection measure;
15. (new – State Gazette No. 43 of 2011, in force from 15.06.2011; amended – State Gazette No. 24 of 2019, in force from 01.07.2020; amendment concerning entry into force – State Gazette No. 101 of 2019)
minor and underage children abandoned by foreign parent(s) on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, placed in a social or integrated health-social residential care service as a child protection measure;
16. (new – State Gazette No. 16 of 2013; amended – State Gazette No. 14 of 2015; supplemented – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021; amended – State Gazette No. 22 of 2022, in force from 18.03.2022)
who have invested in the country by contributing not less than BGN 500,000 to the capital of a Bulgarian commercial company, where the foreigner is a partner or shareholder with registered shares and holds not less than 50 per cent of the capital, and as a result of the investment new tangible and intangible fixed assets of not less than BGN 500,000 have been acquired and at least 10 jobs for Bulgarian citizens have been created and maintained for the duration of residence, certified by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth; the Ministry issues the certificate after substantiation by the Bulgarian commercial company of the necessity of the foreigner’s residence for the implementation and maintenance of the investment;
17. (new – State Gazette No. 108 of 2013)
who have obtained a long-term residence permit under Article 24, paragraph 1, items 19 and 20 and have maintained the investment for a period of five years.
(New – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; supplemented – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
A residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria may be granted, without the requirements of this Act being met, to foreigners who have rendered services to the Republic of Bulgaria in the public or economic sphere, in the field of national security, science, technology, culture or sport, or where a state interest exists
(New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2007; amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; repealed – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019; new – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The right of permanent residence in the Republic of Bulgaria of a foreigner shall be automatically terminated upon acquisition of Bulgarian citizenship.
In cases of release from or deprivation of Bulgarian citizenship, or revocation of naturalisation, the right of residence shall not be restored automatically.
(New – State Gazette No. 16 of 2013)
(1) A permanent residence permit on the grounds of Article 25, paragraph 1, item 13 may be granted to a foreigner who carries out activities for the implementation and/or maintenance of an investment which has obtained a Class A certificate, Class B certificate, or a certificate for a priority investment project under Article 20, paragraph 1, item 1 of the Investment Promotion Act.
(2) In the Bulgarian commercial company with an investment that has obtained a certificate under Article 20, paragraph 1, item 1 of the Investment Promotion Act, the foreigner under paragraph 1 must be:
1. a partner or shareholder with registered shares, holding 50 per cent or more of the registered capital of the company;
2. a representative of the company or a procurator entered in the Commercial Register; or
3. employed under an employment contract for the performance of a key and/or control function in the research, production, marketing or other core activity of the enterprise, or another activity necessary for the purposes of the investment.
(3) No later than the third year from the date of commencement of work on the investment project, the competent body of the commercial company under paragraph 2 shall certify that the minimum threshold for issuance of a Class B investment certificate has been reached under the Investment Promotion Act with respect to the investments made and put into operation and/or the employment created, calculated as the average number of personnel.
(4) The total number of persons under paragraph 2 who may obtain a residence permit in the country on the grounds of Article 25, paragraph 1, item 13, in connection with the implementation and maintenance of a single investment project, shall be:
1. until fulfilment of the requirement under paragraph 3 – up to three persons;
2. after fulfilment of the requirement under paragraph 3, during the period of maintenance of the investment and the jobs – up to eight persons.
(5) The requirements of Article 13 of the Investment Promotion Act shall apply to the Bulgarian commercial company and to the person under paragraph 2.
(6) (amended – State Gazette No. 14 of 2015; amended – State Gazette No. 22 of 2022, in force from 18.03.2022)
The Ministry of Innovation and Growth shall issue a certificate confirming fulfilment of the requirements under paragraphs 2–5, to be used before the authorities for administrative control of foreigners.
The certificate shall be issued after substantiation by the Bulgarian commercial company under paragraph 2 of the necessity of the foreigner’s residence for the implementation and maintenance of the investment, and after the company has undertaken an obligation to immediately inform the Ministry of Innovation and Growth in the event of termination of the relationship with the natural person.
(New – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
(1) A family member of a Bulgarian citizen who has been granted long-term residence under Article 24m shall have the right to permanent residence if he or she has lawfully resided continuously for a period of five years in the Republic of Bulgaria together with the Bulgarian citizen, or if he or she has lawfully resided continuously for five years in the Republic of Bulgaria in the cases under Article 24, paragraphs 9, 10 and 11.
(2) (amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
For issuance of a residence card under Regulation (EU) 2019/1157 certifying the right of permanent residence, the person under paragraph 1 shall submit an application to the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior or to the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior two months prior to the expiry of the long-term residence period.
(3) (amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
A residence card issued under Regulation (EU) 2019/1157, certifying the right of permanent residence, shall be issued within one month from submission of the application.
(New – State Gazette No. 14 of 2018; amended – State Gazette No. 1 of 2019)
Members of the armed forces and members of the civilian component of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) structure stationed in the Republic of Bulgaria, as well as their dependants, shall reside in the Republic of Bulgaria without the requirements of this Act being applicable.
The period of residence may exceed one year.
(1) (Former text of Article 26 – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 43 of 2011, in force from 15.06.2011; supplemented – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The issuance of a residence permit or the extension of the period of residence shall be refused in the cases under Article 10, paragraph 1, items 1–4, 6–11, 14, 16, 18–23 and 26.
(2) (New – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; amended – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009; amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; supplemented – State Gazette No. 70 of 2013, in force from 24.12.2013; supplemented – State Gazette No. 33 of 2016, in force from 21.05.2016; supplemented – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017; supplemented – State Gazette No. 24 of 2018, in force from 23.05.2018; amended – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019; supplemented – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021; supplemented – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The issuance of a residence permit or the extension of the period of residence in the country of a foreigner shall be refused where it is established that the foreigner does not meet the conditions under Articles 24, 24a–24g, 24e, 24z, 24i, 24k, 24m, 24n, 24o, 24p, 24r and 24s, 25, 33a, 33g and 33k–33m, 33p and 33t.
(3) (New – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; supplemented – State Gazette No. 37 of 2003; amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
The issuance of a residence permit or the extension of the period of residence shall be refused to a foreigner who has entered into marriage with a Bulgarian citizen or with a foreigner, or who has been adopted by a Bulgarian citizen or by a foreigner who has obtained a residence permit, where there is evidence that the marriage was concluded or the adoption was carried out solely for the purpose of circumventing the rules governing the regime of foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria and obtaining a residence permit.
(4) (New – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
The assessment for refusal of the permit under paragraph 3 shall be carried out by the services for administrative control of foreigners on the basis of data providing grounds to make a reasoned conclusion that the marriage was concluded or the adoption was carried out solely for the purpose of circumventing the rules governing the regime of foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria and obtaining a residence permit. Such data may include:
1. (supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011) the circumstance that the spouses or the adopted person and the adopter do not live together;
2. lack of contribution to the obligations arising from the marriage;
3. the circumstance that the spouses were not acquainted prior to the conclusion of the marriage;
4. (supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011) provision of contradictory information regarding the personal data of the other spouse or the adopted person (name, address, nationality, profession), the circumstances of their acquaintance, or other important personal information;
5. (supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011) the circumstance that the spouses or the adopted person and the adopter do not speak a language understandable to both;
6. payment of a monetary amount for the conclusion of the marriage outside the customary dowry;
7. (supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011) the existence of previous marriages or adoptions concluded for the purpose of circumventing the rules governing the regime of foreigners;
8. (new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011) the circumstance that the marriage was concluded or the adoption was carried out after the foreigner had obtained a residence permit.
(5) (New – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; amended – State Gazette No. 37 of 2003)
The data under paragraph 4 may be established through interviews conducted by officials of the services for administrative control of foreigners, statements by the persons concerned or by third parties, documentary evidence, or checks and investigations carried out by state authorities.
The services for administrative control of foreigners shall obligatorily hear the persons concerned.
(6) (*) (New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
In the cases under Article 10, paragraph 1, item 19, a residence permit may be issued for humanitarian reasons or reasons related to the fulfilment of international obligations after consultation with the Member State that issued the alert for refusal of entry.
(7) (New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
The occurrence of diseases after the initial issuance of a residence permit under Chapter Three “a” to a foreigner and to the members of his or her family, as well as after issuance of a residence permit to family members of a foreigner on the grounds of family reunification, may not constitute grounds for refusal to extend the period of residence.
(8) (New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
The refusal to grant long-term resident status may not be based on the circumstances under Article 10, paragraph 1, item 8.
When assessing a refusal to grant long-term resident status, account shall be taken of the duration of the foreigner’s residence in the Republic of Bulgaria, age, health status, family situation, social integration, existing ties in the country, or the absence of ties with the country of origin.
(9) (New – State Gazette No. 24 of 2018, in force from 23.05.2018)
The issuance of a residence permit or the extension of the period of residence shall be refused where the granted permit or the submitted documents were obtained through fraud or are false or forged.
(10) (New – State Gazette No. 24 of 2018, in force from 23.05.2018; supplemented – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021; amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The extension of the period of residence shall be refused where the foreigner resides on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for purposes different from those for which residence was permitted – in the cases under Article 24, paragraph 1, item 21, Articles 24b, 24v, 24p and 24s, with the exception of Article 24b, paragraph 18 and Article 24v, paragraph 13.
(11) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The issuance of a residence permit or the extension of the period of residence shall be refused where it is established that the employer’s enterprise was created or carries out activity with the primary purpose of facilitating the entry and residence of foreigners.
In such cases, the Migration Directorate or a Migration department/sector/group at the regional directorate of the Ministry of Interior shall refer the matter to the State Agency for National Security and the prosecution authorities.
(12) (New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; former paragraph 9 – State Gazette No. 24 of 2018, in force from 23.05.2018; former paragraph 11 – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The refusal to issue a residence permit or to extend the period of residence shall be reasoned, communicated to the interested persons, and may be contested in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code.
(13) (New – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021; former paragraph 12 – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The reasons for refusals to issue residence permits or to extend the period of residence under Article 10, paragraph 1, items 1–3, as well as where disclosure of the data and circumstances on the basis of which the decision was taken affects or could directly affect the foreign policy and international relations of the Republic of Bulgaria or national security, shall be set out in a separate document prepared by the competent authorities.
Where this document contains classified information, it shall be drawn up in accordance with the Classified Information Protection Act.
(New – State Gazette No. 37 of 2003; amended – State Gazette No. 11 of 2005; repealed – State Gazette No. 63 of 2005)
(New – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
(1) When examining an application for issuance of a residence permit, for extension of the period of residence, or for a long-term residence visa of a foreigner in respect of whom another Member State has entered in the Schengen Information System (SIS) an alert for return or an alert for refusal of entry and residence, the services for administrative control of foreigners shall conduct prior consultations with the respective Member State in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1860 and Article 27 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1861.
(2) The state authorities participating in the procedures for examining applications for issuance of a residence permit, extension of the period of residence, or a long-term residence visa of a foreigner shall be informed of the results of the prior consultations under paragraph 1.
(Amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
(1) The period of validity and/or the duration of stay of an issued Schengen visa may be extended up to 90 days within 180 days where the foreigner provides evidence of extraordinary circumstances or humanitarian reasons preventing departure from the territory of the Member States before expiry of the visa validity or permitted stay.
Such extension shall be free of charge.
(2) The period of validity and/or duration of stay under an issued Schengen visa may be extended up to 90 days within 180 days where the foreigner provides evidence of serious personal reasons justifying the extension.
A fee shall be payable for extension of the visa validity.
(3) The territorial validity of the extended visa shall remain the same as that of the originally issued visa, unless the competent authority explicitly restricts it to the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria in the decision on extension.
(4) The Migration Directorate or Migration departments/sectors/groups at the Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs and the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall extend the validity of a visa of a foreigner who is on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria at the time of submission of the application for extension.
For each extension of a Schengen visa, the State Agency for National Security shall be notified, indicating the reasons, grounds and the period of extension.
(5) The foreigner shall submit an application on a standard form pursuant to the regulations for the implementation of the Act before expiry of the permitted period of residence, attaching the following documents:
1. a passport or substitute travel document with validity exceeding by at least three months the requested extension period, and copies of the pages containing the photograph and personal data;
2. evidence of stable, regular, predictable and sufficient means of subsistence, accommodation and medical insurance for the requested extension period;
3. documents evidencing extraordinary circumstances, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal reasons within the meaning of paragraphs 1 and 2.
(6) The extension of visa validity shall be effected by affixing a visa sticker.
(7) Information on visas with extended validity shall be entered into the Visa Information System in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 767/2008.
(8) The period of residence of a person under Article 23a may be extended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs without observing the limitations under paragraphs 1 and 2, in accordance with a procedure determined by an act of the Council of Ministers.
(New – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; supplemented – State Gazette No. 28 of 2008; supplemented – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
State and municipal authorities which, by virtue of a normative act, carry out registration of foreigners or activities carried out by foreigners shall be obliged to verify the type and grounds of the visas issued to foreigners.
