GUIDE TO WORKING PROFESSIONAL VISA SERVICES IN BULGARIA

A professional working visa application in Bulgaria requires the acquisition of long-stay visa and a work permit. Other than the issues of economic growth and low living costs, Bulgaria is well positioned in Europe regarding the knowledge economy and various factors that attract specialists from foreign countries. Any of these visas is needed to ensure a long stay and work in the country and enjoy all its benefits. There are several types of visa for handling the work, which include EU Blue Card, work permit, seasonal worker visa etc.

TYPES OF WORK VISAS IN BULGARIA

Bulgaria offers various types of work visas, and each one of them are tailored to different professional categories and skill levels. The main types include:

• EU Blue Card: This visa is for highly skilled professionals in specialized fields, such as IT, engineering, or management. The applicants must have a higher education degree and a valid job offer with a specified salary threshold.
• Standard Work Permit: It is mainly designed for foreign professionals those who have secured employment in Bulgaria. The employer must sponsor the application and prove that the position cannot be filled by a local or EU resident.
• Seasonal Worker Visa: This Visa is for individuals, who are seeking temporary employment in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, or construction. It provides employment for a time span of 90 days within a period of six months.
• Intra-Company Transfer Visa: This visa is for foreign professionals who are employed by multinational companies and are transferred to a Bulgarian branch or subsidiary. Here the applicants must have been employed for at least 12 months by the sending company.

OBTAIN A WORK PERMIT

The first step in applying for a working professional visa in Bulgaria is obtaining a work permit, which can be requested from the Bulgarian Employment Agency by the employer.

HOW TO OBTAIN A WORK PERMIT?

A work permit must be obtained by the Bulgarian employer on behalf. It is necessary to prove that there is no qualified person available for the position in Bulgaria or other European Union (EU).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• A completed application form.
• Company registration documents.
• A valid employment contract, specifying the salary, job position, and duration of employment.
• Evidence of the applicant’s qualifications (e.g., diplomas, certifications).
• A detailed job description outlining the responsibilities and skills required for the position.
  
  

PROCESSING TIME:

The Bulgarian Employment Agency will review all the applications and they will either approve or reject it. This work permit process can take up to two months.

PREPARE FOR VISA APPLICATION

Once the work permit is received, one can proceed with applying for a long-term visa (Visa D) at their nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their particular home country.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR VISA APPLICATION

• Valid Passport: It should be ensured that the passport is valid for at least six months beyond the planned entry date.
• Visa Application Form: The visa application form should be completed accurately and ensure all information matches with the passport and work permit details.
• Passport-Sized Photos: Two recent photos that meet the specifications (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, plain white background) should be provided.
• Work Permit: The original work permit issued by the Bulgarian Employment Agency must be included.
• Proof of Accommodation: The documents of the living arrangements in Bulgaria, such as a rental agreement or invitation from a host must be submitted.
• Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage that is valid in Bulgaria should be provided.
• Financial Documents: The ability to support during the stay should be demonstrated (e.g., bank statements, pay slips).
  
  

SUBMIT APPLICATION

After gathering all the necessary documents, submit the visa application at the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• In-Person Submission: Most embassies require you to apply in person. Some may allow postal submissions, but this varies depending on location.
• Pay the Visa Fee: The visa fee varies based on your nationality and visa type. Check the specific embassy guidelines for payment options.
• Processing Time: The processing time for a long-term visa typically ranges from 15 to 30 working days, depending on the embassy’s workload and the completeness of your application.
  
  

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Visa Renewals and Extensions: Work visas can be renewed. Apply for an extension before your current visa expires, providing necessary documentation such as proof of continued employment.

Permanent Residency: After five years of continuous residency in Bulgaria, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

ANALYSIS

The process of applying for a working professional visa in Bulgaria involves several steps, but with proper preparation and a clear understanding of the requirements, it can be a smooth process. Ensure that you have all required documents ready and consider consulting with immigration professionals if necessary.