Can you get a Bulgarian freelance visa and residence permit if you don’t know Bulgarian
Although we mainly write about the nuances of how to obtain Bulgarian citizenship, today we will cover a different topic – the challenges in obtaining a Bulgarian freelance visa. A recent article from Posolstvo.eu examines whether proficiency in the Bulgarian language is truly a legal requirement for non-EU citizens applying for a Bulgarian freelance visa and residence permit.
Key findings from the Posolstvo.eu’s article
- Bulgaria allows non-EU citizens to live and work as freelancers by obtaining a visa D and a long-term residence permit based on freelance work under the Bulgarian Foreigners Law;
- In practice, authorities often demand a Bulgarian language certificate at B1 level during the application process;
- However, after reviewing the legal framework, Alexander Dobrinov – the article’s author concludes that neither the Foreigners Law nor the Labour Migration Law explicitly requires Bulgarian language proficiency;
- The language requirement appears only in the Regulations implementing the Labour Migration Law, a subordinate act that should not introduce conditions absent from the main laws;
- This means that, legally, language skills should not be a barrier, although in reality Bulgarian administrative bodies commonly enforce it.
What all this means for applicants for freelance visa in Bulgaria
Although many applicants are currently asked to prove Bulgarian language skills (B1 level), the article argues this requirement contradicts higher ranking laws and therefore may be unlawful. Applicants might still face practical hurdles from immigration authorities.
For full details, please read the original article: https://posolstvo.eu/blog/bulgarian-freelance-visa-language/
The phrase “can you get a Bulgarian freelance visa and residence permit if you don’t know Bulgarian” really caught my attention, as I’ve been considering a move to Bulgaria myself. I think it’s worth noting that even if language proficiency isn’t a strict requirement, having some basic knowledge of Bulgarian can really make a difference in the application process and daily life. I’ve found that learning a few key phrases can go a long way in showing your commitment to integrating into the local culture. The parallel between the requirements for a freelance visa in Bulgaria and the overall economic attractiveness of the country is something I have been thinking about because, from what I’ve seen, Bulgaria’s GDP per capita is lower compared to some of its neighbouring countries, which might affect the cost of living and overall quality of life for freelancers. I wonder if the author has any thoughts on how this might impact the decision to apply for a freelance visa in Bulgaria.