Where discrepancies are found between the requested registration and the type and grounds of the issued visa, registration shall not be carried out and the services for administrative control of foreigners and the State Agency for National Security shall be notified immediately.
(New – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001)
(1) Officials who, in the course of their activity, establish a change in the legal status or activities of foreigners shall be obliged to immediately notify the services for administrative control of foreigners.
(2) (supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
In cases of withdrawal or termination of the right of permanent or long-term residence of a foreigner, the services for administrative control of foreigners shall immediately notify the civil registration authorities.
(Amended – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001)
(1) (Amended – State Gazette No. 37 of 2003; amended – State Gazette No. 11 of 2005; repealed – State Gazette No. 63 of 2005, in force from 01.01.2006)
(2) (Repealed – State Gazette No. 63 of 2005, in force from 01.01.2006)
(3) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 37 of 2003; amended – State Gazette No. 11 of 2005; amended – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; supplemented – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
A natural or legal person who has provided short-term accommodation to a foreigner shall, within three days after providing the accommodation, notify in writing the services for administrative control of foreigners or the district police department of the Ministry of Interior at their place of location of this circumstance, indicating the names, date of birth, citizenship, number and series of the foreigner’s identity document.
(4) (Amended – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009; amended – State Gazette No. 17 of 2020; supplemented – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Persons carrying out hotel accommodation activities shall, upon accommodating a foreigner, immediately register the foreigner in the register under Article 116, paragraph 1 of the Tourism Act, entering the full names of the foreigner as stated in the passport or substitute travel document, date and year of birth, citizenship, passport number or substitute travel document number, as well as the period of stay in the tourist establishment.
(5) (New – State Gazette No. 37 of 2003; repealed – State Gazette No. 63 of 2005, in force from 01.01.2006; new – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Upon a change of address of residence, foreigners granted the right of long-term, permanent or long-term resident status in the Republic of Bulgaria shall, within 30 days, declare this circumstance to the services for administrative control of foreigners and submit an application for issuance of a Bulgarian identity document.
(6) (Former paragraph 5 – State Gazette No. 37 of 2003; repealed – State Gazette No. 63 of 2005, in force from 01.01.2006)
(7) (Former paragraph 6; amended – State Gazette No. 37 of 2003; amended – State Gazette No. 63 of 2005, in force from 01.01.2006)
Residence in the Republic of Bulgaria of the persons under Article 18, paragraph 2 and Article 24, paragraph 1, item 14 shall not be included in the required period for obtaining a permanent residence permit or for acquiring Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation.
(New – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; amended – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019, in force from 24.10.2019)
(1) Unaccompanied foreign children, as well as foreigners under 18 years of age who entered the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria accompanied but were subsequently abandoned, who have not applied for protection under the Asylum and Refugees Act or whose applications have been rejected by final decisions, may be granted only long-term residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria until they reach majority.
The permit shall be issued in accordance with the procedure laid down in the regulations for the implementation of the Act.
(2) After reaching 18 years of age, the foreigners under paragraph 1 may be granted long-term residence where humanitarian reasons exist.
(3) The Social Assistance Directorate at the place of residence of the foreigners under paragraph 1 shall determine and implement specific protection measures in accordance with the Child Protection Act after assessing the best interests of the child, while the State Agency for Child Protection shall coordinate, monitor and control the implementation of the protection measures regarding observance of the child’s rights until final resolution of the issue of residence in the Republic of Bulgaria, but not after reaching 18 years of age.
(4) The Director of the Migration Directorate or an official authorised by him or her shall grant long-term residence to the foreigners under paragraphs 1 and 2 after assessing the possibility of their return to family members, an appointed guardian, or suitable reception centres in their country of origin, a third country willing to receive them, or a country obliged to receive them under a readmission agreement with the Republic of Bulgaria, provided that their life and freedom are not endangered and they are not exposed to a risk of persecution, torture, or inhuman or degrading treatment.
The assessment shall be carried out in accordance with the procedure laid down in the regulations for the implementation of the Act.
(5) The Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall issue a refusal to grant long-term residence to the foreigners under paragraphs 1 and 2 where it is established that they can be returned.
The refusal shall be subject to appeal in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code.
(6) Family reunification shall not be permitted for a foreigner granted the right of residence under paragraphs 1 and 2.
(1) (Former text of Article 29 – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009; amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
Foreigners residing long-term, permanently, or as long-term residents in the Republic of Bulgaria shall prove their identity in accordance with a procedure laid down by law.
(2) (New – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009; amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Foreigners residing long-term, permanently, or as long-term residents in the Republic of Bulgaria shall certify their right of residence in the Republic of Bulgaria with a residence permit issued in accordance with the requirements of Council Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals.
(3) (New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
The foreigner’s passport or substitute travel document shall be valid for at least three months from the date of submission of the application for issuance of a residence permit.
(4) (New – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009; former paragraph 3 – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
The procedure for issuance of the residence permit under paragraph 2 shall be determined by an act of the Council of Ministers.
(Amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
A foreigner whose passport or substitute travel document has been lost or destroyed shall be obliged to immediately notify the services for administrative control of foreigners thereof.
(1) Travel documents of a foreigner may be temporarily confiscated:
1. by the competent judicial authorities where criminal proceedings have been instituted for a criminal offence of a general nature;
2. by the competent officials upon placement in facilities for serving a sentence of deprivation of liberty;
3. by the authorities of the Ministry of Interior where there is a well-founded suspicion that the documents are false or forged;
4. (amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016) by the authorities of the Ministry of Interior where an order for expulsion, return or extradition from the country has been issued;
5. (repealed – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
6. by the authorities of the Ministry of Interior in cases of foreigners returned from another country.
(2) In the cases under paragraph 1, items 1, 2 and 3, the officials who have seized the foreigner’s documents shall draw up a record on the basis of which the services for administrative control of foreigners shall issue a temporary document establishing the identity of the person.
(3) The travel document shall be returned to the foreigner once the grounds for its temporary confiscation cease to exist.
(4) (Amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Travel documents of foreigners enjoying immunity in the Republic of Bulgaria may not be confiscated unless otherwise provided for in international treaties to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party.
Travel documents of foreigners may not be given or accepted as pledge, nor assigned or used by another person.
(Repealed – State Gazette No. 33 of 2016, in force from 21.05.2016)
RESIDENCE OF A FOREIGNER GRANTED LONG-TERM RESIDENT STATUS IN ANOTHER MEMBER STATE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; title amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (Amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
A foreigner who has been granted long-term resident status in another Member State of the European Union may obtain a permit for long-term residence in the Republic of Bulgaria:
1. if he or she is an employee, worker or self-employed person in the Republic of Bulgaria;
2. for the purpose of education, including vocational training, at an educational institution;
3. (new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011) for another purpose.
(2) (Amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
A permit for long-term residence shall be issued to the foreigner under paragraph 1 if he or she meets the conditions under Article 24, paragraph 2 and submits:
1. a work permit in the Republic of Bulgaria – if he or she is an employee or worker;
2. documents certifying authorisation to carry out freelance activity and availability of the necessary financial means – if he or she is self-employed;
3. a certificate from the educational institution confirming admission for the respective academic year – where residence is for the purpose of education;
4. (new – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011) documents relating to the circumstances under Article 24, paragraph 2.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (Amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
Within three months of entering the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, the foreigner under Article 33a, paragraph 1 shall submit an application to the services for administrative control of foreigners for issuance of a long-term residence permit on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
(2) (Amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2012; amended – State Gazette No. 53 of 2014; amended – State Gazette No. 14 of 2015)
The application shall be forwarded ex officio to the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior, which shall examine it within four months from the date of its submission.
(3) Where the documents under Article 33a, paragraph 2 are not attached to the application or the case involves factual complexity, the period may be extended by no more than three months.
In such cases, the services for administrative control of foreigners shall immediately notify the foreigner.
(4) The procedure for examining the application shall be determined in the regulations for the implementation of the Act.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (Amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
The long-term residence permit shall be issued for a period of one year.
(2) (Amended – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
The permit shall be renewed upon application by the foreigner by the services for administrative control of foreigners after the expiry of its validity period.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (Amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
Where the foreigner under Article 33a, paragraph 1 holds a residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria and has a family established in the Member State of the European Union that issued his or her long-term residence permit, the members of his or her family shall have the right to accompany or join him or her.
(2) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
For the purpose of obtaining a long-term residence permit, family members shall submit to the territorial service for administrative control of foreigners:
1. a valid travel document;
2. (supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011) the documents under Article 24, paragraph 2, with the exception of documents proving secured accommodation;
3. their long-term residence permit or residence permit issued by the other Member State of the European Union;
4. evidence that they resided as family members of a long-term resident foreigner in the other Member State of the European Union.
(3) The period of residence of the family members shall be determined by the period of residence of the foreigner under Article 33a, paragraph 1.
(4) Where the family has not been established under the conditions of paragraph 1, the general rules for entry and residence of foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria shall apply to the family members of the foreigner under Article 33a, paragraph 1.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; repealed – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2012; amended – State Gazette No. 53 of 2014; amended – State Gazette No. 14 of 2015)
The Migration Directorate – Ministry of Interior shall notify the other Member State of the European Union of the long-term residence permit granted to the foreigner under Article 33a, paragraph 1.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (Amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
Where grounds exist for refusal or withdrawal of a long-term residence permit, the authorities of the Ministry of Interior shall immediately and without formalities return the foreigner under Article 33a, paragraph 1, or the members of his or her family, to the Member State of the European Union in which they hold long-term residence status.
(2) In the cases under paragraph 1, the authorities of the Ministry of Interior shall notify the competent authorities of the other Member State of the European Union.
(3) (New – State Gazette No. 43 of 2011, in force from 15.06.2011)
The Republic of Bulgaria shall immediately and without formalities readmit a foreigner to whom it has granted long-term residence status, as well as the members of his or her family, where another Member State of the European Union has withdrawn or refused the right of residence.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 109 of 2007, in force from 01.01.2008)
Where the foreigner under Article 33a, paragraph 1, or the members of his or her family, pose a serious threat to public security and order, the authorities of the Ministry of Interior or the State Agency for National Security may expel them from the territory of the European Union before they have acquired long-term residence status in the Republic of Bulgaria, following coordination with the competent authorities of the other Member State of the European Union in which they hold long-term residence status.
(2) When ordering expulsion, account shall be taken of the duration of the foreigner’s residence in the Republic of Bulgaria, age, health status, family situation, social integration, as well as the existence or absence of ties with the state of residence or the state of origin.
(3) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 109 of 2007, in force from 01.01.2008)
The authorities of the Ministry of Interior or the State Agency for National Security shall notify the competent authorities of the other Member State of the European Union of the execution of the expulsion decision.
(4) (New – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, in force from 01.05.2013)
A foreigner holding a long-term residence permit in the European Union in the first Member State on the basis of international protection granted by that Member State, which has not been withdrawn, may be expelled before acquiring long-term residence status in the Republic of Bulgaria where there are grounds to believe that he or she poses a serious threat to national security, or where, as a person convicted by a final judgment for a serious crime, he or she poses a threat to public order.
(5) (New – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, in force from 01.05.2013; amended – State Gazette No. 80 of 2015, in force from 16.10.2015)
When expelling a foreigner who has been granted long-term residence status on the basis of international protection in another Member State of the European Union, the competent authority under Article 44, paragraph 1, through the State Agency for Refugees, shall send an inquiry to that Member State to confirm the existence of international protection.
(6) (New – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, in force from 01.05.2013; amended – State Gazette No. 80 of 2015, in force from 16.10.2015)
Upon inquiry from another Member State, the State Agency for Refugees shall provide information on the existence or absence of international protection granted by the Republic of Bulgaria within one month of receipt of the inquiry.
(7) (New – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, in force from 01.05.2013; amended – State Gazette No. 80 of 2015, in force from 16.10.2015)
Where the existence of international protection is confirmed, the foreigner under paragraph 5 and the members of his or her family shall be immediately returned to the Member State that granted the international protection.
(8) (New – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, in force from 01.05.2013; amended – State Gazette No. 80 of 2015, in force from 16.10.2015)
A foreigner whose presence in the country poses a serious threat to national security, or who, as a person convicted by a final judgment for a serious crime, poses a threat to public order, may be expelled to a state other than the Member State that granted international protection, subject to compliance with Article 44a, paragraph 1.
(9) (New – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, in force from 01.05.2013)
The Republic of Bulgaria shall immediately readmit a foreigner to whom it has granted international protection, as well as the members of his or her family, where another Member State of the European Union has adopted a decision on expulsion.
(New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(1) A foreigner who has obtained a long-term residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria as a second Member State, and who acquires long-term resident status under the conditions of Article 24g, may be issued a long-term residence permit upon submission of an application.
(2) The services for administrative control of foreigners shall notify the first Member State of the long-term residence status granted to the foreigner.
(3) (New – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, in force from 01.05.2013)
Upon issuance of a long-term resident residence permit in the European Union to a foreigner granted international protection in the first Member State, the “remarks” field shall indicate the international protection granted by the respective Member State of the European Union and shall specify the date on which it was granted.
