Expat Assistance
Overview
Relocating to Bulgaria involves a complex set of legal, regulatory, tax, and practical considerations that extend well beyond immigration formalities. Expats and internationally mobile professionals often face overlapping issues relating to residence status, employment, taxation, healthcare, education, and property matters, both before and after arrival.
We provide comprehensive legal assistance to expatriates, foreign professionals, and their families relocating to Bulgaria, as well as to employers supporting inbound mobility. Our advice is practical, coordinated, and tailored to each client’s nationality, employment structure, and long-term plans, ensuring a smooth and compliant transition to life and work in Bulgaria.
Our team regularly advises EU, EEA, Swiss and non-EU nationals, senior executives, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and corporate assignees on all aspects of relocation and ongoing residence in Bulgaria.
Advice Prior to Arrival
Early planning is essential to avoid delays, compliance risks, and unexpected costs. Before arrival, we assist clients with assessing the applicable legal framework and structuring their relocation efficiently.
Immigration and Residence Planning
We advise on work permit requirements and immigration routes for non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals, including eligibility, timelines, and employer obligations. For EEA and Swiss nationals, we assist with the preparation and coordination of residence registration and documentation upon arrival.
Our advice is aligned with both Bulgarian immigration law and EU free-movement rules, allowing clients to select the most appropriate and sustainable status.
Trade Representative Offices and Market Entry
For foreign companies and entrepreneurs, we advise on the establishment of Trade Representative Offices in Bulgaria, including registration, staffing, and residence implications for foreign representatives. This structure is frequently used as part of an initial market-entry or relocation strategy.
Relocation Planning and Practical Considerations
We support clients in and legal considerations related to buying, owning, or renting residential property. Where needed, we coordinate immigration planning with property and family arrangements to ensure legal consistency from the outset
Assistance After Arrival
Once established in Bulgaria, expatriates often require ongoing legal support to maintain compliance and address changes in personal or professional circumstances.
Residence, Work Permits, and Family Reunification
We assist with the renewal of work permits and residence documents, as well as changes in employment or status. For non-EU nationals, we advise on family reunification permits and residence rights for spouses and dependent family members.
We also support clients in establishing eligibility for permanent residence in Bulgaria, advising both EU and non-EU nationals and their family members on timelines, conditions, and procedural requirements.
Property and Leasing Matters
Our team advises expatriates on renting and owning property in Bulgaria, including the establishment, management, and termination of residential and office leases. We regularly assist with lease negotiations, compliance issues, and disputes arising during or after the relocation period.
Employment, Taxation, and Incentives
We advise on the taxation of employment income and benefits in kind, including bonuses, company vehicles, housing, cost-of-living allowances (COLAs), and cross-border elements. Our advice takes into account applicable double taxation treaties and Bulgarian tax reporting obligations.
We also assist with employment-related share incentive and equity participation schemes, ensuring alignment between employment, corporate, and tax considerations.