Bulgarian Residence Permits to Third Country Nationals

PROLONGED RESIDENCE

Work under employment contract

Foreign citizens that wish to work under employment contracts following permission by the bodies of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy under the provisions of the Labor Migration and Labor Mobility Act;

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well.
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Certified copy of the work permit issued by the Employment Agency.

Fees:

For the service requested – BGN 10

On granting:

–  up to 6 months – BGN 200

–  up to 1 year – BGN 500

Business activity as a result of this activity at least 10 workplaces have been opened at full time employment for Bulgarian citizens

Foreign citizens that realize business activity in the country under the legal provisions and as a result of this activity at least 10 workplaces have been opened at full time employment for Bulgarian citizens, and have been maintained for the period of residence, except where it has been agreed otherwise under an international contract that has been ratified, promulgated and has taken effect in the Republic of Bulgaria, and that requirement is valid for each partner separately; the same conditions apply for each manager separately.

Realize business activity in the country under the legal provisions.

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application
• Reference about the at least 10 Bulgarian citizens hired under employment contract at full time, issued by an insurer – local person, for each foreign citizen that has made use of the right of residence, such reference including also a summary about the employer for the period, and information about the current standing of all employment contracts in effect, issued at NRA (National Revenue Agency)      

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

 – up to 6 months – BGN 200

 – up to 1 year – BGN 500

Foreigners that are foreign specialists residing in the country under the effect of international contracts to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party.

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application
• Document certifying that the person is a specialist residing in the country under the effect of an international contract to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

–  up to 6 months – BGN 200

 –  up to 1 year – BGN 500

Foreigners that have grounds to be granted permanent residence

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Documents certifying the availability of grounds for granting of permanent residence;
• Certificate of contracted marriage or a transcript of certificate of contracted marriage.
• A foreigner of Bulgarian origin presents also a birth certificate. Where it is not possible to present a birth certificate a certificate issued at the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad is presented. 

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

up to 1 year – BGN 150.

Trade representatives of foreign business companies

The foreigners are representatives of foreign business companies registered at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, after an inspection and assessment of the presented documents regarding the activity and tax-related correctness of the company and also regarding the planned activities of the representation;

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Certificate of current registration of the business representation at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry issued not earlier than 1 month prior to its presentation;

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

– up to 6 months – BGN 200

– up to 1 year – BGN 500

Financial secured parents of a Bulgarian citizen or a foreign citizen with permanent residence permit

Financial secured parents of a Bulgarian citizen or a foreign citizen that has been granted permanent residence permit where the documents certifying the family links that originate from abroad are recognized or allowed for execution and have been registered under the provisions of the Bulgarian legislation.

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Birth certificate of the descendent in case he/she is a foreign citizen.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

– up to 6 months – BGN 200

– up to 1 year – BGN 500

Foreign citizens admitted for continuous medical treatment at a health establishment

Foreign citizens admitted for continuous medical treatment at a health establishment that have sufficient financial means for treatment and subsistence so as not to be a burden to the social-security systems and their health condition requires uninterrupted personal care provided by qualified medical staff;

Admitted for continuous medical treatment.

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Certificate issued at a health establishment containing a plan for medical treatment and recovery.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

– up to 6 months – BGN 200

-up to 1 year – BGN 500

Foreign citizens that are correspondents of foreign mass media and are accredited in the Republic of Bulgaria

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Document for accreditation issued at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

– up to 6 months – BGN 200

– up to 1 year – BGN 500

Pensioners

Foreign citizens that have been granted a pension under the legislation of the Republic of Bulgaria, or their country of origin or another country and have sufficient means for subsistence in the country;

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Document issued by the competent bodies of the relevant country certifying that the person is a pensioner;
• Document issued at a bank on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria certifying the availability of a bank account in which the relevant pension payments shall be received.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

–  up to 6 months – BGN 200

– up to 1 year – BGN 500

Family members of a foreign citizen that has been granted prolonged or permanent residence permit

Family members of a foreign citizen that has been granted prolonged or permanent residence permit – where the documents certifying the family links and the right to maintenance have been recognized or allowed for execution under the provisions of the Bulgarian legislation.

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Certificate of civil marriage or birth certificate;
• Medical documents regarding the availability of serious medical grounds in the cases under art. 2, par. 4 FRBA.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting – up to 1 year  – BNG 150.