(4) (New – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, in force from 01.05.2013; amended – State Gazette No. 80 of 2015, in force from 16.10.2015)
The annotation under paragraph 3 shall be made by the competent authorities of the Ministry of Interior following consultations conducted by the State Agency for Refugees with the first Member State, confirming that the international protection granted has not been withdrawn by a final decision.
(5) (New – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, in force from 01.05.2013; amended – State Gazette No. 80 of 2015, in force from 16.10.2015)
Upon inquiry from another Member State, the State Agency for Refugees shall provide information on the existence or absence of international protection granted by the Republic of Bulgaria as the first Member State within one month of receipt of the inquiry.
(6) (New – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, in force from 01.05.2013)
Where international protection is granted by the Republic of Bulgaria before the foreigner has been issued a long-term resident residence permit in the European Union by the competent structures of the Ministry of Interior, the State Agency for Refugees shall notify the Member State that issued such permit in order to make an annotation in accordance with Article 24d, paragraph 3.
(7) (New – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, in force from 01.05.2013)
Where responsibility for international protection is transferred to the Republic of Bulgaria with respect to a foreigner who has been issued a long-term resident residence permit in the European Union by the competent structures of the Ministry of Interior, the annotation under paragraph 3 shall be amended in accordance with Article 24d, paragraph 3 within three months of issuance of a Bulgarian identity document under the Bulgarian Identity Documents Act.
(8) (New – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013, in force from 01.05.2013)
A change in the “remarks” field of a long-term resident residence permit in the European Union issued by the competent structures of the Ministry of Interior shall be made on the basis of a notification from a Member State that it has assumed responsibility for the international protection of the foreigner before issuing such a permit.
The amended permit shall be issued within three months of receipt of the notification.
RESIDENCE OF THIRD-COUNTRY NATIONALS FOR THE PURPOSES OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED EMPLOYMENT
(New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011, in force from 01.06.2011)
(New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011, in force from 01.06.2011; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, in force from 01.06.2021)
(1) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
A long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card” may be granted to foreigners who meet the conditions for exercising highly qualified employment under Bulgarian legislation and who:
1. (amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025) hold a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, or a long-term residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria, which shall be replaced by the permit of the type “EU Blue Card”; or
2. (amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025) have been granted international protection in the Republic of Bulgaria or in a Member State of the European Union within the meaning of the Asylum and Refugees Act.
(2) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
A long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card” shall be issued for a period of up to five years, but not less than 24 months. Where the term of the employment contract is shorter than 24 months, the permit shall be issued for the duration of the contract extended by three months, but for a maximum period of 24 months. The permit under the first sentence may be renewed where grounds for its reissuance exist.
(3) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
An application for issuance of the permit under paragraph 1 shall be submitted by the employer or by a person authorized by the employer, or by the foreigner, on paper or electronically after technical conditions have been established, to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, regardless of the foreigner’s address of residence.
Where the foreigner holds a long-term residence permit or has been granted international protection, the application shall be submitted no later than two months before the expiry of the permitted period of long-term residence in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Where the validity of the residence permit held by the foreigner under the second sentence expires while a decision on the application is pending, a document certifying this circumstance shall be issued.
Upon initial application for an EU Blue Card, the foreigner shall not be required to be outside the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria if he or she holds a long-term residence permit in the country.
The application for the card document shall be submitted at the foreigner’s address of residence.
(4)
The Migration Directorate or the department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall provide information regarding all documents required for obtaining the permit, including the rights and obligations arising therefrom for the foreigner.
(5) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
The application shall be submitted using a template in accordance with the regulations for application of the Act, indicating an electronic address for correspondence, and depending on the method of submission under paragraph 3, on paper or in electronic format, the following shall be attached:
1. a copy of a passport or a substitute travel document containing the page with the photograph and the personal data of the foreigner;
2. (supplemented – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023) a criminal record certificate issued by the state of which the foreigner is a national or by the state of his or her habitual residence – upon initial submission of an application for issuance of the permit under paragraph 1; in the cases under paragraph 1, item 2, the criminal record certificate shall be issued by the state that granted international protection to the foreigner;
3. (amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025) evidence of secured accommodation where the foreigner holds a long-term residence permit in the territory of the country; an applicant who has not been granted long-term residence in the territory of the country shall present evidence of secured accommodation when submitting an application for issuance of a document of the type “EU Blue Card” for the first time, in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002; such evidence shall also be submitted when applying for a long-term residence visa;
4. justification for access of the foreigner to the labour market, in which the employer:
a) states the facts and circumstances necessitating the employment of a foreign worker;
b) substantiates the refusal to employ a Bulgarian citizen, a citizen of another Member State of the European Union, of a state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, or of the Swiss Confederation, or a person under Article 9, paragraph 1, items 2–6 of the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act, who meets the requirements specified in the vacancy announcement;
5. (amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023) documents evidencing the education, specialty, legal capacity, professional qualification and/or experience of the foreign worker, legalized in the prescribed manner and accompanied by a translation into Bulgarian certified by a notary public or by the Directorate “Consular Relations” at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, corresponding to the requirements for occupying the position according to the National Classification of Occupations and Positions, 2011;
6. a declaration by the employer that the working and remuneration conditions have been complied with and that they are not less favourable than those applicable to Bulgarian citizens for the respective category of labour – upon initial submission of the application;
7. (amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025) a copy of a fixed-term employment contract certified by the employer, concluded under Bulgarian legislation, for a position with a code under the National Classification of Occupations and Positions, 2011, signed by the parties and entering into force as of the date of issuance of the long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card”, and a copy of the job description where it constitutes an integral part of the contract;
8. a document certifying that the conditions for exercising a profession included in the List of Regulated Professions in the Republic of Bulgaria under Article 3 of the Act on Recognition of Professional Qualifications have been met;
9. (amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025) compulsory health insurance valid in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of at least three months or until issuance of the long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card”, where the foreigner is not insured under the Health Insurance Act;
10. other documents required under Bulgarian legislation for occupying the position specified by the employer, where such are necessary;
11. (new – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025) outside the cases under item 8, after the person enters the territory of the country with a long-term residence visa, a certificate issued by the National Centre for Information and Documentation for recognition of higher education acquired by the foreigner at foreign higher education institutions shall be submitted; where the certificate is entered in the Academic Recognition Register of the National Centre for Information and Documentation, the number and date of its issuance shall be indicated in the application and the certificate shall not be attached; the same shall apply when the foreigner applies for a long-term residence visa.
(6) (Amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Where the application under paragraph 5 is submitted to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, it shall be forwarded immediately in electronic form to the Migration Directorate together with the attached documents, accompanied by a document verifying the address, where there are doubts that the foreigner will not reside at the declared address.
(7) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
The Migration Directorate shall verify the documents under paragraph 5 and, where a document is missing or where additional documents are required, shall notify the applicant electronically and set a 10-day deadline for submission. Where the documents are not submitted within the prescribed period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an official authorized by him or her shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of the long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card”.
(8) (Amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
The Migration Directorate shall electronically forward to the Employment Agency and to the State Agency for National Security, within 10 days of submission of the application, the applications under paragraph 5 in respect of which the proceedings have not been terminated, together with the attached documents.
Where the foreigner holds a long-term residence permit in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, a reference regarding the granted right of residence shall also be attached.
The Migration Directorate shall electronically forward the application with all documents to the State Agency for National Security, which shall issue a written opinion under Article 41, paragraph 1, item 2 of the State Agency for National Security Act within 10 days where the person is in the territory of the country, and in the cases under paragraph 13 – within three days after issuance of an opinion on the visa application under Article 15, paragraph 1.
(9) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
The Executive Director of the Employment Agency shall electronically forward to the Migration Directorate a written opinion regarding the existence or absence of grounds for exercising highly qualified employment within 10 days of receipt of the application.
(10) (Amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
Where irregularities are established in the documents or where additional documents are required from the applicant, the Employment Agency shall notify the Migration Directorate electronically within 10 days.
Where the Employment Agency fails to notify the Migration Directorate within this period, the documents shall be deemed regular and no additional documents shall be required.
The period under paragraph 9 shall be suspended until receipt of the required documents.
(11) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
The Migration Directorate shall notify the applicant electronically of the circumstances under paragraph 10 and shall set a 10-day deadline for remedying the irregularities or submitting the required documents.
Where the irregularities are not remedied or the documents are not submitted within the prescribed period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorized official shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of the permit under paragraph 1 and shall notify the Employment Agency.
(12) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Within three days of receipt of the positive opinions under paragraph 9, the Migration Directorate shall electronically send a notification to the applicant stating that grounds for exercising highly qualified employment exist for the foreigner.
The notification shall also be sent to the Directorate “Consular Relations” at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(13) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Within 30 days of sending the notification under paragraph 12, the foreigner shall take steps to submit an application for issuance of a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1 in the cases under paragraph 1.
In cases of refusal to issue a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, the Directorate “Consular Relations” at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall notify the Migration Directorate.
(14) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Within 14 days of the foreigner’s entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria with a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, the employer or a person authorized by the employer shall appear together with the foreigner before the Migration Directorate or a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior and shall attach to the application under paragraph 5 a copy of the foreigner’s passport containing the page with the affixed visa and compulsory health insurance valid in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of at least three months – until issuance of the long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card”.
Where the documents are not submitted within the prescribed period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorized official shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of the permit under paragraph 1.
(15)
The Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorized official shall issue or refuse to issue a long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card” within three days of submission of the documents under paragraph 14, where the application has been submitted by the employer or a person authorized by the employer.
(16)
The Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorized official shall issue or refuse to issue a long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card” within 60 days of submission of the application, where the foreigner holds a long-term residence permit in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
(17) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
In cases of legal and factual complexity, the period for review of the application may be extended by 15 additional days, of which the employer or the foreigner shall be notified in writing.
Where necessary, documents and information shall be required to be submitted within 13 days of receipt of the notification.
Where the additional documents and information are not submitted within the specified period, the proceedings for issuance of the permit under paragraph 1 shall be terminated.
(18) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
After issuance of a long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card”, a document shall be issued in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002, with the entry “EU Blue Card” made in the field “type of permit”.
In the event of a change of employer, paragraphs 26 or 27 shall apply, depending on whether the change occurs within the first 12 months or after the first 12 months of highly qualified employment.
(19)
The procedure for issuance of a long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card” shall not exceed three months.
(20)
The employer shall notify the Migration Directorate of termination of the employment relationship with the foreigner within three days of the date of termination of employment.
(21)
A permit under paragraph 1 shall not be issued to foreigners who have obtained long-term residence on the grounds of Article 24m, nor to family members of citizens of the European Union who have exercised or are exercising their right of free movement within the territory of the European Union and have obtained residence rights under the Act on the Entry, Residence and Departure of Citizens of the European Union and Members of Their Families.
(22)
The employer and the foreigner shall be notified in writing, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code, of the decisions adopted on the basis of the application.
(23) (New – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The holder of an EU Blue Card issued on the basis of a high level of professional skills within the meaning of Article 17, paragraph 2, item 1, letter “c” of the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act shall be issued a residence permit in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002, with the entry “[Position other than those under Article 17, paragraph 2, letter ‘b’ of the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act]” made in the field “remarks”.
(24) (New – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The holder of an EU Blue Card who has been granted international protection within the meaning of paragraph 1, item 2, shall be issued a residence permit in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002, with the entry “International protection granted by [name of the Member State] on [date]” made in the field “remarks”.
Where the international protection granted to the EU Blue Card holder is withdrawn, a new residence permit shall be issued without the entry under the first sentence.
(25) (New – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The Migration Directorate shall notify the Member State of the European Union that granted international protection that an application for issuance of an EU Blue Card in the Republic of Bulgaria has been submitted, requesting confirmation as to whether the foreigner continues to benefit from international protection at the time of issuance of the long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card”.
Where the granted protection has been withdrawn by a final decision, the Republic of Bulgaria shall not make the entry under paragraph 24.
The State Agency for Refugees at the Council of Ministers shall notify the Migration Directorate of a transfer of responsibility for international protection of the EU Blue Card holder for the purpose of amending the entry in the document issued under Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 within three months of the transfer, with the entry “International protection granted by Bulgaria on [date]” made in the field “Remarks”.
(26) (New – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
Where the employer is changed during the first 12 months of highly qualified employment under Article 20, paragraph 2 of the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act, the new employer or a person authorized by the employer, or the foreigner, shall submit an application for change of employer on paper or electronically after technical conditions have been established, to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, attaching the documents under paragraph 5, items 6–8.
Following issuance of an opinion by the Employment Agency within 7 days regarding the changed circumstances, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorized official shall issue or refuse to issue a new long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card” within 30 days of submission of the application.
(27) (New – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
After expiry of the first 12 months of highly qualified employment, the holder of an EU Blue Card may change employer under a simplified procedure.
(28) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
In the cases under paragraph 27, the new employer shall submit an application attaching the documents under paragraph 5, items 6 and 7.
