Single permit for residence and work
The document that lets an employee from a third country reside and work lawfully in Bulgaria for a specific employer. Here we set out the stages, the real costs and what stays the company's responsibility.
- The application is filed by the employer
- We prepare the entire document pack
- We coordinate the visa stage at the consulate
- Full itemised calculation before the start
- Who files
- The employer
- Authorities
- Employment Agency, Ministry of Interior
- Lead time
- Candidates within 1–3 months
- Tied to
- A specific employer
What the single permit is
One set of proceedings covers both the right to reside and the right to work. The application is filed by the employer in Bulgaria and the permit is tied to that company and role.
The employer starts it
The company in Bulgaria files the application and is responsible for the working conditions.
One procedure
Residence and work are examined together, not in two separate procedures.
Tied permit
Valid for the specific employer and position; a change requires a new procedure.
The stages in real order
- 01
Role and company documents
3–5 daysWe describe the position, working conditions and pay, and compile the employer's documents.
- 02
Sourcing and verification
1–2 weeksSourcing through licensed partners, verification of qualifications and identity documents.
- 03
Application and opinion
per procedureFiling the application and the proceedings including the Employment Agency's opinion.
- 04
Visa and consulate
per procedureWe coordinate the visa stage at the consulate in the candidate's country and prepare the travel.
- 05
Arrival and registrations
1 weekPick-up, address registration, accommodation and the remaining administrative steps.
- 06
First working day
as plannedEmployment contract, inductions and onboarding – with our support on communication.
What the budget consists of
Six cost groups. State fees and invoiced costs are settled at actual value, while the recruitment fee is agreed in advance.
State fees
Fees under the applicable tariff for the residence and work proceedings. We confirm current amounts at the time of filing.
Translations and legalisation
Sworn translations and legalisation of diplomas, employment records and personal documents.
Travel and visa
Consular fees, flight tickets and transport to the workplace – against actual invoices.
Accommodation
Deposit and rent, basic furnishing where needed – under the model agreed between the parties.
Recruitment fee
A one-off success fee, agreed in advance and payable in tranches tied to milestones.
Medical documents
Examinations and certificates required by the procedure or by the role.
An indicative calculation for your case is available in the cost calculator.
What stays with the employer
The split is simple: you define the role and conditions, we take over the administration and logistics.
On your side
Role description, working conditions and pay, draft employment contract, workplace and inductions.
On our side
Sourcing and verification, documents and translations, communication with authorities, visa, travel, accommodation and post-arrival support.
How long it takes
Candidates realistically arrive within 1–3 months of signing the contract. The exact timeline depends on the capacity of public authorities, consular services, embassies and the visa system.
Candidates within 1–3 months
From brief to the first working day
1–2 wks
Sourcing and candidate presentation
parallel
Documents, visa and housing in one schedule
Frequently asked questions
What is the single permit for residence and work?
It is the document that allows a third-country national to reside and work in Bulgaria for a specific employer. The application is filed by the employer, and the decision follows an opinion from the Employment Agency and proceedings before the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior.
Who files the documents – the employer or the employee?
The procedure is initiated by the employer in Bulgaria. We prepare the document pack, track deadlines and coordinate the candidate in their home country, including the visa stage at the consulate.
How much does the procedure cost?
Costs consist of state fees under the applicable tariff, sworn translations and legalisation, medical documents and visa-stage fees. We present a full itemised calculation before the start – with no hidden elements. State fees change over time, so we always confirm them at the time of filing.
How long does it take?
Candidates realistically arrive within 1–3 months of signing the contract. The exact timeline depends on the capacity of public authorities, consular services, embassies and the visa system. Several stages run in parallel, so with larger groups the later batches arrive faster than the first.
What is required from the employer?
Company details, a description of the position and working conditions, a draft employment contract and information about accommodation. Everything else – documents, translations, communication with authorities and with the candidate – is organised by us.
Can the employee change employer?
The permit is tied to a specific employer and position. A change requires a new procedure. When the structure or the role changes we prepare the necessary applications so employment remains lawful.