The foreign citizens are other members of the household of a foreigner under art. 23а, par. 3, or are his/her private domestic helpers

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Certificate of civil marriage or birth certificate;
• Birth certificate;
• Declaration and other evidence of the availability of stable non-marital partnership.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

– up to 6 months – BGN 200

– up to 1 year – BGN 500

Foreign citizens that wish to engage in freelance activity

Foreign citizens that wish to engage in freelance activity following permission by the bodies of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy in accordance with art. 24а and under the provisions of Labor Migration and Labor Mobility Act  

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Certified copy of the permit for performing of freelance activity, issued by the bodies of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy;

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

– up to 6 months – BGN 200

– up to 1 year – BGN 500

Foreigners that wish to engage in non-profit activity or that have obtained a positive opinion issued by the Directorate of Religious Affairs of the Council of Ministers under the provisions of the Religious Affairs Act

Foreigners that wish to engage in non-profit activity following permission granted  by the Ministry of Justice under the provisions defined by an order of the Minister of Justice and coordinated with the Minister of the Interior and the Chairperson of the National Security State Agency or that have obtained a positive opinion issued by the Directorate of Religious Affairs of the Council of Ministers under the provisions of the Religious Affairs Act  – in their capacity of foreign religious personnel invited by the central managements of the registered religions.

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Certified copy of permit for performance of non-profit activity issued by the Ministry of Justice.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

– up to 6 months – BGN 200

– up to 1 year – BGN 500

Foreigners that have been granted special protection status under art. 25 of the Combat Human Trafficking Act

Documents required:

• Letter by a competent state authority confirming the availability of the circumstances for granting the special protection status;
• Document for state fee paid.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

– up to 6 months – BGN 200

– up to 1 year – BGN 500

Members of the family of a Bulgarian citizen

Members of the family of a Bulgarian citizen and the documents originating from abroad that certify the family links and the right to maintenance have been recognized and registered or allowed for execution under the provisions of the Bulgarian legislation.

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Certificate for civil marriage or birth certificate;
• Copy of the identity card of the Bulgarian citizen;
• Documents evidencing the availability of family links under art. 2, par. 6 FRBA;
• Medical documents regarding the availability of serious medical grounds that require personal care

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting – up to 1 year  – BGN 150

Foreigners that have invested an amount not less than BGN 600 000

Foreigners that have invested an amount not less than BGN 600 000 – for each foreigner, for acquiring of title of real properties on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or where the foreigner is the owner of more than 50% of the capital of a Bulgarian business company, and has paid such amount into the capital of the company and as a result of that the company has acquired the title of real properties in the country amounting to that same amount; as of the date of submission of the application for granting of prolonged residence permit the foreigner or the legal entity must have paid that amount in full and it must have been received in a bank account opened with a Bulgarian licensed credit institution, and where the properties have been acquired by loaned funds  the outstanding unpaid portion of the loan must not exceed 25%;

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Supporting document by a Bulgarian licensed credit institution for payment made to an amount not less than BGN 600 000 for acquiring by the foreigner of title of real properties on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or for participation in the capital of the relevant business company; where loaned funds have been used – also a supporting document by a credit institution for an outstanding unpaid portion of the loan not exceeding 25%;  
• Title deeds of the properties on the territory of the country belonging either to the foreigner or to the busines company;
• Information on the costs of the busines company on acquiring of real properties for the period following the deposition of the amount under item 7 in the capital of the business company, accompanied by copies of contracts for purchase and sale (expenditure supporting documents), copy of the inventory log-book or amortization plan proving recording made of the long-term tangible assets, or another document certifying the value and type of the new real properties acquired after depositing the amount under item 7.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

 – up to 6 months – BGN 200

– up to 1 year – BGN 500

Foreigners that have made an investment in economically disadvantaged regions

Foreigners that have made an investment in economically disadvantaged regions in the sense of the Investment Promotion Act through payment into the capital of a Bulgarian business company not less than BGN  250 000 where the foreigner is a partner or shareholder and owns at least 50% of the company capital and as a result of the investment new long-term tangible and intangible assets amounting to at least BGN 250 000 have been acquired and at least 5 workplaces for Bulgarian citizens have been opened and maintained during the residence period, and that has been certified by the Ministry of Economy.

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.

