How can a skilled worker move to Bulgaria for a job?

For a skilled worker, Bulgaria offers two main employee routes. The Single Permit is the standard option: it bundles work and residence into one document tied to a specific employer and role, with the Employment Agency giving a positive opinion on labour-market access and the Migration Directorate issuing the permit. The EU Blue Card is the stronger choice if you're highly qualified — it requires recognised higher qualifications (with mandatory recognition of a foreign degree) and gross pay at or above the national threshold, set at 1.5 times the average gross salary using NSI data, and it offers longer validity plus a clearer path to long-term residence.

If you're being moved within your own company group from a non-EU branch, the Intra-Corporate Transfer permit is the relevant route instead, and it lets you keep your contract with the sending company abroad.

Whichever route fits, remember Bulgaria's sequence: you obtain a Type D long-stay visa before entering, then collect your residence card after arrival.

Because the Blue Card threshold moves with NSI figures and other conditions can change, confirm the current values with official sources before relying on them. ACME's free initial consultation can help you and your employer choose between the Single Permit and the Blue Card.