Guidance for non-EU workers on Bulgaria’s employer-led single permit, Type D visa and residence process.
For many non-EU employees, Bulgaria uses a single work-and-residence permit process. The employer generally starts by seeking approval through the competent employment authorities. Where a visa is required, the worker then uses the approved route to obtain a Type D visa and complete the residence process.
Official reference: EU Immigration Portal — Employed Worker in Bulgaria.
The Bulgarian employer generally initiates the approval process with the competent employment authority.
For applicants who require a visa to enter Bulgaria for this purpose, a Type D visa is part of the process before residence formalities are completed.
The standard employed-worker permit is job-specific; a change of employer generally requires a new application.