Foreigners with prolonged residence permit granted declare in front of the Ministry of Economy every change to circumstances under art. 24, par. 1, item 20 FRBA.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

 – up to 6 months – BGN 200

 – up to 1 year – BGN 500

Upon termination of a marriage on the grounds of divorce or death

Upon termination of a marriage on the grounds of divorce or death the offices of administrative control of foreigners can issue a one-time single prolonged residence permit to a foreigner that has been granted prolonged or long-term residence permit based on par. 1, items 13 and 18, where the family has been residing uninterruptedly and on legal grounds on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of at least 2 years.

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Certificate of contracted marriage or a transcript of certificate of contracted marriage drawn either in the Republic of Bulgaria or abroad;
• Upon termination of the marriage by a court decision – copy-excerpt or full transcript of the certificate of contracted marriage in case the marriage has been contracted in the Republic of Bulgaria; copy of the court decision – in case the marriage has been contracted abroad;
• Copy-Excerpt of death certificate drawn either in the Republic of Bulgaria or abroad.
• The documents under item 7 are not requested from the foreigner in the cases where the information has been registered at the Population National Databases.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

– up to 6 months – BGN 200

– up to 1 year – BGN 500

In the availability of extraordinary circumstances of the family members of a foreigner residing on prolonged, long-term or permanent permit and of the family members of a Bulgarian citizen

In the availability of extraordinary circumstances of the family members of a foreigner residing on prolonged, long-term or permanent permit and of the family members of a Bulgarian citizen under art. 2, par. 6, items 1, 2 and 3 оf FRBA a one-time single prolonged residence permit  can be issued.

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.
• Documets regarding the availability of extraordinary circumstances in the sense of § 1, item 7 of the Supplementary Provisions to FRBA.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

 – up to 6 months – BGN 200

 – up to 1 year – BGN 500

Researchers and have an executed agreement for acceptance for the development of a research project

Prolonged residence permit can also be granted to foreigners that hold visa under art. 15, par. 1 and are researchers and have an executed agreement for acceptance for the development of a research project, made with a research organization with registered office in the Republic of Bulgaria where such research organization is included in the national list of research organizations in the sense of Directive 2005/71/ЕC of the Council regarding a specific procedure for acceptance of third-country citizens for the purpose of conducting of research activities.

The prolonged residence permit is granted to such persons for one year and is then renewed in the availability of grounds for its renewal. Where the period for development of the research project is less than one year the residence permit is granted for the duration of the project.

Period for examination:

Documents required:

Towards granting of prolonged residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria the foreigner presents in front of the offices for administrative control of foreigners a valid international travel document international travel document and submits:

• Application according to a sample form;
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act
• Copy of the page of the international travel document showing the photograph, personal data, entry visa, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country;
• Evidence in writing regarding provided accommodation for the period of stay in the country
• Certified copy of the agreement for acceptance made with a research organization, registered in the Republic of Bulgaria under the legal provisions.

Researchers are granted prolonged residence permit in the availability of the provisions under art. 24, par. 2 от FRBA.

The terms and conditions of inclusion of research organizations with registered office in the Republic of Bulgaria in a list, are determined by an ordinance of the Minister of Education and Culture.

Prolonged residence permit can be granted also to the family members of the researchers based on art. 24, par. 1, item 13 оf FRBA the validity period of which is complied with the period of residential permit granted to the researcher.

A foreigner that has been accepted as researcher in another Member-State can perform part of his/her research work in the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of up to 3 months on the grounds of the agreement for acceptance executed in the first Member-State, which should be presented in front of the offices for administrative control of foreigners along with a valid residence permit issued by the first Member-State. The foreigner should have sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal pension for the country, for the duration of his/her stay.

A foreigner that has been accepted as researcher in another Member-State can perform part of his/her research work in the Republic of Bulgaria for a period longer than 3 months. In that case he/she is issued a prolonged residence permit under the above terms and conditions.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting: – up to 1 year – BGN 110.

Training at a college or university, or students admitted on the territory of the country for training at high schools within the framework of an exchange program, or as unremunerated trainees

Prolonged residence permit can be granted also to foreigners that hold visa under art. 15, par. 1 and have been admitted for regular training at a college or university, or students admitted on the territory of the country for training at high schools within the framework of an exchange program, or as unremunerated trainees.

