Visa D for Bulgaria: the complete employer guide to long-term hiring

If you are building a stable team with workers from outside the EU, Visa D is the route you will use most often. It covers employment contracts of 1 to 3 years, the permit is renewable, and it is the regime behind most long-term appointments of third-country workers in Bulgaria - from production and construction to transport.

What Visa D and the Single permit are

Visa D is a long-term visa that allows the worker to enter Bulgaria and receive a Single residence and work permit ("Единно разрешение за пребиваване и работа"). The permit covers the term of the employment contract - between 1 and 3 years - and can be renewed by mutual agreement, so a well-selected worker can stay with your company for years.

How the procedure works, step by step

• Selection and contract: you choose the candidate and sign an employment contract for 1 to 3 years.
• Work permit: the employer submits an application; the Ministry of Interior and the Employment Agency review the candidate’s access to the Bulgarian labour market.
• Visa D application: after approval, the worker applies for Visa D at the Bulgarian consulate in their country.
• Arrival and residence card: once in Bulgaria, the worker receives the Single permit card and can legally start work.

How long it takes

From the start of the procedure to the first working day usually takes several months - the exact time depends on the institutions’ workload and the consulate’s schedule. This is why we advise employers to start 3-6 months before the real need. A well-prepared application file is the single biggest factor for staying on schedule: incomplete documents are the most common reason for delays.

Which documents you will need

• An employment contract for 1 to 3 years with the agreed position and remuneration.
• The candidate’s documents: valid passport, proof of qualification or professional experience where the role requires it.
• Company documents of the employer and the declarations required by the institutions.

What Sakar Consult handles for you

We manage the entire chain: recruitment and vetting of candidates through our partner networks in India, Nepal and other countries, preparation and submission of all documents, communication with the institutions at every stage, and support with travel, registrations and accommodation after arrival. You get one point of contact and a predictable timeline instead of a maze of procedures.

If you are planning appointments for the next season or the next year, now is the right moment to check the numbers and start the procedure. Tell us about the positions - we will confirm whether Visa D is the right route for your case and what the realistic timeline is.