Following a positive opinion from the Employment Agency on the set of documents, the holder of the EU Blue Card shall submit an application for issuance of a long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card”.
The Migration Directorate shall notify the State Agency for National Security of the change.
(29) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
After expiry of the first 12 months of highly qualified employment, the holder of an EU Blue Card may change the position held within the same sector under a simplified procedure, with the employer submitting an application attaching the documents under paragraph 5, items 7 and 8.
Following a positive opinion from the Employment Agency on the set of documents, the holder of the EU Blue Card shall submit an application for issuance of a long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card”.
(30) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Paragraph 1 shall not apply to foreigners:
1. who have applied for international protection and are awaiting a decision on their application or who benefit from temporary protection;
2. who have applied for asylum and are awaiting a decision on their application;
3. who apply for residence in the Republic of Bulgaria as researchers for the purpose of conducting a research project;
4. who hold long-term resident status in the European Union in another Member State and exercise their right to reside in the Republic of Bulgaria for the purpose of carrying out economic activity as employed or self-employed persons;
5. whose expulsion has been temporarily postponed due to factual or legal grounds;
6. who are posted workers for the duration of their posting in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
7. who, by virtue of agreements between the European Union and the Member States, on the one hand, and third countries, on the other hand, enjoy rights of free movement equivalent to those of citizens of the European Union.
(New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011, in force from 01.06.2011)
(1) (Amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
A holder of an EU Blue Card issued by another Member State of the European Union, who has lawfully resided in the territory of that Member State for 12 months, may, together with his or her family members, reside in the Republic of Bulgaria for the purposes of highly qualified employment.
The application for issuance of an EU Blue Card in the Republic of Bulgaria shall be submitted by the employer or a person authorised by the employer, or by the foreigner, no later than one month after the foreigner’s entry into the territory of the country.
(2) (Amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, in force from 01.06.2021; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Where the validity period of the EU Blue Card issued by the first Member State expires during the procedure for issuance of an EU Blue Card in the Republic of Bulgaria, the Migration Directorate or a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall issue a long-term residence permit for 90 days, enabling the foreigner to continue lawful residence in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria until a decision on the application is taken by the competent authority.
(3)
Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall also apply where the foreigner has already exercised the right of mobility to another Member State.
(4) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 43 of 2011, in force from 15.06.2011; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, in force from 01.06.2021; amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
The employer in the Republic of Bulgaria or a person authorised by the employer, or the foreigner who is the holder of an EU Blue Card issued by another Member State of the European Union, shall submit, on paper or electronically after technical conditions have been established, to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, an application using the template approved under the regulations for application of the Act, attaching the documents under Article 33k, paragraph 5, and a certified copy of the EU Blue Card issued by the first Member State.
The foreigner holding an EU Blue Card issued by another Member State of the European Union shall have the right to commence work in the Republic of Bulgaria no later than 30 days after the date of submission of the application, unless the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official refuses to issue a long-term residence and work permit of the type “EU Blue Card”.
(5) (New – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, in force from 01.06.2021)
In the administrative procedure for issuance of a residence permit of the type “EU Blue Card” in the cases under paragraph 1, the provisions of Article 33k, paragraphs 4–11 and paragraphs 17–22 shall apply.
(6) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The Migration Directorate shall notify the applicant under paragraph 4 and the first Member State of its decision as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days from the date of submission of the complete application.
In exceptional and duly justified circumstances related to the complexity of the application, the review period shall be extended by 30 days, of which the applicant shall be notified.
In the event of refusal on the grounds that the submitted documents were obtained by fraud or are false or forged, or that the holder of the EU Blue Card constitutes a real and serious threat to national security, public order or public health, the Migration Directorate shall indicate these circumstances in its notification to the first Member State.
(7) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
A holder of an EU Blue Card may move to the Republic of Bulgaria after having lawfully resided for 6 months in another Member State that is different from the Member State which issued the first EU Blue Card.
(8) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
A holder of a valid EU Blue Card issued by another Member State of the European Union may enter and reside in the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for the purpose of performing specific official duties, without requiring any additional permit for such activity other than the EU Blue Card and a valid passport.
(9) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The holder of the EU Blue Card shall bear the costs related to his or her return to the Republic of Bulgaria, as well as those of his or her family members, where another Member State has rejected the application for residence exceeding 90 days within the meaning of this Article.
(New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011, in force from 01.06.2011)
(1) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
A holder of an EU Blue Card may obtain long-term resident status in the Republic of Bulgaria if he or she has lawfully and continuously resided for five years in the territory of Member States of the European Union as a holder of an EU Blue Card, a researcher’s permit, a student permit, or as a person granted international protection, of which the last two years must have been in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria as a holder of an EU Blue Card.
(2) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
The five-year period under paragraph 1 shall not be interrupted by periods of absence of the EU Blue Card holder from the territory of Member States of the European Union for the purpose of exercising economic activity as an employed or self-employed person, due to voluntary activities or training in the country of origin, provided that such periods are shorter than 12 consecutive months and their total duration does not exceed 18 months within the five-year period.
(3)
An EU Blue Card holder who has acquired long-term resident status in the Republic of Bulgaria shall be issued a residence permit in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002, with the entry “former holder of an EU Blue Card” made in the field “remarks”.
(4) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
A family member of an EU Blue Card holder may obtain long-term resident status in the Republic of Bulgaria if he or she has lawfully and continuously resided for five years in the territory of Member States of the European Union as a family member of an EU Blue Card holder, of which the last two years must have been in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Periods of absence from the territory of EU Member States shall not interrupt the five-year period and shall be taken into account in its calculation where they are shorter than six consecutive months and do not exceed a total of 10 months within the five-year period.
(5) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Foreigners under paragraph 4 shall be issued a residence permit in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002.
In the field “permit category”, the entry “long-term resident in the EU” shall be made.
(New – State Gazette No. 43 of 2011, in force from 15.06.2011; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, in force from 01.06.2021)
(1) (Amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
During the first 12 months of highly qualified employment, the holder of an EU Blue Card may perform activities corresponding to the conditions under which the EU Blue Card was issued only in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, except for the cases under Article 33l, paragraph 8.
(2)
For the period under paragraph 1, the holder of the EU Blue Card may change employer only under the conditions of Article 33k.
(3) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; supplemented – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Where the EU Blue Card holder becomes unemployed during the first 24 months of highly qualified employment, he or she shall have the right, within three months, to seek and commence employment after registering with the Employment Agency within 7 working days from termination of the employment relationship, and may use employment mediation services under the Employment Promotion Act.
After expiry of the first 24 months, the EU Blue Card holder shall have the right, within six months, to seek and commence employment after registering with the Employment Agency within 7 working days from termination of the employment relationship, and may use employment mediation services under the Employment Promotion Act.
The EU Blue Card holder shall notify the Migration Directorate within 7 days of the beginning of the period of unemployment.
(4) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
The period of unemployment shall not constitute grounds for the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official to withdraw the EU Blue Card or to refuse renewal of the residence period, where the period of unemployment does not exceed three, respectively six, consecutive months, or where it does not occur more than once during the validity period of the EU Blue Card.
(5)
The right under paragraph 3 may be exercised once during the validity period of the EU Blue Card.
(6)
Where the EU Blue Card holder has failed to comply with the requirements under paragraphs 1, 2 and 5, as well as where he or she has exercised the rights under paragraph 3 and has not commenced employment, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall withdraw or refuse renewal of the EU Blue Card.
(7) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
In accordance with the requirements of Bulgarian legislation, the holder of an EU Blue Card may exercise a liberal profession concurrently with highly qualified employment only within the sector for which the permit was granted.
(New – State Gazette No. 43 of 2011, in force from 15.06.2011; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, in force from 01.06.2021)
(1)
Family members of a holder of an “EU Blue Card” may obtain a long-term residence permit with a validity period corresponding to the period of residence of the holder of the “EU Blue Card”, insofar as the validity period of the passport or the substitute travel document allows this.
For the issuance of a residence permit to the family members, the requirements of Article 24, paragraph 2 must be fulfilled.
(2) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Where the family of the EU Blue Card holder has not been reunified in the first Member State, the family reunification procedure under Article 33f shall apply.
(3) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
For the issuance of a long-term residence permit to family members of an EU Blue Card holder, a foreigner holding a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1 shall submit, on paper or electronically after the establishment of technical conditions, to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, an application using the template approved under the regulations for application of the Act, attaching the following documents:
(4)
For the establishment of the facts and circumstances under Article 26, paragraph 4, the Migration Directorate or a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall prepare a reasoned opinion, which shall be attached to the application for issuance of the permit under paragraph 1.
(5) (Amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
The application under paragraph 3 may be submitted no later than 14 days before the expiry of the authorised period of residence of the foreigner in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria in accordance with the issued visa.
The application shall be examined and decided upon within 14 days.
In cases of legal and factual complexity and the need to submit additional documents or information, this period may be extended by one month, of which the foreigner shall be notified in writing, indicating that the required documents or information must be submitted within 14 days.
Where the additional documents or information are not submitted within the specified period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of the permit under paragraph 1.
(6)
The Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall issue or refuse to issue the long-term residence permit under paragraph 1.
The foreigner shall be notified in writing of the decisions taken on the basis of the application under paragraph 3 in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code.
(7) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Where the holder of an EU Blue Card issued in another Member State moves to the Republic of Bulgaria in accordance with Article 33l, paragraph 1 or 7, and where his or her family has already been reunified in that Member State, the family members shall be allowed to accompany or join him or her.
In such cases, simultaneous submission of the application for issuance of an EU Blue Card and that of the family members shall be possible, and the decision on the applications of the family members shall be taken and communicated simultaneously with the decision on the application for issuance of the EU Blue Card.
Where the validity period of their residence permit expires while a decision on their application is pending, a 90-day long-term residence permit shall be issued.
(8) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
For obtaining a long-term residence permit as a family member of an EU Blue Card holder in the cases under paragraph 7, the family member shall personally submit, on paper or electronically after establishment of technical conditions, to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, an application using the approved template, attaching:
(9)
The application under paragraph 8 shall be submitted no later than one month after the entry of the family member of the EU Blue Card holder into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
(10)
The application under paragraph 8 shall be examined and decided upon within 14 days.
In cases of legal and factual complexity and the need to submit additional documents or information, the period may be extended by one month, of which the foreigner shall be notified in writing, indicating that the required documents or information must be submitted within 14 days.
Where the additional documents or information are not submitted within the specified period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of the long-term residence permit under paragraph 8.
(11)
The Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall issue or refuse to issue the long-term residence permit under paragraph 8.
The family member of the EU Blue Card holder shall be notified in writing of the decisions taken on the basis of the application under paragraph 8 in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code.
(12)
Family members of an EU Blue Card holder may obtain an independent long-term residence permit under the conditions of Article 24e, paragraph 4, where the foreigner submits to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior an application using the approved template, attaching:
(13) (Amended – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
The application under paragraph 12 shall be examined and decided upon within 15 days.
In cases of legal and factual complexity and the need to submit additional documents or information, the period may be extended by one month, of which the foreigner shall be notified in writing, indicating that the required documents or information must be submitted within 13 days.
Where the additional documents or information are not submitted within the specified period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of the permit under paragraph 12.
(14)
The Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall issue or refuse to issue the long-term residence permit under paragraph 12.
The applicant shall be notified in writing of the decisions taken on the basis of the application under paragraph 12 in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code.
(15) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The provisions of paragraphs 1–14 shall also apply to family members of an EU Blue Card holder who has been granted international protection, including where the EU Blue Card holder has moved to a Member State other than the Member State that granted the protection.
RESIDENCE OF THIRD-COUNTRY NATIONALS FOR THE PURPOSES OF INTRA-CORPORATE TRANSFER
(New – State Gazette No. 33 of 2016, in force from 21.05.2016)
(New – State Gazette No. 33 of 2016, in force from 21.05.2016; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, in force from 01.06.2021)
(1)
A permit for a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer, with the right of long-term residence, may be granted to foreigners who meet the conditions for access to the labour market in accordance with the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act and who hold a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1 or a long-term residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria on the same grounds, in cases of re-issuance.
In cases of initial application for a permit, the foreigner must reside outside the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Where the foreigner holds a residence permit whose validity expires during the renewal procedure, he or she shall have the right to reside on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria until a decision is taken on the application.
(2)
The permit under paragraph 1 shall be issued for a period of one year and shall be renewed under the conditions of this Article.
Where the term of the employment contract is shorter than one year, the permit shall be issued for the duration of the contract.
The validity period of the permit under paragraph 1 may be extended up to a maximum of:
(3)
The permit under paragraph 1 shall be issued in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002, applying a single application procedure, and the wording “intra-corporate transfer” shall be entered in the field “type of permit”.
(4) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
An application for issuance of the permit under paragraph 1 shall be submitted to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior by the employer or an authorised representative thereof, or personally by the foreigner where a residence permit has already been issued to him or her, no later than 30 days prior to the expiry of the authorised period of long-term residence of the foreigner on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
(5) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The Migration Directorate or a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall provide information on all documents required for obtaining the permit, including the rights and obligations arising therefrom for the foreigner.
