News

Font size: A A A

Skilled non-EU citizens to receive permanent residential and employment status in Bulgaria

Thursday, Jul 08, 2010

Foreigners from countries outside the European Union who hold "high professional qualifications" will be eligible to work and live on a long- term or permanent basis in Bulgaria, Bulgarian media reported on July 7 2010.

The Bulgarian Parliament approved and implemented amendments to the Bulgarian Foreigners Act, so allowing for skilled non European Union citizens to apply for a Blue Card.

According to the report, the amendment also envisions the introduction of a "long-term EU resident permit" status in the country. In order for foreigners to qualify for such status, however, they have to prove to the authorities that they have lived legally in Bulgaria for five years, and were legally employed, the report said.

Additionally, before foreigners become eligible to receive the "long-term EU resident permit" status, they will have to prove that they hold "sufficient financial resources", as well as health insurance. The Government statement failed, however, to specify figures or explain what "sufficient financial resources" actually mean, or for what period of time this would be needed.

These requirements aim to serve as a safety net and deter unskilled citizens arriving and becoming a burden, either financially or otherwise, to an EU member state, the report said.

"Once the status is received, it will be permanent, as long as the citizen does not violate the principles of public interest," Dnevnik daily cited a Government media release on July 7 2010

Source: Sofia echo