A foreigner that has already been admitted as a student in an EU Member-State and that applies to conduct part of the training course in which he/she has been enrolled, or applies to complement that course with a related training course in the Republic of Bulgaria, is issued a prolonged residence permit for a period complied with the duration of the educational training plan.

Documents required:

A person admitted for regular training at a college or university

1. Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
2. Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
3. Evidence regarding provided accommodation
4. Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
5. Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
6. Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.

A person admitted for regular training at a college or university presents the documents specified under items 1-6 (Documents required), and:

1. A certificate for his/her admittance for training in the Republic of Bulgaria, issued by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science, and a certificate issued by the college or university stating that the student shall be in training during the relevant year;
2. Evidence of paid enrollment fee at the college or university, which is presented after the person has entered the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria on a visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA.

A foreigner admitted as a student in another Member-State presents the documents specified under items 1-6 (Documents required), and:

1. Certificate providing information regarding the overall university training process evidencing that the training course complements the course that has already been completed, or
2. Documents certifying that the person is involved in an EU student exchange program or a bilateral program, or certifying his/her admittance as a student in a certain EU Member-State, for a period of minimum 2 years.

No document under item 2 is presented where within the scope of his/her training course the student is obliged to conduct part of his/her program in a college or university located on the territory of another Member-State

A foreigner admitted on the territory of the country for training at a high school within a student exchange program presents the documents specified under items 1-2 (Documents required), and:

1. Certificate for admittance on the territory of the country for training at a high school;
2. Evidence for participation in a student exchange program;
3. Documents issued by the student exchange organization guaranteeing to cover his/her expenses for subsistence, training, health and return to his/her country;
4. Documents certifying admittance of the student for the entire period of his/her stay by a family meeting specific terms and conditions and selected in accordance with the rules of the student exchange program, in which the student participates;
5. Notarized declaration of consent of the parents or legal guardians.

A foreigner admitted as trainee presents the documents specified under items 1-6 (Documents required), and:

1. Certificate by the sending educational institution stating that the person is an unremunerated trainee

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10 .

On granting – up to 1 year – 100

Prolonged residence and work permit of the “Single permit for residence and work” can be granted to foreigners meeting the requirements for getting access to the labor market in the sense of the Labor Migration and Labor Mobility Act and such that hold a visa under art. 15, par. 1 or residence permit on other grounds in accordance with Regulation (ЕC) No. 1030/2002 of the Council of 13 June 2002 regarding the unified format for residence permits for third-country nationals.

The residence and work permit of the “Single permit for residence and work” type is issued following a decision of the bodies of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, for a period of one year and is then renewed in the availability of grounds for its renewal. In case the period of the employment contract is less than one year the permit is issued for the duration of the contract.

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff  No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10 .

On granting – up to 1 year – BGN 110

Members of the family of a foreigner with prolonged residence permit  

Documents required:

• Document for state fee paid;
• Copy of valid passport showing the pages with the photograph and personal data;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation;
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal pension for the country;
• Certificate of civil marriage or birth certificate;
• Obligatory medical insurance valid for the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, where the person is not insured under HIA;
• Medical documents for the availability of serious health reasons in the cases under art. 2, par. 4 FRBA.

To issued residence permit to the family members, the requirements under art. 24, par. 2  оf FRBA should be met.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting – up to 1 year – BGN 150.

Seasonal worker prolonged residence permit

A seasonal worker prolonged residence permit can be granted to foreigners that meet the requirements for access to the labor market in the sense of the Labor Migration and Labor Mobility Act and that hold a visa under art. 15, par. 1 оf FRBA.

The permit is issued following a decision of the bodies of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy for the period of the employment contract but for no less than 90 days and no more than 9 months. The permit can be extended one time within that period following a decision of the bodies of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well
• Document for state fee paid under art. 10, par. 3 of Tariff No. 4 on fees collected within the system of the Ministry of the Interior under the State Fees Act;
• Evidence regarding provided accommodation
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA);
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal scholarship or the minimal pension for the country, for the period of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Extract from the judicial record issued at the state of nationality of the foreign citizen or the state in which the foreign citizen normally resides – at initial submission of the application.