(6)
The application shall be submitted using the template approved under the regulations for application of the Act, indicating an electronic address for correspondence, and shall be accompanied by the following documents:
(7) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Where the application under paragraph 6 has been submitted to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, it shall be forwarded together with the attached documents to the Migration Directorate.
Within three days, the department/sector/group “Migration” shall carry out a check where there are justified doubts that the foreigner will not reside at the declared address, and the inspection report shall be sent electronically to the Migration Directorate.
(8)
The Migration Directorate shall verify the documents under paragraph 6 and, where a document is missing or additional documents are required, shall notify the applicant electronically and set a 7-day deadline for submission.
Where the documents are not submitted within the prescribed period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of a long-term residence permit for a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer.
(9) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
The Migration Directorate shall send electronically to the Employment Agency the applications under paragraph 6 for which the proceedings have not been terminated, together with the attached documents, within 14 days from submission of the application, and the documents under paragraph 6, items 5, 8, 9 and 10 shall be sent in original.
Where the foreigner has been granted long-term residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, a reference regarding the authorised right of residence shall also be attached to the application.
The Migration Directorate shall send electronically the application with all documents to the State Agency for National Security, which shall provide a written opinion under Article 41, paragraph 1, item 2 of the State Agency for National Security Act within 14 days where the person is on the territory of the country, and in the cases under paragraph 14 – within three days after issuing an opinion on the visa application under Article 15, paragraph 1.
(10)
The Executive Director of the Employment Agency shall send electronically to the Migration Directorate a written opinion on the existence or absence of grounds for granting access to the labour market for the purposes of intra-corporate transfer within 14 days from receipt of the application by the Employment Agency.
(11)
Where irregularities in the documents are established or additional documents are required from the applicant, the Employment Agency shall notify the Migration Directorate electronically within 7 days.
The time limit under paragraph 10 shall be suspended until receipt of the required documents.
(12)
The Migration Directorate shall notify the applicant electronically of the circumstances under paragraph 11 and shall set a 7-day deadline for rectifying the irregularities or submitting the required documents.
Where the irregularities are not rectified or the documents are not submitted within the prescribed period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of a long-term residence permit for a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer and shall notify the Employment Agency.
(13) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Where the application under paragraph 6 has been submitted by the employer or an authorised representative thereof, the Migration Directorate shall send electronically to the employer, within three days from receipt of the positive opinions under paragraph 10, a notification stating that grounds exist for granting long-term residence to the foreigner as a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer.
The Migration Directorate shall also send the notification to the Consular Relations Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(14)
The employer shall notify the foreigner of the notification under paragraph 13, and within 20 days from the sending of the notification the foreigner shall take steps to submit an application for issuance of a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1.
In cases of refusal to issue a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, the Consular Relations Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall notify the Migration Directorate.
(15) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Within 14 days from the entry of the foreigner into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria with a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, the employer or an authorised representative thereof shall appear together with the foreigner at the Migration Directorate or at a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior and shall attach to the application under paragraph 6 a copy of the foreigner’s passport containing the page with the visa affixed, and mandatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for the entire period of residence, where the foreigner is not insured under the Health Insurance Act.
Documents submitted to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall be forwarded immediately by electronic means to the Migration Directorate.
Where the documents are not submitted within the prescribed period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of the long-term residence permit for a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer.
(16)
The Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall issue or refuse to issue the long-term residence permit for a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer within three days from submission of the documents under paragraph 15, where the application has been submitted by the employer or an authorised representative thereof.
(17)
The Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall issue or refuse to issue the long-term residence permit for a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer within 60 days from submission of the application, where the foreigner has been granted long-term residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
(18)
In cases of legal and factual complexity, the time limit for examining the application may be extended by one additional month, of which the employer or the foreigner shall be notified in writing.
Where necessary, documents and information shall be required to be submitted within 14 days from receipt of the notification.
Where the additional documents and information are not submitted within the specified period, the proceedings for issuance of the permit under paragraph 1 shall be terminated.
(19)
The procedure for issuance of a long-term residence permit for a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer shall not exceed three months.
(20)
The employer shall notify the Migration Directorate of any change affecting the admission criteria occurring during the application procedure, as well as of termination of the transfer of the foreigner, within three days from the date of the change or termination of employment.
(21)
A permit under paragraph 1 shall not be issued to foreigners who have obtained long-term residence on the grounds of Article 24, paragraph 1, item 1, Articles 24b, 24c or 24m, as well as to family members of citizens of the European Union who have exercised or are exercising the right of free movement within the territory of the European Union and have obtained the right of residence under the Act on Entry, Residence and Exit of Citizens of the European Union and Members of Their Families.
(22)
The applicant shall be notified of the decisions taken on the basis of the application in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code.
(New – State Gazette No. 33 of 2016, in force from 21.05.2016; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, in force from 01.06.2021)
(1)
The members of the family of the holder of a permit for a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer may be granted a long-term residence permit on the grounds of Article 24, paragraph 1, item 13 for the period of residence of the principal permit holder, provided that they meet the conditions under Article 24, paragraph 2 and following a positive decision on family reunification of the foreigner.
(2)
For the issuance of a long-term residence permit to the family members of the holder of a permit for a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer, the family member shall personally submit an application to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the Sofia Directorate of the Ministry of Interior or at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, using the template approved under the regulations for application of the Act, and shall attach the following documents:
(3)
For the purpose of establishing the facts and circumstances under Article 26, paragraph 4, the Migration Directorate or a department/sector/group “Migration” at the Sofia Directorate of the Ministry of Interior or the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior shall prepare a reasoned opinion, which shall be attached to the application under paragraph 2.
(4)
The permit under paragraph 1 shall be issued with a validity period corresponding to the period of residence of the holder of the intra-corporate transfer permit, insofar as the validity of the national passports or substitute documents covers the requested period of residence.
(5)
The application under paragraph 2 shall be submitted no later than 14 days prior to the expiry of the authorised period of residence of the family member on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
It shall be examined and decided upon within 14 days.
In cases of legal and factual complexity and where additional documents or information are required, this period may be extended by one month, of which the family member shall be notified in writing, with instructions that the necessary documents and information must be submitted within 14 days.
Where the additional documents or information are not submitted within the prescribed period, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall terminate the proceedings for issuance of the permit under paragraph 1.
(6)
The Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall issue or refuse to issue the long-term residence permit to a family member of a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer.
The applicant shall be notified in writing of the decisions taken on the basis of the application under paragraph 2 in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code.
(New – State Gazette No. 33 of 2016, in force from 21.05.2016; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, in force from 01.06.2021)
(1)
The holder of a valid residence permit as a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer, issued by a first Member State, shall have the right to stay on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria as a second Member State for a period of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
(2)
In the cases under paragraph 1, the host undertaking in the first Member State shall, immediately after the admission of the person, notify the competent authorities of the first Member State and of the Republic of Bulgaria of the planned intra-corporate transfer to an undertaking on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, within the validity period of the permit issued by the first Member State.
(3)
In the cases under paragraph 1, the competent authorities of the first Member State shall notify the Republic of Bulgaria of the planned stay, its duration, and its start and end date, and shall submit the following documents:
(4)
The planned stay under paragraph 1 may take place after the expiry of the period for objection by the Migration Directorate to the first Member State, which may not exceed 20 days from receipt of the complete notification.
(5)
An objection under paragraph 4 may be raised where the conditions under paragraph 3, items 5, 6, 7 or 8 have not been met, where the submitted documents have been obtained through fraud or have been falsified, as well as where the maximum duration of intra-corporate transfer under paragraph 1 or under Article 33p, paragraph 2 has been reached.
(6)
In the event of an objection under paragraph 4, the Migration Directorate shall notify the competent authorities of the first Member State and the host undertaking in the first Member State.
Where mobility has not commenced, the person shall have no right to work in the Republic of Bulgaria as part of an intra-corporate transfer.
Where mobility has commenced, the Director of the Migration Directorate or an authorised official shall issue an order requiring the person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer to immediately cease all employment and leave the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, where:
(7)
In cases where an order under paragraph 6 has been issued, the Migration Directorate shall send a request to the first Member State to accept the person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer and, where applicable, the members of his or her family.
(8)
Where the Republic of Bulgaria, as the first Member State that issued a permit to a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer, receives a request from a second Member State which has examined an application for short-term or long-term mobility of the foreigner, the Republic of Bulgaria shall immediately and without formalities allow the re-entry of the foreigner onto the territory of the country and, where applicable, of the members of his or her family, in any of the following cases:
(New – State Gazette No. 33 of 2016, in force from 21.05.2016; amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021, in force from 01.06.2021)
(1)
The holder of a valid residence permit as a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer, issued by a first Member State, shall have the right to stay for more than 90 days on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria as a second Member State, provided that he or she meets the conditions for access to the labour market under the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act.
(2)
The holder of the permit under paragraph 1 shall be issued a mobility permit for intra-corporate transfer in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002, and the wording “mobile ICT – intra-corporate transfer mobility” shall be entered in the field “remarks”.
(3)
The Migration Directorate shall inform the competent authorities of the first Member State when it issues a mobility permit for intra-corporate transfer.
(4)
The first Member State shall inform the Ministry of Interior when it withdraws a permit for a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer.
(5)
The host undertaking shall inform the Migration Directorate of any changes affecting the conditions on the basis of which mobility was authorised, where the Republic of Bulgaria is the second Member State.
(6)
The holder of a permit for a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer issued by a first Member State shall personally submit an application to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the Sofia Directorate of the Ministry of Interior or the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, using the template approved under the regulations for application of the Act, and shall attach the documents under Article 33p, paragraph 6, as well as a copy of the residence permit issued by the first Member State for the purposes of intra-corporate transfer.
In these cases, a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1 shall not be required.
(7)
In the administrative procedure for obtaining the right of residence in the cases under paragraph 1, Article 33p, paragraphs 5–12, 17–20 and 22 shall apply.
(8)
Until a decision is taken on the submitted application, the person under paragraph 1 shall have the right to work on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, provided that the period under Article 33s, paragraph 1 and the validity of the permit issued by the first Member State have not expired and that the application is complete.
(9)
The holder of a valid residence permit as a person transferred under an intra-corporate transfer issued by a first Member State, with an authorised stay shorter than 90 days, may submit an application for a residence permit for more than 90 days on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria at least 20 days before the end of the initially authorised stay.
An application for long-term mobility may not be submitted simultaneously with a notification for short-term mobility.
(New – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023)
(1)
The holder of an EU Blue Card may perform his or her employment duties in a remote work regime, where this is agreed in the foreigner’s employment contract or in an additional agreement thereto, under the conditions and in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Labour Code.
(2)
Upon transition to remote work, the employer or an authorised representative thereof shall immediately notify the Migration Directorate.
(3) (Amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Where the transition to remote work is in another populated place in the Republic of Bulgaria different from that indicated in the residence permit of the EU Blue Card holder, the employer, an authorised representative thereof, or the foreigner shall submit an application for issuance of a new residence permit document – residence permit for an EU Blue Card holder – to the department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorate of the Ministry of Interior at the place of residence, attaching evidence of secured accommodation at the new address.
(New – State Gazette No. 8 of 2023; amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
(1)
For the purpose of obtaining the right of long-term residence for family reunification, a foreigner who has been granted residence for not less than one year on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria shall submit an application to the Migration Directorate or to a department/sector/group “Migration” at the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, using the template approved under the regulations for application of the Act, and shall attach the following documents:
(2)
For the purpose of establishing the facts and circumstances under Article 26, paragraph 4, the migration control authorities shall prepare a reasoned opinion, which shall be attached to the application for granting the right of long-term residence.
(3)
The application under paragraph 1 shall be examined and decided upon within one month after coordination with the State Agency for National Security, which shall provide its opinion within 15 days.
(4)
The applicant shall be notified in writing of the decision on family reunification by the Director of the Migration Directorate or by the Director of the respective regional directorate of the Ministry of Interior or by officials authorised by them, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Code.
(5)
The Director of the respective regional directorate of the Ministry of Interior or an authorised official shall notify the Migration Directorate of the decision on family reunification, submitting a reasoned written opinion containing a list of the documents submitted by the foreigner, information on the existence or absence of coercive administrative measures, information on the diplomatic mission where the application for a long-term residence visa will be submitted, and the grounds or lack thereof for family reunification.
(6)
A positive decision on the application for family reunification shall constitute grounds for issuance of a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1 to the foreigner – family member, under a facilitated procedure.
The foreigner shall submit the visa application to the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Bulgaria in the state of his or her permanent residence or to the diplomatic mission accredited for that state, within 6 months from the date of notification.
(7)
Family reunification of foreigners under Article 33o, paragraph 2 and Article 33r, paragraph 1 shall not be conditional upon the principal holder having resided for the minimum period specified under paragraph 1.
