Work visa for Bulgaria - seasonal workers (90 days - 9m)

In recent years, Bulgaria has become an attractive destination for foreigners looking for short-term and seasonal work opportunities. The country offers a variety of opportunities in areas such as agriculture, tourism and construction, which often require additional labor during certain seasons. This opens up new perspectives for both employers and foreign workers.

Important! Elan Consulting does not provide “intermediary services” within the meaning of the Employment Promotion Act, nor does it engage in recruitment. From us you can get professional legal assistance with the formation of the necessary documents, but not services for finding employers and/or labor!

In order to work legally in Bulgaria, foreigners must meet certain legal requirements, including obtaining an appropriate visa and work permit. This includes a visa for short-term employment or a special visa for seasonal work, which are issued after submitting the necessary documents and fulfilling the criteria established by the Bulgarian legislation.

The visa application process involves submitting an application to a consulate or embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the applicant's country of residence. Various documents are required, including evidence of the existence of a job offer from a Bulgarian employer, as well as other relevant documents certifying the personal and professional identity of the foreigner.

Employers in Bulgaria who wish to hire foreigners for short-term or seasonal work must follow certain procedures, including the registration of the workplace with the National Employment Agency. They are also responsible for providing the necessary support and documentation for the visa and work permit application process.

Due to the complexity of legal procedures and frequently changing legislative requirements, legal advice is essential to successfully obtain a visa for short-term or seasonal employment in Bulgaria. We at Elan Consulting provide specialized legal services that help foreigners and employers to successfully navigate through all the steps of the process, providing peace of mind and legal certainty and can assist you with the issuance of a work visa in Bulgaria

Why choose and trust Elan Consulting for the issuance of a work visa to a foreigner in Bulgaria - for short-term and seasonal employment?

In today's economy, opportunities for global mobility and international employment are growing every day. In this context, the role of a competent and experienced legal adviser is becoming increasingly valuable. Elan Consulting provides key services in the process of issuing work visas for foreigners in Bulgaria, especially for short-term and seasonal employment. Our company has built a reputation as a trusted partner that offers effective and reliable solutions based on a thorough understanding of Bulgarian and European legislation.

Choosing Elan Consulting to prepare and submit documents for a work visa is not just a matter of convenience; it is an investment in professionalism and peace of mind. We not only guide our clients through the complex application process, but also ensure that every step is carried out in accordance with the latest regulations and procedures. Our company is dedicated to providing transparent and targeted consulting services, facilitating the path of foreigners to their successful employment in Bulgaria.

1. Extensive knowledge in the field of labor migration: Elan Consulting has extensive knowledge in the field of labor migration and mobility. Our expertise covers all aspects of the visa application process, including preparation of documentation, consultation on visa requirements and advice on successful passage through administrative procedures.
2. Individual approach to the client: At Elan Consulting, we realize that every client and every situation is unique. Therefore, we offer an individualized approach tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each client. Our goal is to provide customized solutions that make the process easier and reduce the potential stress of applying for a work visa.
3. We are constantly monitoring legislative changes: Legislation in the field of immigration and labor migration often undergoes changes. Elan Consulting constantly monitors for updates and changes in laws in order to provide timely and accurate advice. This gives our clients the confidence that their application meets the latest regulatory requirements.
4. Professional representation and support We offer professional representation and support at all stages of the work visa application process. From the preparation of documentation to its submission and subsequent communication with the relevant government authorities, our clients can count on our expert assistance.
5. Detailed guidance in procedures At Elan Consulting, we understand that the process of applying for a work visa can be confusing and complicated. Our role is to provide detailed guidance at every step, thus facilitating the process and reducing the likelihood of errors that may delay or hinder the successful issuance of the visa.
6. Compliance with high ethical standards: At Elan Consulting we adhere to high professional and ethical standards. We ensure transparency, honesty and accountability in all our interactions, thereby providing services that our clients can trust.

Choosing Elan Consulting as your partner in the process of applying for a work visa provides long-term benefits. We ensure not only the successful issuance of a visa, but also the peace of mind that every part of the process is carried out with rigor and professionalism. Our goal is to build trusting relationships with our clients by providing them with high-quality legal services.

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What are the features of the procedure for issuing a work visa for seasonal workers in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria there are two basic procedures - seasonal worker visa (which according to national legislation is a type “C” visaand residence and work permit of a seasonal worker(which is already a residence permit, issued after a visa type “D” has already been issued.That is, in both cases, it all starts with the issuance of a visa, but since visas are different types, they cover two separate types of scenarios. In this article we will examine in detail the requirements for access to the labor market in Bulgaria for seasonal workers and the requirements for both types of permits.

The procedure for issuing a work visa for seasonal workers in Bulgaria is a carefully structured process, in accordance with the specifics of local legislation and European regulations. Apart from it, for employers who wish to hire a seasonal worker for more than 90 days, the legislator has provided for a residence and work permit called “Permit for seasonal worker”, which is issued by the Ministry of Interior pursuant to Art. 24k, para. 1 of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria. It includes a positive opinion from the Employment Agency, which allows foreigners to access the Bulgarian labor market for a longer period of time.