Where the permit expires at a time of a currently running procedure for extension or renewal the seasonal worker is entitled to reside on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria until a decision has been made regarding the application provided the application has been submitted within the period of validity of the permit under par. 1 and the period under par. 2  has not expired.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

– up to 6 months – BGN 200

– up to 1 year – BGN 500

Family member of a Bulgarian citizen that has exercised his/her right of free movement and holds a valid document of residence as a family member of an EU citizen that has been issued in another EU Member-State

A family member of a Bulgarian citizen that has exercised his/her right of free movement and holds a valid document of residence as a family member of an EU citizen that has been issued in another EU Member-State submits an application at the Migration Directorate of MoI or the district directorates of MoI  for issuance of a residence card of a EU citizen family member certifying his/her right to prolonged residence, for which he/she is immediately issued a temporary certificate.

Documents required:

• Valid passport;
• Document for availability of family links;
• Document for state fee paid;
• Documents for legal residence in the other Member-State;
• Medical documents for the availability of serious medical grounds that require personal care provided by the Bulgarian citizen, where applicable.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

– up to 6 months – BGN 200

– up to 1 year – BGN 500

Foreigners that have been granted long-term residence permit in another EU Member-State:

Documents required:

• Work permit for the Republic of Bulgaria – in case the persons is an employee
• Documents evidencing that he/she has been granted permission to engage in freelance activity and has the necessary means for performance of business activity – in case he/she is a self-employed person;
• Certificate by the relevant educational institution that he/she has been admitted as a student for the relevant academic year – in case the residence aims training;
• Documents regarding the circumstances under art. 24, par. 2 оf FRBA

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

 – up to 6 months – BGN 200

 – up to 1 year – BGN 500

Family members of a foreigner with long-term residence in an EU Member-State that has been granted prolonged residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Documents required:

• Valid international travel document;
• The documents under art. 24, par. 2 FRBA, except for documents for provided accommodation;
• Such family members’ long-term residence permit issued at the other EU Member-State;
• Evidence that they have been residing in their capacity of family members of a foreigner with long-term residence in an EU Member-State.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting – up to 1 year – BNG 150.

Permit for work and residence of EU Blue Card

Permit for work and residence of EU Blue Card type can be granted to foreigners that are highly qualified workers in the sense of the Labor Migration and Labor Mobility Act and hold a visa under art. 15, par. 1 or prolonged residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria on other grounds

Documents required:

• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well;
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA).

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

–  up to 1 year – BGN 110

Family members of a Blue Card holder.

Documents required:

• Copy of valid international travel document showing the pages with the photograph and personal data;
• Certificate of civil marriage or birth certificate;
• Medical documents for the availability of serious health grounds in the cases under art. 2, par. 4 FRBA;
• Evidence of accommodation provided;
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the Health Insurance Act (HIA)
• Evidence of stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient means of subsistence without having recourse to the social assistance system, in an amount not less than the minimal monthly wages or the minimal pension for the country, for the duration of stay.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

– up to 1 year – BGN 150

A holder of EU Blue Card issued from another EU Member-State

A holder of EU Blue Card issued from another EU Member-State that has resided 18 months on the territory of that Member-State can reside with his/her family members in the Republic of Bulgaria for the purpose of highly qualified labor employment. The application for issuance of an EU Blue Ccard in the Republic of Bulgaria is submitted not later than 1 month as of entry of the foreigner into the territory of the country.

Documents required:

• Certified copy of the EU Blue Card issued by the first Member-State;
• Copy of valid passport or replacement document showing the pages with the photograph, personal data, visa under art. 15, par. 1 FRBA where such is required, and the stamp for the foreigner’s last entry into the country; to verify the authenticity of the copy the original passport or replacement document is presented as well;
• Obligatory medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria where the person is not insured under the HIA.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

–  up to 1 year – BGN 110.

Family members of a foreigner who, under the provisions of the Sanctuary and Refugee Act, has been granted:

1. Sanctuary or refugee status;
2. Humanitarian status;
3. Temporary protection.

Documents required:

• Document for state fee paid;
• Copy of valid international travel document showing the pages with the photograph and personal data, the entry visa and stamp for the last entry into the country;
• Certifies copy of the family reunification permit issued by the Chairperson of the State Agency for Refugees.

Fees:

For the service requested  – BGN 10

On granting:

– up to 6 months – BGN 200

– up to 1 year – BGN 500

“Evidence of accommodation provided” covers the following documents:

1. Title deed or another document proving the ownership or the occupation of the property;

2. Notarized declaration of the owner for providing of address of residence – in case a lease agreement is presented.