(8)
Where the competent migration control authority refuses to recognise a civil status document submitted to it, the interested person may bring an action for establishment before the Sofia City Court.
DEPARTURE OF FOREIGNERS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
(Amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Every foreigner shall be obliged to leave the country before the expiry of the authorised period of residence.
(1)
A foreigner staying for a short term whose travel document has been replaced with a new one may leave the country after notifying the authorities for administrative control of foreigners, unless otherwise provided for in an international treaty to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party.
(2)
A foreigner who holds a long-term residence permit may leave and re-enter the country without a visa until the expiry of the authorised period of residence.
(3) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
A foreigner who holds a long-term or permanent residence permit may enter and leave the country without a visa.
(4) (New – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; amended – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
Where the validity period of the long-term residence permit has expired prior to re-entry into the country, the foreigner may enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria with a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, issued under the terms and procedure laid down in the ordinance under Article 9e, paragraph 1.
(Amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Foreigners may leave the Republic of Bulgaria through the designated border crossing points, on the basis of passports or substitute travel documents that entitle them to leave the country.
A foreigner may not leave the country where a coercive administrative measure prohibiting departure has been imposed on him or her.
A foreigner leaving the Republic of Bulgaria by land, air or water transport shall be required to possess the documents under Article 21, paragraph 1, items 2 and 3, as well as a permit for export of the means of transport, where such is required.
The surrender of foreigners for a committed crime shall be carried out under the terms and in accordance with the procedure established by Bulgarian law and by international treaties to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party.
MEASURES OF ADMINISTRATIVE COERCION
Coercive Administrative Measures
(1) (New – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; previous text of Article 39a – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013 ())*
The coercive administrative measures imposed on foreigners under this Act shall be:
(2) (New – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013)
In the enforcement of the coercive administrative measures under paragraph 1, items 2 and 3, monitoring shall be carried out by the Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria or authorised officials from his or her administration, as well as by representatives of national or international non-governmental organisations.
(New – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009)
(1) (Amended – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013)
In the order imposing a coercive administrative measure under Article 39a, paragraph 1, items 1 and 2, a period of 7 to 30 days shall be determined within which the foreigner must voluntarily fulfil the obligation to return.
(2) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
For the granting of a period for voluntary departure exceeding 30 days, the foreigner shall submit an application to the competent authority that issued the order under paragraph 1, which shall rule on it and notify the foreigner within three days.
In such cases, the specific circumstances of each individual case shall be taken into account, such as:
The period for voluntary departure may be extended for no more than one year.
(3)
Where voluntary departure has been authorised but there is a risk of the foreigner absconding, the competent authority that issued the order under paragraph 1 may issue an order requiring daily reporting to the territorial structure of the Ministry of Interior at the place of residence.
(4)
Where the person poses a threat to national security or public order, the competent authority shall not grant a period for voluntary departure.
(Amended – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; last amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
(1)
Revocation of the right of residence of a foreigner in the Republic of Bulgaria shall be imposed where:
(2) (Amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
In the cases under Article 10, paragraph 1, item 19, the right of residence may be revoked following consultations with the Member State that issued the alert for refusal of entry.
(3) (New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
The right of long-term residence shall be revoked in the cases under paragraph 1, items 3, 6, 9 and 11, and Article 42, paragraph 1, where the foreigner poses a real and serious threat to national security or public order.
(4) (New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; supplemented – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
In all cases, after six years of absence from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, the granted right of long-term or permanent residence shall be revoked, except in the cases under Article 25g.
(5) (New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
The right of residence of a foreigner granted under Chapter Three “a”, and of his or her family members, shall be revoked in the cases under paragraph 1, items 1 and 2, except in the cases under Article 10, paragraph 1, item 8, and where the persons do not reside lawfully in the country.
(6) (New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
A copy of the final order revoking the right of long-term or permanent residence shall be sent to the municipality of the foreigner’s permanent address for entry in the population register.
(7) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Except in the cases under paragraph 1, items 14 and 17, an EU Blue Card issued by the Republic of Bulgaria shall not be revoked where the foreigner has submitted an application in another Member State for residence exceeding 90 days and a decision has not yet been taken.
(Amended – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; last amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
Return shall be imposed where:
(New – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
A foreigner subject to a coercive administrative measure under Article 41 may be issued a European Travel Document for Return in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/1953, under the procedure laid down in the implementing regulation.
(Amended – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; last amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
(1) (Amended – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013)
Expulsion shall be imposed where:
(2) (Amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 70 of 2013)
The imposition of expulsion entails revocation of the right of residence and a ban on entry and residence in the Member States of the European Union.
(3) (New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
A foreigner holding a residence permit issued by another Member State shall also be expelled if he or she fails to return to that state within 7 days of establishing unlawful stay.
(4) (New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; supplemented – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013)
Before expulsion of a long-term resident, the duration of residence, age, health, family status, social integration and ties with Bulgaria or lack of ties with the country of origin shall be taken into account. Expulsion shall not be based on economic grounds.
(5) (New – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
Where an expulsion order against a family member of a Bulgarian citizen has not been enforced for more than two years, the issuing authority shall review whether the factual grounds still exist.
(6) (New – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
A family member of a Bulgarian citizen shall not be expelled to a state where his or her life or freedom would be threatened or where there is a risk of persecution, torture or inhuman or degrading treatment.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; last amended – none after adoption)
A foreigner residing on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria shall also be expelled where an expulsion decision has been issued against him or her by the competent authorities of another Member State of the European Union.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; last amended – none after adoption)
(1)
Expulsion under Article 42a shall be enforced where the expulsion decision has not been revoked or temporarily suspended by the Member State of the European Union that issued it, and where:
(2)
In the cases under paragraph 1, item 1, where the foreigner holds a residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria, Article 42, paragraph 2 shall also apply.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; last amended – State Gazette No. 77 of 2018, in force from 01.01.2019)
(1)
Expulsion under Article 42a shall be enforced after receipt from the competent authorities of the Member State of the European Union that issued the expulsion decision of confirmation that it has not been revoked or temporarily suspended, as well as documents confirming the identity of the foreigner.
(2) (Amended – State Gazette No. 77 of 2018, in force from 01.01.2019)
The enforcement of an expulsion decision issued by the competent authorities of another Member State of the European Union may be contested under the procedure of Article 46.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; last amended – none after adoption)
Expulsion under Article 42a shall not be enforced where otherwise provided for in a special law or in an international treaty to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; last amended – none after adoption)
The authorities of the Ministry of the Interior shall notify the competent authorities of the other Member State of the European Union that issued the expulsion decision of its enforcement or of the existence of grounds for non-enforcement.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; last amended – none after adoption)
Where expulsion cannot be carried out at the expense of the expelled foreigner, the authorities of the Ministry of the Interior shall notify the competent authorities of the other Member State of the European Union that issued the expulsion decision of the costs incurred in connection with its enforcement.
The procedure for notification shall be laid down in the regulations for implementation of the Act.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; supplemented – State Gazette No. 109 of 2007, in force from 01.01.2008; last amended – State Gazette No. 109 of 2007)
On the grounds under Article 42b, paragraph 1, the authorities of the Ministry of the Interior and of the State Agency for National Security may issue an expulsion order and request its enforcement by the competent authorities of another Member State of the European Union in respect of a foreigner who is present on its territory.
(New – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; previous Article 42a – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; last amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
(1) (Supplemented and amended multiple times; last amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
A ban on entry and residence on the territory of the Member States of the European Union shall be imposed where:
(2) (Repealed – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(3) (Amended and supplemented; last amended – State Gazette No. 70 of 2013)
The ban on entry and residence on the territory of the Member States of the European Union shall be imposed for a period of up to five years.
The ban may be imposed for a period exceeding five years where the person poses a serious threat to public order or national security.
(4) (Amended and supplemented – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
The ban on entry may be imposed simultaneously with a coercive administrative measure under Article 40, paragraph 1, item 2, or Article 41, where the grounds under Article 10, paragraph 1 are present.
(Amended – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; last amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
(1)
A ban on leaving the Republic of Bulgaria shall be imposed on a foreigner who:
(2) (Repealed – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
(3) (Amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016; last amended – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
A ban on leaving the Republic of Bulgaria shall be imposed on minors and juveniles whose habitual residence is in the Republic of Bulgaria, in respect of whom there is a judicial order or decision imposing a ban on leaving the country under Article 127b of the Family Code.
(Amended – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; last amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
(1) (Amended multiple times; last amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
Coercive administrative measures shall be imposed by orders of the Chairperson of the State Agency for National Security, the Directors of the General Directorates “National Police”, “Border Police” and “Combating Organised Crime”, the Directors of the Sofia City Directorate and the Regional Directorates, the Director of the Migration Directorate, the Directors of the Regional Directorates “Border Police” of the Ministry of the Interior, or officials authorised by them.
Where the factual grounds for the imposition of a specific coercive administrative measure contain classified information, they shall be set out in a separate document prepared by the relevant officials in accordance with the Classified Information Protection Act.
In the order imposing a coercive administrative measure under Article 39a, paragraph 1, items 2 and 3, the state in which the measure shall be enforced shall be specified.
Where justified reasons arise, the data relating to the state may be amended by the authority that issued the order.
(2) (Amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; last amended – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011)
When imposing coercive administrative measures, the competent authorities shall take into account the duration of the foreigner’s residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, the categories of vulnerable persons, the existence of proceedings under the Asylum and Refugees Act or proceedings for renewal of a residence permit or other permit granting the right of residence, the foreigner’s family status, as well as the existence of family, cultural and social ties with the person’s state of origin.
(3) (Amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; last amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
Orders imposing coercive administrative measures shall be enforced by the services for administrative control of foreigners or, respectively, by the border control authorities, after they enter into force, unless the authority issuing the order has allowed preliminary enforcement.
(4)
The following shall be subject to immediate enforcement:
(5) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
Where obstacles exist preventing the foreigner from immediately leaving the country or entering another country, and no actions have been scheduled for the forthcoming removal, the authority issuing the order for the coercive administrative measure or the Director of the Migration Directorate, after assessing the individual circumstances and the risk of absconding or otherwise obstructing return, shall order by decision, under the procedure laid down in the regulations for implementation of the Act, the enforcement jointly or separately of one of the following security measures:
(6) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
Where a foreigner subject to a coercive administrative measure under Article 39a, paragraph 1, items 2 and 3 obstructs the enforcement of the order or where there is a risk of absconding, the authorities under paragraph 1 may issue an order for compulsory placement of the foreigner in a special centre for temporary accommodation of foreigners for the purpose of organising the return or expulsion.
Compulsory placement shall also be ordered where the foreigner fails to comply with the security measures imposed under paragraph 5.
(7) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
Special centres for temporary accommodation of foreigners who are subject to an order for return or expulsion shall be established within the Migration Directorate.
For accommodation purposes, a Register of accommodated foreigners subject to coercive administrative measures and a Register of short-term accommodated foreigners shall be maintained, containing data on the accommodated foreigners.
(8) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
Accommodation shall continue until the circumstances under paragraph 6 cease to exist, but for no longer than six months.
The existence of grounds for compulsory accommodation in a special centre shall be reviewed ex officio on a monthly basis by the Director of the Migration Directorate.
By way of exception, where the person refuses to cooperate with the competent authorities or there is a delay in obtaining the documents required for return or expulsion at the expiry of the authorised period of compulsory accommodation, the Director of the Migration Directorate may issue an order extending the compulsory accommodation for a period not exceeding an additional twelve months.
The extension order shall be subject to appeal under Article 46a, paragraphs 1 and 2.
Where, in light of the specific circumstances of the case, it is established that there is no longer a reasonable prospect for compulsory removal of the foreigner for legal or technical reasons, the person shall be released immediately.
(9) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
By way of exception, where the circumstances under paragraph 6 apply to accompanied minors or juveniles, an order for compulsory accommodation in a special centre may be issued for a period of up to three months.
Separate premises suitable for their age and needs shall be designated in the special centres for the accommodation of minor and juvenile foreigners.
Compulsory accommodation shall not be applied to unaccompanied minors and juveniles.
The authority issuing the order for the coercive administrative measure shall hand the person over to an official of the relevant Social Assistance Directorate, which shall take protection measures under the Child Protection Act.
(10) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
Accommodation of foreigners in the special centres shall be carried out on the basis of an order for compulsory accommodation issued by the competent authority under paragraph 1, explicitly stating the necessity and legal grounds for accommodation, and accompanied by a copy of the order imposing the coercive administrative measure of return or expulsion.
(11) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
The procedure for temporary accommodation of foreigners in special centres and their units, as well as the organisation of their activities, shall be determined by an ordinance of the Minister of the Interior.
(12) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
Accommodation in special centres for temporary accommodation of foreigners shall not be terminated where there are serious grounds to assume that the foreigner has submitted a subsequent application for international protection solely in order to delay or hinder the enforcement of a coercive administrative measure under Article 39a, paragraph 1, items 2 or 3.
The continuation of accommodation shall be subject to appeal under Article 46a, paragraphs 1–5.
