How does Single Permit (combined work + residence) work in Bulgaria, and who qualifies?

The Single Permit is the standard route for most non-EU employees in Bulgaria. It combines the right to work and the right to reside into a single document, tied to a specific employer and position, rather than two separate approvals. It's for people with a concrete job offer who don't fall under a specialised route like the EU Blue Card or an intra-company transfer.

Behind the scenes, the Employment Agency checks access to the labour market and gives a positive opinion, while the Migration Directorate issues the permit. As with most Bulgarian long-stay routes, the sequence matters: you obtain a Type D long-stay visa before entering Bulgaria, then collect your residence card after arrival.

The core requirements are a job offer and employment relationship with a Bulgarian employer for a specific role, a positive Employment Agency opinion on labour-market access, the Type D visa, and a valid passport plus health insurance covering your stay.

Because official conditions and any associated fees can change, confirm the current requirements with the Migration Directorate (mvr.bg) before applying. If you'd like help coordinating the visa and permit steps with your employer, ACME offers a free initial consultation.