Foreigners’ Rights in Bulgaria: News and Trends

Published on May 5, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Bulgaria, situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe, sees its foreigners’ law constantly evolving, reflecting delicate economic and social balances. In 2025, the situation of migrants in Bulgaria, at the crossroads between the European Union and struggling regions, is attracting growing interest, particularly with recent legislative changes aimed at strengthening integration mechanisms while tightening certain migration policies. National debates focus on the country’s ability to meet its international commitments while preserving its social stability, leading lawmakers to redefine the rights and obligations of foreigners on its soil. This article explores emerging trends and the implications of these changes, offering a detailed overview of the new challenges and opportunities for expatriates and Bulgarian authorities.

Legislative Developments in Foreigners’ Law in Bulgaria

Recent Legislative Developments in Immigration in Bulgaria

Between 2023 and 2025, Bulgaria made several significant amendments to its immigration legislation, reflecting European trends and responding to current migration challenges. These changes have had a notable impact on the country’s asylum, residence, and citizenship policies.

One of the most important amendments concerns the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria, adopted in August 2023. This amendment aimed to harmonize Bulgarian legislation with the latest European Union requirements regarding the entry and stay of third-country nationals. It notably introduced new provisions to improve information exchange with other countries and strengthen the use of information systems for better control of cross-border movements.

Strengthening Border Controls

Faced with growing migratory pressure, the Bulgarian government adopted a National Plan for Capacity Development, Border Management, and the Return of Illegally Staying Third-Country Nationals in May 2023. This plan primarily focused on the borders with Turkey and Serbia, providing for new border road infrastructure, improved surveillance equipment, and an increase in border police personnel.

Amendments to the Labor Migration Law

The Law on Labor Migration and Labor Mobility was amended twice between 2022 and 2023. These changes aimed to facilitate the entry of highly skilled refugees from Ukraine, Russia, and Moldova into the Bulgarian labor market. The application procedures for the EU Blue Card were simplified, allowing its holders to work freely for another employer in Bulgaria after 12 months of residence in the country.

Developments in Asylum and International Protection

In 2023, Bulgaria launched a pilot project in cooperation with the Austrian Migration Service and the European Commission. This project aimed to accelerate asylum and return procedures for a larger number of applicants from countries considered safe by Austria, notably Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Although the results were mixed, the European Commission expressed its willingness to renew this project in 2024.

Tightening of the Residence by Investment Program

In June 2023, the Bulgarian government approved amendments to the law governing the residence by investment program for foreign nationals. These new rules now require applicants to obtain preliminary approval from Bulgarian authorities before making an investment, provide a bank reference for an account opened in their name in Bulgaria or the European Union, and submit a declaration attesting to the origin of funds according to a government-approved template.

Impact on Foreign Nationals and New Arrivals

These legislative changes have had significant repercussions on foreign nationals living in Bulgaria and on new arrivals. On the one hand, the amendments to the Labor Migration Law facilitated the professional integration of certain groups of skilled refugees. On the other hand, the strengthening of border controls and the acceleration of asylum procedures for certain nationalities made access to the territory and international protection more difficult for other groups.

The tightening of the residence by investment program aims to prevent fraud and streamline the process, but could also discourage some potential investors. However, these measures are part of a broader European trend towards strengthening oversight of “golden passport” and “golden visa” programs.

European Context and International Relations

These legislative developments are part of the broader context of Bulgaria’s efforts to align with European Union standards on migration and border management. They also reflect the country’s desire to strengthen its position within the Schengen Area, of which it hopes to become a full member.

Relations with the European Union have played a crucial role in these changes, as evidenced by the close collaboration with the European Commission on the pilot project to accelerate asylum procedures. Furthermore, the amendments to immigration legislation also took into account Bulgaria’s relations with third countries, particularly in the context of managing migration flows from Turkey.

Immigration News in Bulgaria: What You Need to Know

Immigration News in Bulgaria: What You Need to Know

In 2025, Bulgaria implemented new immigration regulations, marking a significant turning point compared to previous years. The Bulgarian government has adopted a stricter approach regarding the entry and stay of foreign nationals on its territory, in response to growing public concerns about security and integration issues.

New Regulations and Political Context

The unstable political context in Bulgaria, characterized by repeated elections and a fragmented political landscape, has strongly influenced these reforms. The main parties, despite their differences, have found common ground on the need to strengthen border controls and revise the conditions for obtaining residence permits. This convergence is partly explained by the rise of populist movements and public opinion pressure.

