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How to hire and house third-country workers in Bulgaria

A short guide for employers: the main steps of the Single Residence and Work Permit, the timelines and where housing fits in the procedure.

Last updated: 5 October 2026

This guide describes, in general terms, the standard procedure for employing a third-country national (non-EU) under the Single Residence and Work Permit (ERPR) and the role of housing in it. The information is indicative, as of October 2026, and is not legal advice. Rules and timelines change - check them with the Employment Agency and the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior.

Steps of the procedure

  1. 1

    Assess the need and the quota

    The employer must show the need to hire - usually by advertising the vacancy and showing that no suitable Bulgarian or EU candidate was found. Third-country workers may not exceed 20% of the average headcount (35% for small and medium enterprises). A draft to raise both limits by 5 points was published in early 2026 - check whether it has been adopted.

  2. 2

    Prepare the documents

    You need a fixed-term employment contract, employer declarations on conditions and pay, the candidate’s qualification documents and criminal record certificate (legalized and translated where required), documents for secured housing and proof of health insurance.

  3. 3

    File the application with Migration

    The employer or a representative files with the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior. Deficiencies must be corrected within 7 days. Migration forwards the file to the Employment Agency within 14 days.

  4. 4

    Employment Agency opinion

    The Agency gives its opinion on labour-market access within 15 days of receiving the file.

  5. 5

    Migration decision

    The overall time limit is up to 2 months and can be extended by another 2 months in complex cases. After a positive decision the employer notifies the worker.

  6. 6

    D visa

    The worker applies for a long-stay visa within 20 days of the notification and appears in person at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate.

  7. 7

    Arrival and appearance

    Within 14 days of entering Bulgaria the employer and the worker appear together at Migration with a copy of the visa and health insurance valid for at least 3 months. The ERPR is issued for the contract term, up to 3 years.

  8. 8

    Address registration

    The foreign national notifies the Ministry of Interior of their address in writing with an address card within 3 days of entry. The person providing the accommodation must also notify Migration or the district police in writing within 3 days.

  9. 9

    Starting work

    The employer notifies the Labour Inspectorate within 7 days of actual commencement of work.

Where housing fits in

Housing documents are part of the application file from the moment it is filed, and address registration is filed right after arrival. SJK Group issues notarized contracts and housing declarations and provides administrative support with address registration and other procedures.

Sources

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