fbpx
HomeLegal Blog

The Law on Migration in the EU: Bulgaria and Permanent Residency

When it comes to migration, the European Union (EU) has a Common Immigration Policy that all member states have to follow. This means that, in general

When it comes to migration, the European Union (EU) has a Common Immigration Policy that all member states have to follow. This means that, in general, the rules for EU citizens migrating to another member state are the same, regardless of which country they are coming from.

Bulgaria is a member state of the EU, and as such, its citizens are entitled to all the rights and privileges that come with that status. This includes the right to free movement and residence within the EU.

However, there are some restrictions on Bulgarian citizens when it comes to migrating to other EU countries. For example, Bulgaria is not a member of the Schengen Area, so its citizens travel to Schengen countries after passing a standardized passport check and the border control is still fully maintained.

There are also some restrictions on the type of work Bulgarian citizens can do in other EU countries. In order to work in another EU country, Bulgarian citizens need to get a work permit from the country they want to work in or apply for an EU Blue Card.

If you are a Bulgarian citizen who wants to migrate to another EU country, it is important to know all the rules and regulations that apply to you. The best way to do this is to consult with an immigration lawyer.

Why are Russians Moving to Bulgaria?

There are many reasons that Russians might want to move to Bulgaria. For many, it may be the lure of a warmer climate and a laid-back lifestyle by the sea. For others, it may be the draw of a lower cost of living or the opportunity to live in a historic and culturally rich country.

Whatever the motivations, it’s undeniable that an increasing number of Russians are choosing to relocate to Bulgaria. According to the Bulgarian National Statistics Institute, the number of Russians living in Bulgaria has nearly doubled in the last decade, with Russians now accounting for the second-largest group of foreign residents in the country. Of course, relocating to a new country is a big decision, and there are a number of things to consider before taking the plunge. In this article, we’ll go over some of the key points to keep in mind if you’re thinking of moving to Bulgaria from Russia.

The Bulgarian Legislation on migration allows both foreigners with EU citizenship and residents of non-EU countries to obtain a permanent or temporary residence permit. Marital status, investments, employment contracts, and other personal factors are taken into consideration when issuing these documents. So, if you’re planning on relocating to Bulgaria, it’s critical to understand the legalities and paperwork involved in the process. Doing so will ensure a smooth transition and minimize the risk of any stressful surprises.

The Bulgarian Migration Law provides both foreigners with EU citizenship and residents of non-EU countries with the opportunity to obtain a permanent or temporary residence permit in the country. In order to qualify for a residence permit, foreign nationals must either have a family member who is a Bulgarian citizen, have signed a temporary or permanent employment contract, be of Bulgarian ethnic origin, register an association or foundation, invest in real estate or company shares, or be a highly prominent scientist or sports figure. The are also other grounds on which a person can receive an EU residency, but to fully make sure you qualify, we advise you to seek an immigration lawyer.

Investment is one of the most common reasons that people from outside the EU move to Bulgaria. The nation offers a number of incentives for foreign investors, including low taxation, relaxed residency requirements, and access to the European market. In order to qualify for a residence permit through investment, you must make a minimum investment of 512,000 Euros into a Bulgarian company. You can also invest in government bonds or Bulgarian real estate. If you’re planning on investing in a company, it’s important to note that at least 33% of the company’s staff must be Bulgarian citizens ( for small and medium companies) and no less than 25% for large corporations.

If you’re not an EU citizen, obtaining a work permit is an important step in the process of applying for a residence permit. Regardless of the grounds you used to receive a visa, you still need to have a steady income and not rely on state social security benefits to fully comply with regulations, therefore it is vital to acquire a work permit in advance. In certain scenarios, a work permit is not required or is issued alongside the residency permit. In other scenarios, you have the obligation to notify the Bulgarian Labour Agency after you sign a labor contract with a Bulgarian company. It is important to distinguish labor from civil contracts, as the legal requirements and provisions for both types differ. Work permits in Bulgaria are issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and are valid for a period of one year. In order to get a work permit, you must first have a job offer from a Bulgarian company. The company will then need to submit a number of documents to the Ministry, including a copy of your passport, a medical certificate, and a criminal background check. Once the work permit is granted, you can then apply

Foreign nationals who have resided in Bulgaria for five years with a valid temporary residence permit may apply for a permanent residence permit. Temporary permits, meanwhile, can be issued for up to five years and must be renewed on the same schedule. To qualify for a temporary residence permit, applicants must demonstrate available income, health insurance coverage, and suitable accommodation in Bulgaria with the appropriate notarized documents.

An immigration lawyer can help you determine which rules and regulations apply to you, and can also help you with the process of applying for a visa or work permit. They can also help you if you want to apply for permanent residency in another EU country.

Join our legal community on the Legal Blog front; stay connected and contribute your legal expertise by writing for us