EU Blue Card
Overview
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit designed for highly qualified non-EU nationals seeking to work in Bulgaria. It provides a structured route to the Bulgarian labour market and, subject to EU mobility rules, can facilitate subsequent employment and residence in other EU Member States.
The Bulgarian EU Blue Card is available to professionals who have a qualifying employment contract, meet the applicable qualification requirements and receive a salary above the statutory threshold. The permit also provides favourable conditions for family reunification and may support longer-term EU residence and mobility.
New Balkans Law Office advises both international professionals and Bulgarian employers on the full EU Blue Card process, from initial eligibility assessment through to issuance, renewal and longer-term immigration planning.
Our Approach
Main Characteristics
- Residence and work: The EU Blue Card combines the right to reside in Bulgaria with the right to perform highly qualified employment for the approved employer.
- Highly qualified employment: Applicants must demonstrate the professional qualifications required for the position.
- Salary threshold: The gross salary under the employment contract must meet the statutory minimum, currently set at 1.5 times the average salary in Bulgaria.
- Minimum employment period: The employment contract must generally have a duration of at least six months.
- Family reunification: Blue Card holders may be joined by eligible family members under the applicable family-reunification rules.
- EU mobility: After qualifying residence in Bulgaria, Blue Card holders may benefit from simplified mobility to another EU Member State, subject to that Member State’s requirements.
- Long-term residence: EU Blue Card holders may benefit from more favourable rules for accumulating qualifying residence periods across EU Member States
Requirements
To qualify for an EU Blue Card in Bulgaria, the applicant must generally:
- Have a qualifying employment contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment with a Bulgarian employer, for at least six months.
- Meet the applicable qualification requirements, normally through higher education qualifications relevant to the position and, where permitted, recognised professional experience.
- Meet the salary threshold, with gross contractual remuneration of at least 1.5 times the average salary in Bulgaria based on the applicable statistical period.
The exact documentation and qualification requirements depend on the position, the applicant’s circumstances and whether the profession is regulated.
The Application Process
- Filing of the application with the Migration Directorate.
- Review and approval by the Employment Agency.
- Notification of the approval to the employer by the Migration Directorate.
- Application by the employee for a long-stay (type D) visa at the competent Bulgarian diplomatic mission.
- Appearance in person at the Migration Directorate
Why NBLO
NBLO provides clear, commercially minded legal support that clients can rely on, including:
- End-to-end immigration support
- Combined immigration and employment expertise
- Practical knowledge of Bulgarian procedures
- Support for both employers and professionals
- Long-term immigration planning
Our Services
Eligibility Assessment
Assessing the applicant’s qualifications, proposed employment and immigration route.
Employment and Contract Review
Reviewing the employment structure and contract for compliance with salary, duration and other statutory requirements.
Document Preparation and Legalisation
Coordinating apostilles, certified translations, diploma recognition and other supporting documentation.
Employment Agency and Migration Directorate Procedures
Preparing and managing the applications and communicating with the relevant Bulgarian authorities.
Type D Visa Assistance
Advising on and supporting the accompanying long-stay visa application.
Renewals and Changes of Circumstances
Supporting renewals, employment changes and other immigration matters throughout the validity of the permit.