(13) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017, in force from 06.06.2018)
In cases involving a foreigner of unidentified identity, the authority under paragraph 1, following an individual assessment based on the principles of proportionality, may issue an order for short-term accommodation in a designated unit of a special centre for temporary accommodation of foreigners for a period of up to 30 calendar days for the purpose of initial identification, establishment of identity and assessment of subsequent administrative measures.
Foreigners presumed to be minors or juveniles shall be accommodated together with their companions in special premises.
Repeated accommodation in a short-term accommodation unit shall not be permitted.
(14) (New – State Gazette No. 98 of 2020)
The period under paragraph 13 for conducting initial identification, establishing identity and undertaking subsequent administrative measures shall be extended by the period during which the foreigner was placed in isolation, hospital treatment or quarantine.
(15) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
The order under paragraph 5 imposing a security measure may be appealed within 14 days of its issuance under the Administrative Procedure Code.
The appeal shall not suspend enforcement of the order.
(New – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; last amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
(1)
A foreigner subject to a coercive administrative measure of expulsion shall not be expelled to a state where his or her life or freedom is threatened and where he or she would be exposed to the risk of persecution, torture or inhuman or degrading treatment.
(2)
Where the circumstances under paragraph 1 are established by a final court judgment, an order shall be issued and served on the foreigner by the authority that issued the expulsion order, explicitly stating the prohibition of expulsion and the state to which the foreigner shall not be expelled.
The order shall not be subject to appeal.
(3)
The foreigner shall be obliged to report once weekly to the territorial structure of the Ministry of the Interior at his or her place of residence.
(4) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 33 of 2016)
Where, one year after issuance of the order under paragraph 2, expulsion to a safe third country has not been carried out, the foreigner shall be granted temporary access to the labour market under the conditions and procedure of the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act until the expulsion is effected.
(5) (New – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
A foreigner subject to a coercive administrative measure of return shall not be returned to a state where his or her life or freedom is threatened and where he or she would be exposed to the risk of persecution, torture or inhuman or degrading treatment.
(6) (New – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
Where the circumstances under paragraph 5 are established by a final court judgment, an order shall be issued and served on the foreigner by the authority that issued the return order, explicitly stating the prohibition of return and the state to which the foreigner shall not be returned.
The order shall not be subject to appeal.
In such cases, return may be enforced to another state specified in the return order.
(Last amended – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
(1)
Where immediate expulsion or return of a foreigner is impossible or where enforcement of these measures must be postponed for legal or technical reasons, the authority issuing the order for the coercive administrative measure shall postpone its enforcement until the obstacles cease to exist.
(2)
Where, after the expiry of temporary protection under the Asylum and Refugees Act, expulsion or return of a foreigner is impossible or must be postponed for health-related or humanitarian reasons, the authority issuing the order shall postpone enforcement until the obstacles cease to exist.
(New – State Gazette No. 9 of 2011; last amended – State Gazette No. 67 of 2023)
(1)
An alert for refusal of entry and residence shall be entered into the SIS on the basis of a final refusal issued on the grounds of Article 10, paragraph 1, items 1–4, 6–8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18–20, 23, 25–27, or an order imposing a measure under Article 39a, paragraph 1, item 4.
(2)
An alert for return shall be entered into the SIS on the basis of an order imposing a measure under Article 39a, paragraph 1, items 1–3, where it has entered into force or where preliminary enforcement has been allowed.
(3)
In respect of a foreigner holding a valid residence permit or valid long-stay visa issued by another Member State prior to the entry of the alert under paragraphs 1 or 2, the Migration Directorate shall conduct consultations with the other Member State in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1860 and Article 28 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1861.
(4)
Where it is established that an alert for return or refusal of entry and residence has been entered in respect of a foreigner holding a valid residence permit or valid long-stay visa issued by another Member State, the competent authorities that issued the refusal or imposed the measure may revoke them and delete the alert.
Where the refusal or measure is not revoked, the competent authorities shall conduct consultations with the other Member State under Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1860 and Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1861.
(5) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
An alert for a ban on leaving under Article 32(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1862 shall be entered into the SIS on the basis of a judicial order or decision issued under Article 127b of the Family Code.
(Amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; last amended – State Gazette No. 24 of 2018)
(1)
The costs related to the stay in and removal from the Republic of Bulgaria of a foreigner who entered the country upon invitation by a natural or legal person and who is found not to meet the statutory requirements for residence of foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria shall be borne by the host.
(2) (Amended – State Gazette No. 12 of 2009, in force from 01.01.2010)
In the cases under paragraph 1, the costs for the stay and removal of the foreigner from the country shall be collected by the National Revenue Agency in accordance with the procedure provided for in the National Revenue Agency Act.
(3) (New – State Gazette No. 52 of 2007; last amended – State Gazette No. 80 of 2015, in force from 16.10.2015)
The costs for the removal of a foreigner from the country in execution of a decision under the Asylum and Refugees Act for the transfer of a foreigner to the state competent to examine his or her application for international protection shall be borne by the state budget.
(4) (New – State Gazette No. 24 of 2018, in force from 23.05.2018)
The employer or the host organisation shall bear the costs for the return of an illegally staying third-country national.
(5) (New – State Gazette No. 43 of 2011, in force from 15.06.2011; renumbered – State Gazette No. 24 of 2018)
The costs related to the return and readmission of the holder of an EU Blue Card and of the members of his or her family, issued by another Member State, shall be borne by the applicant and/or his or her employer.
(Amended – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; last amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
(1) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
Orders imposing coercive administrative measures may be appealed under the terms and procedure of the Administrative Procedure Code.
(2) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 77 of 2018, in force from 01.01.2019)
Orders for:
shall be subject to appeal before the competent administrative court under the Administrative Procedure Code.
The court’s decision shall be final.
(3)
The orders under paragraph 2 shall not specify the factual grounds for the imposition of the coercive administrative measure.
(4) (Supplemented – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
An appeal against an order under paragraph 2 shall not suspend enforcement of the order, except where the order under paragraph 2, item 3 is issued on the ground of a serious threat to public order.
(5) (New – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
Where an appeal against an order under paragraph 2, item 3 does not suspend enforcement but contains substantiated allegations of a significant risk under Article 44a, paragraph 1, the court may ex officio suspend the preliminary enforcement pursuant to Article 166, paragraph 3 of the Administrative Procedure Code upon receipt of the appeal.
Until the court rules, the measure shall not be enforced.
(New – State Gazette No. 36 of 2009; last amended – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
(1) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 23 of 2013)
An order for compulsory accommodation in a special centre may be appealed within 14 days from the actual accommodation under the procedure of the Administrative Procedure Code.
The appeal shall not suspend enforcement of the order.
(2) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 21 of 2021)
The court shall examine the appeal in an open hearing scheduled no later than three days after receipt of the appeal and shall rule by decision within seven days from initiation of the proceedings.
The appearance of the person shall not be mandatory.
The decision of the court of first instance may be appealed before the Supreme Administrative Court, which shall rule within 14 days from receipt of the appeal.
(3) (Repealed – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
(4) (Repealed – State Gazette No. 97 of 2017)
(5) (Last amended – State Gazette No. 34 of 2019)
After a court decision annulling an order for compulsory accommodation under paragraph 1, Article 44, paragraph 8, or Article 44, paragraph 12 enters into force, the foreigner shall be released immediately from the special centre.
(6) (New – State Gazette No. 97 of 2016)
An order for short-term accommodation in a unit of a special centre for temporary accommodation of foreigners under Article 44, paragraph 13 may be appealed under the Administrative Procedure Code before the court with regard to the lawfulness of the accommodation.
The appeal shall not suspend enforcement of the order.
The court shall rule on the appeal immediately.
(New – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; current version since State Gazette No. 36 of 2009)
State authorities exercising powers in relation to the conditions and procedure for entry, residence and departure of foreigners from the Republic of Bulgaria shall cooperate with the competent authorities of other states in combating illegal migration and in carrying out expulsion.
(New – State Gazette No. 43 of 2011, in force from 15.06.2011; no subsequent amendments)
The Republic of Bulgaria shall immediately and without formalities readmit the holder of an EU Blue Card issued by the Republic of Bulgaria and the members of his or her family, including where the EU Blue Card has expired or has been withdrawn during the examination of the application.
(Repealed – State Gazette No. 42 of 2001; new – State Gazette No. 52 of 2025)
(1)
Where the Republic of Bulgaria withdraws or refuses to issue an EU Blue Card to a foreigner who has been granted international protection by another Member State, prior to expelling the foreigner it shall submit an inquiry to the Member State that granted the protection as to whether the foreigner still enjoys international protection.
Where the foreigner continues to enjoy international protection in the Member State that granted it, the foreigner and the members of his or her family shall be expelled to that Member State immediately.
(2)
Where a Member State withdraws or does not renew an EU Blue Card of a foreigner who has been granted international protection by the Republic of Bulgaria and adopts a decision to expel the foreigner, the Republic of Bulgaria shall, within one month of receipt of the inquiry, provide information as to whether the foreigner still enjoys international protection and shall immediately and without formalities readmit the foreigner and the members of his or her family to the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Request for Assistance in Cases of Transit for the Purpose of Removing a Foreigner Outside the Territory of the Republic of Bulgaria by Air, Submitted by the Authorities of the Ministry of the Interior to the Competent Authorities of Another Member State of the European Union
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; no subsequent amendments)
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1)
The authorities of the Ministry of the Interior may, by a written request, seek assistance from the competent authorities of another Member State of the European Union in cases of transit for the purpose of removing a foreigner outside the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria by air, where it is not possible to use a direct flight to the state that is the final destination of the journey.
(2)
Transit by air may not be requested where a change of airport on the territory of the other Member State of the European Union to which the request for assistance is addressed is required.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1)
The request shall be sent to the competent authorities of the other Member State of the European Union whose assistance is sought immediately, but no later than two days prior to the date of the transit.
(2)
Transit by air through the territory of another Member State of the European Union shall be carried out after receipt of authorisation from its competent authorities.
(3)
Where the competent authorities of the other Member State of the European Union to which the request has been addressed do not respond within the time limit under paragraph 1, the actions relating to the transit may commence after the authorities of the Ministry of the Interior notify the competent authorities of the carrying out of the transit.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1)
The foreigner shall be readmitted immediately to the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where:
(2)
The costs related to the return of the foreigner shall be borne by the Republic of Bulgaria.
Provision of Assistance to the Competent Authorities of Another Member State of the European Union in Cases of Transit of a Foreigner by Air through the Territory of the Republic of Bulgaria
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007; no subsequent amendments)
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
The authorities of the Ministry of the Interior may provide assistance to the competent authorities of another Member State of the European Union for the transit of a foreigner by air through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria upon receipt of a written request.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1)
The authorities of the Ministry of the Interior shall notify the competent authorities of the other Member State of the European Union that submitted the request for transit of the decision to carry out the transit, as well as of the possibility of applying one of the measures under Article 47j, within two days of receipt of the request.
(2)
In exceptional cases, the time limit under paragraph 1 may be extended by no more than two days. The necessity for extending the time limit shall be duly reasoned.
(3)
Where the authorities of the Ministry of the Interior do not notify the competent authorities of the other Member State of the European Union that submitted the request for transit of the decision to carry out the transit within the time limit under paragraph 1 or 2, the actions relating to the transit may commence after notification by the competent authorities of the other Member State of the European Union.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1)
When carrying out transit through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, the foreigner may be accompanied by persons authorised to do so under the legislation of the other Member State of the European Union whose competent authorities submitted the request for transit.
(2)
The persons accompanying the foreigner shall be entitled to assist the authorities of the Ministry of the Interior in preventing the foreigner’s escape, self-harm, harm to third parties, or damage to property.
(3)
The persons accompanying the foreigner shall be obliged to:
(4)
The persons accompanying the foreigner may not carry weapons or wear uniforms.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1)
The authorities of the Ministry of the Interior shall provide assistance for carrying out the transit by applying one or more of the following measures:
(2)
Within their capabilities and in compliance with the applicable international rules, the authorities of the Ministry of the Interior shall take all necessary measures to provide assistance from the landing and opening of the aircraft doors until the foreigner’s departure from the Republic of Bulgaria, following prior consultations with the competent authorities of the other Member State of the European Union that submitted the request for transit, except in the cases under paragraph 1, item 2.
(3)
Where the carrying out of the transit proves impossible and the readmission of the foreigner by the other Member State of the European Union whose competent authorities submitted the request is required, the authorities of the Ministry of the Interior shall provide assistance for that purpose.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
The authorities of the Ministry of the Interior shall take all necessary measures to carry out the transit within the shortest possible time, but not exceeding 24 hours.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1)
The costs for providing assistance for the transit of a foreigner by air through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria shall be borne by the other Member State of the European Union whose competent authorities submitted the request for transit.
(2)
The authorities of the Ministry of the Interior shall provide information to the competent authorities of the other Member State of the European Union regarding the costs under paragraph 1.
