New Amendments to the Foreigners Act: What Do They Mean for Business and the Import of Workers from Third Countries?

The Council of Ministers has approved a draft for the amendment and supplementation of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, aimed at aligning it with Directive (EU) 2021/1883 on high-skilled employment. The new provisions are intended to optimize the procedures for entry and residence of third-country nationals, ensuring clearer and more transparent conditions for workforce recruitment, seasonal employment, and investment activities.

Key Changes in the Legislation

High-Skilled Employment and Employer Change:The new draft provides for the possibility of changing the employer after the first 12 months of high-skilled employment. Changing the job position or performing specific duties by holders of an EU Blue Card (issued by another EU Member State) will no longer require an additional permit. The only required documents remain the EU Blue Card and a valid passport.

Specific Conditions for Seasonal Workers

For third-country nationals working as seasonal workers, the conditions for entry and stay are being revised. After a residence document is issued, the new provisions introduce the possibility of extending the stay period up to 90 days, which will facilitate the recruitment and retention processes in this sector.

Expansion of the Scope and Facilitations for Trainees and Investors

The law expands the procedure for granting residence rights to foreign nationals classified as "trainees" – qualified professionals whose skills are essential to the Bulgarian labor market.In addition, the process for granting long-term residence rights to investors is optimized.

The new requirements include presenting documents proving an annual turnover of at least BGN 500,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) for a period of two years prior to the registration of the commercial representation of the foreign company.Based on these conditions, residence permits may be granted to up to two representatives.

What Do These Changes Mean for Businesses and Workforce Recruitment?

For employers using the services of Global Trud, the new measures represent a significant opportunity to optimize the recruitment process for skilled workers from third countries. The stricter control over documentation and the updated entry and residence procedures ensure that all participants in the process comply with the high standards of European legislation. This positively impacts both the quality of the recruited workforce and the overall legal security in establishing employment relationships.

The Role of Global Trud

In this context, Global Trud remains your reliable partner, providing comprehensive services in worker recruitment, visa procedures, legal representation, and immigration law consulting. Our expertise allows us to adapt our processes to the new requirements by offering:

• Professional recruitment of workers from third countriesWhether you're looking for high-skilled professionals or seasonal laborers, we select the most suitable candidates for your business needs.

• Complete visa and legal supportWith the assistance of our team, the entire process—from applying for work visas to obtaining permits—becomes fast, efficient, and compliant with European standards.

• Consulting servicesWe provide the legal and immigration expertise necessary to ensure your business fully benefits from the new regulatory changes.

  
  

The new amendments to the Foreigners Act offer significant relief and opportunities for employers and investors by streamlining recruitment processes and regulating the residence conditions of third-country nationals.With Global Trud, your business can take full advantage of the new legal framework—ensuring access to skilled labor while remaining fully compliant with all legal requirements.

📩 Send your inquiry to office@globaltrud.com or call us at +359 878 772 711.