The EU Blue Card is Bulgaria’s residence and work permit for third-country nationals taking up highly qualified employment.
It is intended for professionals who meet the applicable qualification, employment and remuneration requirements and offers a number of advantages over the standard employment residence route.
In Bulgaria, the EU Blue Card can generally be issued for a longer period than the standard Single Permit and provides greater flexibility in relation to employer changes, unemployment and certain forms of mobility.
In the general case, the EU Blue Card may be issued for up to 5 years, with a minimum period of 24 months. Where the employment contract is shorter than 24 months, the permit is issued for the duration of the contract plus three months, subject to a maximum of 24 months.
Who Qualifies for an EU Blue Card?
The applicant must qualify for highly qualified employment. The presentation identifies several ways in which the required professional qualification may be demonstrated.
A diploma, certificate or other official document showing completion of at least three academic years of higher education at a recognised institution.
Relevant knowledge, skills and competences supported by at least 3 years of professional experience during the preceding 7 years, for qualifying ICT management and specialist positions.
For other qualifying positions, relevant knowledge, skills and competences may be demonstrated through at least 5 years of professional experience in a position requiring higher education.
Main EU Blue Card Requirements
- The applicant must possess the required high professional qualification.
- The employment must satisfy the applicable minimum gross salary requirement.
- The employment contract must satisfy the applicable minimum term requirements.
- The applicant must meet the conditions for highly qualified employment and hold the appropriate visa or Bulgarian residence status, or fall within the international-protection categories covered by the legislation.
EU Blue Card Application Procedure
- The employer
- An authorised representative
- The foreign national
Main Documents Required
- Application form
- Copy of the passport or equivalent travel document
- Criminal record certificate
- Evidence of accommodation in Bulgaria
- Employer justification
- Documents proving education, specialty, professional qualification, legal capacity and professional experience
- Employer declaration regarding employment and remuneration conditions
- Certified copy of the signed fixed-term employment contract
- Job description, where applicable
- Evidence of compliance with regulated-profession requirements, where applicable
- Mandatory medical insurance
- Other documents required for the specific position
- Recognition certificate for foreign higher education, where required
Key Rights and Flexibility
A Blue Card holder may change employer. Different procedures apply depending on whether the change takes place during or after the first 12 months of highly qualified employment.
The holder may retain the right to look for and start new employment during an authorised unemployment period, subject to the applicable conditions.
Remote work is possible where it is expressly agreed in the employment contract or an additional agreement and the immigration authority is notified.
Changing Employer
The new employer, authorised representative or Blue Card holder must submit an application for change of employer together with the required documents.
A simplified procedure applies to employer changes after the initial 12-month period.
What Happens if the Blue Card Holder Becomes Unemployed?
A Blue Card holder has the right to search for and start new employment, provided that the relevant registration and immigration requirements are met.
If unemployment occurs during the first 24 months of highly qualified employment.
If unemployment occurs after the first 24 months of highly qualified employment.
The Blue Card holder must register with the Employment Agency within 7 working days after termination of employment.
Remote Work Under an EU Blue Card
Remote work may be agreed where the employment contract or an additional agreement expressly provides for work to be performed remotely.
The employer or its authorised representative must notify the Migration Directorate. Where the remote-work arrangement also results in a change of the place of residence, a new residence document may be required.
Single Permit or EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is designed specifically for highly qualified professionals and offers a different legal framework from the standard Single Residence and Work Permit.
Whether the Blue Card is available depends on the applicant’s qualifications, professional experience, proposed salary, employment contract and job position. These factors should be assessed before the employment documentation is prepared.
Hiring a Highly Qualified Professional in Bulgaria?
Corporate Bulgaria can assess whether the employee qualifies for an EU Blue Card and assist with the complete residence and employment procedure.
Contact Corporate Bulgaria
