On 17.04.2025, the Bulgarian Parliament adopted in the first reading a number of amendments to the Law on Foreigners. The legislative changes significantly tighten the requirements for both a short-term stay in the country and for obtaining a residence permit through trade missions (a popular legalization channel for citizens of non-EU countries).
New obligations and increased demands
The innovations affect 2 main categories: all foreigners entering the country and persons planning to obtain a residence permit on the basis of a “Trade Representative office”. According to the amendments adopted in the first reading, foreigners are required to:
- Notify the local authorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the address of residence within 3 days after crossing the border;
- Fill out a special address card at registration;
- Comply with the new rules, except for tourists in organized groups.
The requirements for trade representative offices (TP) have become much stricter.:
- The parent company must demonstrate an annual turnover of at least BGN 500,000 (approximately EUR 255,000) over the past 2 years;
- The company is obliged to provide documents confirming the absence of tax arrears;
- The number of representatives from one company is limited to 2 people;
- An official office is required (residential real estate is no longer suitable for registration).
Regional trends
The tightening of immigration policy is observed not only in Bulgaria. On April 17, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia also announced the preparation of amendments to legislation aimed at simplifying the procedure for expelling foreigners and increasing fines for violating the rules of stay.
Interestingly, similar changes to Bulgarian legislation were already proposed in May 2022. At that time, the draft amendments to the law on foreigners provided for similar restrictions for trade missions. Including limiting the number of representatives to two and the turnover requirement of the parent company.
“Bulgaria, as a member of the EU and the Schengen area, is forced to harmonize its migration policy with pan-European security standards. These changes logically fit into the general trend of increasing control over migration flows,” comments Stefan Georgiev, migration lawyer and expert.
The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) receives expanded powers to verify the accuracy of the data provided, including verification of partnerships with Bulgarian businesses. If violations are detected, the registration of the trade representative office will be canceled, which will lead to the revocation of the residence permit.
For the bill to finally enter into force, it must pass a second reading in Parliament and receive an official publication. The exact timing of the adoption has not been determined, but experts estimate the probability of approval as high. The list of necessary documents confirming partnerships with Bulgarian businesses will be published after the final adoption of the law.
- We will answer all your questions
- We will help you choose the best option
- We will guide you through every step or do everything for you
A solution for residence permit applicants in new conditions
Despite the stricter requirements, obtaining a residence permit through a Digital Nomad Visa or a trade representative remains an affordable option for those who plan to legally reside in Bulgaria. Our company offers to issue a residence permit through a representative office based on an organization that already fully complies with the new legal requirements – with a confirmed turnover of over BGN 500,000, an impeccable tax history and an official office in Bulgaria.
Given the high probability of the bill’s adoption in the second reading, it is recommended to prepare in advance for the upcoming changes. The issue is especially relevant for those who need to change the grounds for their stay or renew their existing residence permit due to stricter rules. Professional legal support during this transitional period will help to avoid problems with migration services and ensure compliance with all new requirements of Bulgarian legislation.
Leading expert on visas and residence permits in the EU. Since 2016 I specialize in the development and coordination of programs for digital nomads. Comprehensive support at all stages of the migration process.
Login with Google