We live in dynamic times, where borders between countries are gradually blurring and people seek opportunities for career development in different parts of the world. Bulgarians try their luck abroad, while foreigners choose to settle in Bulgaria, attracted by the beautiful nature, a calmer lifestyle, etc. Foreigners from EU countries and third country nationals need to take certain steps and meet certain criteria in order to start working in Bulgaria. The National Employment Agency was so kind as to provide Radio Bulgaria with comprehensive information on the topic, which we present to you in a summarized form. The National Employment Agency is the institution in Bulgaria that provides information, consults and mediates between job seekers and employers.

The normative acts regulating the employment of foreigners on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria are as follows:

• Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act and Regulation for Application of the Labor Migration and Labor Mobility Act.

The conditions for employment of foreigners from EU member states in Bulgaria are as follows:

• Job seekers from other EU member states enjoy the same rights as Bulgarian job applicants;
• They do not need a work permit to work in the country;
• They can find job vacancies advertised by Bulgarian employers on the EURES portal. This portal publishes job vacancies announced by the employment offices; 
• Like any Bulgarian job candidate, they must meet the conditions specified by the employer for the vacant position;
• In terms of employment relations, they are entitled to the same conditions as Bulgarian citizens regarding payment, paid annual leave, etc.

In addition to citizens of other EU member states, equal access to the Bulgarian labor market is also granted to citizens of an EEA (European Economic Area) country, or citizens of the Swiss Confederation.

 Requirements for third-country nationals to work in Bulgaria:

• They must reside legally on the territory of the country, which is certified by the relevant residence permit or residence and work permit issued by the Ministry of Interior, or after obtaining a permit by the Executive Director of the Employment Agency to work or to carry out freelance activity;
• A permit for access to the labour market is not required for foreigners who have been granted long-term or permanent residence in the Republic of Bulgaria or who have been granted equivalent rights through the right of asylum or international protection in Bulgaria under the Asylum and Refugees Act;
•  Access to the labour market is allowed for the occupation of positions for which Bulgarian citizenship is not required by law.

Citizens of a third country are allowed access to the labor market in Bulgaria under the following circumstances:

• They have signed an employment contract with a local employer; 
• They are seconded or sent by their foreign employer within the framework of the provision of services on the territory of Bulgaria, including short-term employment without a work permit;
• They are transferred within an intra-corporate transfer;
• They carry out freelance activities.

Which third-country nationals are not entitled to access the labour market in Bulgaria?

• Those who have a short-stay visa in Bulgaria, except in cases of seasonal employment for up to 90 days;
• Those who have a permit for long-term residence in Bulgaria on the basis of Article 24, paragraph 1, point 2, 6-8,10,14,16,19 and 20 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act.

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov