Bulgaria freelance and self-employed visa

The Employment Agency grants the permit for activities that do not require Bulgarian citizenship, taking into account the state and public interest of the Bulgarian labour market, and when the applicant has the specialised knowledge, skills and experience for the activity. The application, on Annex 4 of the implementing regulation, must be accompanied by a description of the type and purpose of the activity, a detailed plan for the permit period, proof of at least two years of professional experience, proof of funds for carrying out the plan, a certificate of Bulgarian at minimum level B1 of the Common European Framework, proof that the conditions for regulated professions are met where relevant, a passport copy and two colour photos of 3.5 x 4.5 cm.

The application is filed with the central administration of the Employment Agency, which coordinates with the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Relations Directorate, the Migration Directorate, the National Revenue Agency and the General Labour Inspectorate. Missing documents are requested with a 15-day deadline. The decision is due within one month; the fee must be paid within one month of notification and the permit is collected in person.

With the permit you apply for a type D visa at the Bulgarian mission and, after entry, for the residence permit at the Migration Directorate. Register your address within five days.

An extension is requested at least 30 days before the permit expires. You submit a plan for the new period, at least two service contracts, a report on carrying out the previous plan, a declaration of no tax or social security debts, the BULSTAT registration certificate, a patent tax declaration where relevant and a copy of your residence document. The fee is again BGN 400. The residence permit must be renewed with the Migration Directorate no later than 14 days before it expires and becomes invalid when the freelance permit lapses.

The agency refuses when documents are missing, the plan or report has no basis or no proven economic or social effect, the documents show that you intend to work under an employment relationship, less than 12 months have passed since an earlier freelance permit was withdrawn, you have not met your tax and social security obligations, or you are banned from receiving a visa or entering Bulgaria.

A refusal by the Executive Director of the Employment Agency can be appealed within 14 days of receipt to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy under the Administrative Procedure Code. Residence decisions of the Migration Directorate are challenged before the administrative court.