Access to the BG labour market for GB citizens_3

From 1st of January 2021, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland is a third country, and British citizens are equated with third-country nationals.

How can citizens from Great Britain and Northern Ireland enter the territory of Bulgaria?

From 1st of January 2021, the citizens of Great Britain and Northern Ireland can enter the territory of Bulgaria only if they have:

  • Regular passport
  • Visa or permit for long-term or permanent residence

Until 31st of December 2020, it was enough to have a valid ID card or passport to enter and reside in the country for up to 3 months.

Access to the labour market for British citizens:

In order to gain access to the labour market in Bulgaria, citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland must obtain a work permit, which depends on the employment they will pursue.

The types of work permits are:

  • Single Residence and Work Permit
  • EU blue card for highly qualified employment
  • Seasonal employment
  • Intra-corporate transfer of employees
  • Employment of posted workers and employees
  • Permit for freelance activity and others

Employment:

Employees, citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with permitted access to the labour market in Bulgaria may work under an employment contract only for the specific legal or natural person and for the place, position and term of employment specified in the permit.

Simplified procedure for Single residence and work permit:

From 1st of June 2021, a simplified procedure for issuing a Single Residence and Work Permit to third-country nationals enters into force. The criteria for selection of employees eliminate the requirement that the employer has carried out a preliminary study of the labour market in Bulgaria.

The other criteria for granting access to the labour market in Bulgaria to third-country nationals remain unchanged.

We have experience and can assist you with the issuance of:

  • Visas – short and long-term
  • Startup visas
  • EU blue card
  • Single Residence and Work Permit
  • Other residence and Work Permits

Learn more about the changes introduced in the Value Added Tax Act, adopted as a result of Brexit: HERE