(New – State Gazette No. 29 of 2007)
(1)
Assistance for carrying out the transit under Article 47g may be refused where:
(2)
The authorities of the Ministry of the Interior may refuse assistance for transit under Article 47g where the grounds for refusal under paragraph 1 become known after consent for carrying out the transit has been granted.
(3)
The authorities of the Ministry of the Interior shall immediately notify the competent authorities of the other Member State of the European Union that submitted the request for transit of the refusal to carry out the transit and the reasons therefor.
Administrative Penal Provisions
(last amended – State Gazette No. 24 of 2018, in force from 23.05.2018)
(1)
A fine from BGN 500 to BGN 5,000 shall be imposed on a foreigner who:
(2)
(amended – SG No. 26 of 2008; amended and supplemented – SG No. 43 of 2011, in force from 15.06.2011; repealed – SG No. 24 of 2018, in force from 23.05.2018)
(3)
(supplemented – SG No. 43 of 2011, in force from 15.06.2011; amended – SG No. 24 of 2018, in force from 23.05.2018)
Where the violations under paragraph 1 are committed repeatedly, a fine from BGN 1,000 to BGN 10,000 shall be imposed, and on legal entities a pecuniary sanction from BGN 4,000 to BGN 40,000 shall be imposed.
(new – SG No. 42 of 2001; repealed – SG No. 33 of 2016, in force from 21.05.2016; new – SG No. 21 of 2021, in force from 01.06.2021; last amended – SG No. 21 of 2021)
(1)
A fine of BGN 1,000 shall be imposed on an employer – a natural person, who:
(2)
For violations under paragraph 1, a pecuniary sanction of BGN 3,000 shall be imposed on an employer – a legal entity.
(3)
In case of a repeated violation under paragraph 1, the pecuniary sanction shall amount to BGN 9,000.
(new – SG No. 11 of 2005; last amended – SG No. 11 of 2005)
(1)
A fine from BGN 100 to BGN 1,000 shall be imposed on a natural person who fails to fulfil the obligations under Article 28.
(2)
A pecuniary sanction from BGN 500 to BGN 5,000 shall be imposed on a legal entity that fails to fulfil its obligations under Article 28.
(3)
Where the violation under paragraph 2 is committed repeatedly, a pecuniary sanction from BGN 1,000 to BGN 10,000 shall be imposed.
(new – SG No. 43 of 2011, in force from 15.06.2011; repealed – SG No. 24 of 2018, in force from 23.05.2018)
(last amended – SG No. 97 of 2016)
(1)
A fine of up to BGN 3,000 shall be imposed on a foreigner who:
(2)
Where the violations under paragraph 1 are committed repeatedly, a fine from BGN 1,000 to BGN 6,000 shall be imposed, and a pecuniary sanction of BGN 20,000 shall be imposed on legal entities.
(new – SG No. 23 of 2013; last amended – SG No. 23 of 2013)
(1)
A ship captain who, prior to arrival at a port on the territory of the country, fails to declare to the border control authorities the presence of passengers without tickets on board the vessel shall be punished with a fine from BGN 3,000 to BGN 6,000.
(2)
A ship captain, ship owner or shipping agent who allows the disembarkation on the territory of the country of foreigners who do not possess the required documents under Article 8 shall be punished with a fine from BGN 6,000 to BGN 10,000 for each admitted person.
(last amended – SG No. 23 of 2013)
(1)
A fine of up to BGN 500 shall be imposed on a foreigner who:
(2)
Where the violations under paragraph 1 are committed repeatedly, a fine from BGN 200 to BGN 1,000 shall be imposed.
(last amended – SG No. 97 of 2016)
A carrier who fails to fulfil obligations under Article 20 shall be punished with a fine or a pecuniary sanction from BGN 2,000 to BGN 10,000 for each transported person.
(new – SG No. 63 of 2007; repealed – SG No. 15 of 2016; new – SG No. 52 of 2025; last amended – SG No. 52 of 2025)
(1)
A fine from BGN 100 to BGN 500 shall be imposed on a foreigner who fails to submit an application within the time limits provided in Article 24i, paragraph 4; Article 33k, paragraph 3; Article 33o, paragraph 5; and Article 33p, paragraph 4.
(2)
A pecuniary sanction from BGN 200 to BGN 1,000 shall be imposed on an employer who fails to submit an application within the time limits under Article 24i, paragraph 4; Article 33k, paragraph 3; and Article 33p, paragraph 4.
(3)
Where the violations under paragraph 1 are committed repeatedly, a fine from BGN 200 to BGN 1,000 shall be imposed.
(4)
Where the violations under paragraph 2 are committed repeatedly, a pecuniary sanction from BGN 400 to BGN 2,000 shall be imposed.
(5)
In minor cases, a fine shall be imposed pursuant to Article 39, paragraph 2 of the Administrative Violations and Sanctions Act.
(new – SG No. 52 of 2025; last amended – SG No. 52 of 2025)
(1)
A fine from BGN 100 to BGN 500 shall be imposed on a foreigner who, after entering the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria with a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, fails to appear before the Migration Directorate or a migration unit at the regional directorates of the Ministry of the Interior and to submit, together with the application, a copy of the passport page bearing the visa and mandatory medical insurance within the time limits provided in Article 24i, paragraph 16; Article 24k, paragraph 18; Article 33k, paragraph 14; and Article 33p, paragraph 15.
(2)
A pecuniary sanction from BGN 500 to BGN 2,500 shall be imposed on an employer who fails to appear personally or through an authorised representative together with the foreigner before the Migration Directorate or a migration unit after the foreigner’s entry with a visa under Article 15, paragraph 1, within the prescribed time limits.
(3)
Where the violations under paragraph 1 are committed repeatedly, a fine from BGN 200 to BGN 1,000 shall be imposed.
(4)
Where the violations under paragraph 2 are committed repeatedly, a pecuniary sanction from BGN 1,000 to BGN 5,000 shall be imposed.
(5)
In minor cases, a fine shall be imposed pursuant to Article 39, paragraph 2 of the Administrative Violations and Sanctions Act.
(last amended – SG No. 42 of 2001)
(1)
In cases where no other penalty is provided for a violation of this Act or of the regulation issued on its basis, the offender shall be punished with a fine of up to BGN 500.
(2)
In minor cases, a fine shall be imposed pursuant to Article 39, paragraph 2 of the Administrative Violations and Sanctions Act.
(last amended – SG No. 33 of 2016, in force from 21.05.2016)
(1)
(supplemented – SG No. 112 of 2001, in force from 01.01.2002; amended – SG No. 33 of 2016, in force from 21.05.2016)
Violations under this Act shall be established by an act drawn up by the authorities of the Ministry of the Interior, and in the cases under Article 24a – by the authorities of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.
(2)
Based on the acts drawn up, the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Labour and Social Policy, or officials authorised by them, shall issue penal decrees.
(3)
The drawing up of acts, the issuance, appeal and enforcement of penal decrees shall be carried out in accordance with the Administrative Violations and Sanctions Act.
INFORMATION ACTIVITIES OF THE SERVICES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL OF FOREIGNERS IN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
(new – SG No. 37 of 2003)
(1)
(amended – SG No. 9 of 2011)
A Unified Register of Foreigners shall be maintained within the Ministry of the Interior, containing data on foreigners residing long-term, permanently and on a long-term basis.
(2)
For the purpose of performing the legally established functions of the services for administrative control of foreigners within the Ministry of the Interior, data shall be processed concerning:
(3)
(new – SG No. 103 of 2003, in force from 26.02.2004; amended – SG No. 82 of 2006; amended – SG No. 69 of 2008; amended – SG No. 53 of 2014; amended – SG No. 14 of 2015)
The services for administrative control of foreigners shall be obliged to provide the Migration Directorate in a timely manner with all information under paragraph 2.
(4)
(former paragraph 3 – SG No. 103 of 2003, in force from 26.02.2004)
The services for administrative control of foreigners within the Ministry of the Interior shall process the following data:
(5)
(new – SG No. 109 of 2007, in force from 01.01.2008)
The State Agency for National Security shall use the information from the register under paragraph 1 for the performance of its statutory functions under a procedure determined by a joint ordinance of the Minister of the Interior and the Chairperson of the Agency.
(new – SG No. 37 of 2003)
(1)
Data from the Unified Register of Foreigners shall be provided to:
(2)
Bulgarian citizens and foreigners shall have the right to obtain information stored in data collections relating to third parties only on the basis of law or an act of the judiciary.
(3)
(amended – SG No. 30 of 2006, in force from 12.07.2006; amended – SG No. 77 of 2018, in force from 01.01.2019)
Refusal to provide data from the Unified Register of Foreigners may be appealed under the procedure of Article 46.
(new – SG No. 37 of 2003; amended and supplemented – SG No. 109 of 2007, in force from 01.01.2008; amended – SG No. 97 of 2016)
The Ministry of the Interior, the State Agency for National Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall carry out information exchange for the purpose of imposing restrictions on entry into the Republic of Bulgaria and for coordination of applications for the issuance of visas to foreigners.
(new – SG No. 37 of 2003; supplemented – SG No. 109 of 2007, in force from 01.01.2008; supplemented – SG No. 33 of 2016, in force from 21.05.2016)
The Ministry of the Interior shall exchange data with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and with the State Agency for National Security in connection with the issuance of work permits to foreigners and permits for the exercise of freelance activity by foreigners within the meaning of the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act.
(new – SG No. 37 of 2003; supplemented – SG No. 109 of 2007, in force from 01.01.2008; amended – SG No. 82 of 2009; amended – SG No. 80 of 2015, in force from 16.10.2015)
The Ministry of the Interior shall carry out information exchange with the State Agency for National Security and the State Agency for Refugees in connection with the issuance of Bulgarian identity documents to foreigners seeking or having been granted protection, and for conducting proceedings for granting protection under the Asylum and Refugees Act.
(new – SG No. 37 of 2003)
(1)
(supplemented – SG No. 109 of 2007, in force from 01.01.2008)
The Ministry of the Interior and the State Agency for National Security shall exchange data with the judicial authorities in connection with the performance of their functions regarding the imposition and revocation of administrative coercive measures.
(2)
(amended and supplemented – SG No. 109 of 2007, in force from 01.01.2008)
The Ministry of the Interior and the State Agency for National Security shall cooperate with the Ministry of Justice with regard to foreigners released from places of detention and persons applying for acquisition, restoration or release from Bulgarian citizenship.
(1)
(new – SG No. 37 of 2003; former text of Article 60 – SG No. 109 of 2007, in force from 01.01.2008; supplemented – SG No. 36 of 2009; supplemented – SG No. 9 of 2011)
The Ministry of the Interior shall cooperate and exchange data with ESGRAON and with municipal administrations in connection with the issuance of Bulgarian identity documents, residence permits and administrative services for long-term or permanent resident foreigners.
(2)
(new – SG No. 109 of 2007, in force from 01.01.2008; supplemented – SG No. 9 of 2011)
The State Agency for National Security shall cooperate and exchange data with ESGRAON and municipal administrations in connection with the administrative servicing of long-term or permanent resident foreigners.
(new – SG No. 37 of 2003; amended – SG No. 103 of 2003, in force from 26.02.2004)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall maintain a register containing the data under Article 54, paragraph 4, as well as data on applications for visa issuance submitted by foreigners and restrictions imposed under Article 21a by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
For the purposes of this Act:
Fees for the issuance of visas, residence permits and other documents under this Act shall be collected in amounts determined by an act of the Council of Ministers.
Placement of a stamp for the last entry into the country on the travel document upon submission of an application for a residence permit shall be required insofar as applicable under Annex IV of the Schengen Borders Code.
The extraordinary procedures under Article 13a of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 and Article 46 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 shall apply where, due to malfunction of parts of the ETIAS and EES information systems or other technical reasons, carriers are unable to submit a query to the system.
This Act transposes the requirements of Directive 2014/36/EU and Directive (EU) 2021/1883.
The State Agency for National Security shall provide opinions on applications submitted under Articles 24i, 24k, 24l, 33k and 33p exclusively through the automated information system “Unified Register of Foreigners” under Article 54, paragraph 1.
The Act was adopted by the XXXVIII National Assembly on 11 November 1998 and on 15 December 1998 and was sealed with the official seal of the National Assembly.
(Prepared on behalf of Black Sea Law Counsel / BSLC)
This English-language translation of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria is unofficial and has been prepared exclusively for informational and educational purposes.
The translation is intended to assist foreign nationals, international professionals, and English-speaking residents in understanding the general structure, terminology, and regulatory framework governing the legal status of foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria.
This document does not have legal force and does not replace the official Bulgarian-language version of the law as promulgated in the State Gazette of the Republic of Bulgaria.
In the event of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or divergent interpretation between this translation and the official Bulgarian text, the Bulgarian version shall prevail.
Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, terminological consistency, and faithful rendering of legal concepts, Black Sea Law Counsel (BSLC) expressly disclaims any and all liability for:
This translation is provided solely for orientation and reference purposes.
Persons relying on this document are strongly advised to:
Use of this translation is entirely at the reader’s own risk.
(Used throughout the English translation of the Law)
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