The procedure for obtaining this authorisation is in accordance with Directive 2014/36/EU concerning the rules of entry and stay of third-country nationals wishing to work as seasonal workers. The authorisation shall be issued for a period of90 days to 9 months within a 12 month cycle, and applicants must be employed on the basis of a fixed-term employment contract with a Bulgarian employer.

The term “seasonal worker” under the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act covers third-country nationals temporarily residing in Bulgaria for seasonal work. Under Bulgarian law, third countries are all countries that are not members of the European Union (EU). Seasonal work is characterized by its seasonal nature, which means that it is linked to specific periods of the year and usually requires more manpower than usual current activities - i.e. for the issuance of this permit, workers should be assigned to a position corresponding to “The list of economic sectors including activities, the implementation of which depends on the change of seasons, approved by the Minister and Labor and Social Policy.”The current list is approved by Order RD-01-47/17.01.2017 of the Minister of Labor and Social Policy, as it includes two sectors - agriculture, forestry and fisheries on the one hand and hotels and restaurants on the other!

To successfully apply for a permit, foreigners must be located outside the territory of Bulgaria. The permit shall be issued for the duration of the employment contract and shall have specified minimum and maximum time limits, not less than 90 days and not more than 9 months.

An interesting aspect of this procedure is the possibility of extending the permit, which can be done once when extending the employment contract or when changing the employer. It is important to note that this right is exercised once within the validity period of the permit. In addition, if the permit expires during the procedure for its extension, the foreigner has the right to remain in the country until a decision is made on his application.

This is the moment to note that there is also an opportunity to request an accelerated procedure for issuing the permit for those foreigners who have already worked in Bulgaria as seasonal workers in the last 5 years. This procedure facilitates their re-entry and work in the country, which benefits both workers and Bulgarian employers who need seasonal labor.

Requirements for issuing a work visa to a seasonal worker in Bulgaria

The procedure for issuing a work visa for seasonal workers in Bulgaria is regulated according to specific requirements enshrined in Bulgarian legislation. The main provisions are set out in Article 24k of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria (ZHRB), as well as in the Law on Labour Migration and Labour Mobility (MLMTM), where the general conditions and specifics related to seasonal employment are outlined.

According to these regulations, admission to the labor market is allowed for positions that do not require Bulgarian citizenship. It is important to note that such positions are limited to specific economic sectors, where work depends on the change of seasons. These sectors have been approved by the Minister of Labour and Social Policy and include areas such as agriculture, forestry and fisheries, hospitality and restaurants.

In order for the application of a seasonal worker to be approved, it is necessary that the working conditions and pay are not less favorable than those for Bulgarian citizens. In addition, the applicant must have the necessary specialized knowledge, skills and professional experience, supported by documents legalized and translated into Bulgarian.

Employers hiring seasonal workers are obliged to provide suitable housing, meeting all safety and health standards, for the duration of the employment contract. Seasonal workers enter into a rental contract, and the rental price must be commensurate with the remuneration and quality of housing. In addition, the employer is obliged to cover the transport costs from the place of origin of the worker to his place of work in Bulgaria and back, as well as the costs of health insurance and insurance of the worker. It is important to emphasize that these expenses cannot be deducted from the remuneration of the seasonal worker.

These requirements are designed to ensure that foreigners arriving in Bulgaria for seasonal work are adequately protected and receive fair and equal treatment with local workers.

Necessary documents for issuing a visa for seasonal work of a foreigner in Bulgaria

The procedure for issuing a visa for seasonal work to a foreigner in Bulgaria includes the provision of a number of documents, as specified in Art. 24k, para. 8 of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria (Aliens in the Republic of Bulgaria). The following points present the necessary documents and requirements for them:

1. Sample application- An application for issuing a permit is submitted to the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior, using the template Appendix 3a of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
2. Copy of passport- A copy of the passport or the document replacing it of the foreigner, including the photo and personal data, is required.
3. Declaration of insured housing- The employer must provide a declaration or other evidence of insured housing meeting safety and health standards for the period of the contract.
4. Documents for education and experience- Documents for education, specialization, legal capacity and professional experience, legalized and translated into Bulgarian must be provided.
5. Medical insurance of a foreigner (it is necessary at the stage of arrival in Bulgaria)
6. Declaration of working conditions- The employer provides a declaration that the working conditions and pay are in line with those for Bulgarian citizens.
7. Copy of fixed-term employment contract- A copy of the contract signed by the parties is required, indicating the details of transportation costs and other conditions.
8. Job description- In the presence of such, it should be part of the documents provided.
9. Document for the exercise of a profession- In cases where it is required, a document of legal capacity to practice a particular profession is attached.
10. Documents on the activities of the employer- It is important to submit documents confirming that the employer carries out activities in the sectors specified by law.
11. Additional documents- Depending on the specifics of the position held, other documents may be required, according to the Bulgarian legislation.

These documents are necessary to assess the application of the seasonal worker and to ensure that the requirements for employment in Bulgaria are met. It is important to note that all documents must be current and valid at the time of application!