Notable changes include:

• The introduction of a points system for obtaining work permits, favoring highly skilled workers
• The strengthening of border controls, particularly with Turkey and Serbia
• The establishment of annual quotas for certain categories of migrants
• The extension of the minimum residence period required to apply for naturalization

These measures are part of a broader debate on national identity and the country’s reception capacity, fueled by conservative and nationalist parties.

Recent Statistics and Migration Trends

In 2024, Bulgaria recorded a moderate increase in the number of legal immigrants, with approximately 7,900 new arrivals obtaining a residence permit for more than 12 months, a 23% increase compared to the previous year. The main nationalities represented are Ukrainians, Russians, and Moldovans, attracted notably by economic opportunities and cultural proximity.

Regarding irregular immigration, Bulgarian authorities reported a decrease in illegal entries, attributed to strengthened border controls. However, Bulgaria remains an important transit country for migrants seeking to reach Western Europe.

Integration and Current Challenges

The Bulgarian government has launched several initiatives aimed at improving the integration of immigrants, including:

• Language and vocational training programs
• Measures to facilitate access to housing and healthcare services
• The creation of reception and orientation centers in major cities

However, these efforts face significant challenges, such as persistent xenophobia in certain segments of society and the country’s economic difficulties. Bulgaria still struggles to reach the level of integration observed in other European countries like Germany or Sweden, which have implemented more comprehensive and better-funded programs.

Comparison with Other European Countries

Compared to its European neighbors, Bulgaria adopts a more restrictive approach to immigration. While countries like Germany or Portugal have relaxed their policies to attract skilled workers, Bulgaria maintains a more conservative stance. This difference is partly explained by the country’s specific demographic and economic concerns, as well as its geographical position on the external borders of the European Union.

Nevertheless, Bulgaria strives to align with European standards on migrant rights and asylum procedures, while seeking to preserve its national interests. The challenge for the country remains finding a balance between immigration control and the need to attract talent to support its developing economy.

2025 Reforms: Impact on Expatriates in Bulgaria

Legislative Reforms for Expatriates in Bulgaria in 2025

In 2025, Bulgaria plans to introduce several important legislative reforms that will have a significant impact on expatriates. These changes aim to modernize the country’s legal framework and further align it with European Union standards.

Changes to the Right of Entry and Residence

One of the major reforms concerns the relaxation of conditions for obtaining long-term visas. Expatriates will now be able to obtain a 5-year visa instead of 3 years, provided they can demonstrate stable employment or significant investments in the country. Additionally, the procedure for renewing residence permits will be simplified, with the possibility of applying online.

This measure aims to attract more foreign talent and stimulate the Bulgarian economy, as explained by Maria Ivanova, a lawyer specializing in immigration law: “These changes will greatly facilitate the settlement of expatriates in Bulgaria and allow them to plan their future in the country on a longer-term basis.”

Labor Law Reforms for Expatriates

In the area of employment, new provisions will be implemented to facilitate expatriates’ access to the Bulgarian labor market. Companies will be able to hire foreign workers more easily in sectors with labor shortages, with an accelerated procedure for obtaining work permits.

A points system will also be introduced to assess the skills and experience of expatriate candidates. This approach aims to attract highly qualified profiles while protecting local employment.

Changes in Residence Rights

Regarding residence rights, Bulgaria plans to introduce a new “long-term resident” status for expatriates who have lived in the country for at least 5 years. This status will offer rights nearly equivalent to those of Bulgarian citizens, particularly regarding access to public services and social protection.

Impact on Social and Economic Integration

These reforms are expected to have a positive impact on the integration of expatriates in Bulgaria. The extension of visa durations and the simplification of administrative procedures will allow expatriates to become more involved in local life and develop long-term projects.

On the economic front, the relaxation of conditions for hiring foreign workers should boost the competitiveness of Bulgarian companies and promote skills transfers.

European Context and Perspectives

These reforms are part of a broader movement to modernize foreigners’ law within the European Union. Bulgaria seeks to harmonize its legislation with that of other member states, while preserving certain national specificities.

According to European migration policy expert Stefan Dimitrov: “Bulgaria is positioning itself as an attractive country for international talent, while ensuring it maintains a balance between openness and protection of the local labor market. These reforms could serve as a model for other Eastern European countries.”

Practical Advice for Expatriates

In light of these legislative changes, experts recommend that expatriates:

• Stay informed of regulatory developments by regularly consulting official Bulgarian government websites
• Anticipate administrative procedures, particularly for renewing residence permits
• Highlight their skills and experience to benefit from the new points system
• Get involved in local life to facilitate their integration and fully benefit from the new rights granted to long-term residents

These reforms demonstrate Bulgaria’s willingness to open up more to international talent while preserving its national interests. Their effective implementation will be crucial to strengthening the country’s attractiveness to expatriates and stimulating its economic development.