Transfer of Personnel to Bulgaria: Requirements, Duration and Procedure

In the broader framework of company formation in Bulgaria, many foreign companies opt to relocate employees from their home countries rather than hiring local staff. This decision often stems from the need to ensure continuity, trust and operational alignment during the initial phases of business development. The transfer of personnel to Bulgaria, however, is a regulated process that requires the application for a specific intra-corporate transfer (ICT) work permit.

This permit allows non-EU citizens to legally work and reside in Bulgaria if they are assigned by a foreign employer to a Bulgarian entity within the same corporate group.

Transfer of Personnel to Bulgaria: Who Can Be Transferred

To qualify for the transfer of personnel to Bulgaria, the employee must belong to one of the following three categories:

• Executive staff: individuals who hold senior managerial roles within the company. Their tasks involve managing the host entity’s operations, supervising other employees, and making decisions that affect employment rights and obligations.
  
• Specialists: employees working within a division of the company registered in Bulgaria. They must possess advanced expertise essential to the host company’s operations, strategies, or internal processes.
  
• Trainees: workers with a higher education degree who are transferred to the Bulgarian entity for training and professional development. Their position must be paid during the transfer period.
  

There are also specific service length requirements for eligibility. Executives and specialists must have been employed by the transferring company for at least 12 months prior to the transfer. Trainees must have worked with the company for a minimum of 6 months before being moved.

These requirements ensure that the employees have sufficient knowledge of the company’s structure, culture, and workflows, thus justifying the intra-corporate relocation.

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Required Documents for the Transfer of Personnel to Bulgaria

The transfer of personnel to Bulgaria requires the submission of a detailed set of documents, both by the applicant and the foreign employer. The goal is to demonstrate the employee’s qualification and the legitimacy of the transfer within the corporate group. The documentation includes:

• a copy of the applicant’s passport;
  
• a clean criminal record issued by the employee’s country of residence;
  
• a work contract with the foreign company showing at least 12 months of continuous employment;
  
• a certificate of good conduct or other official proof demonstrating the connection between the foreign organization and the Bulgarian host entity.
  

The company must also provide a formal authorization letter, confirming the transfer. This letter is submitted alongside the Visa D application at the Bulgarian consulate or embassy in the applicant’s place of residence or current country of stay.

Once the Visa D application is submitted, the processing time generally takes between 4 and 6 weeks. After the visa is issued, the employee may enter Bulgaria and initiate the residence permit application process.

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Transfer of Personnel to Bulgaria: Duration of the Permit

The Bulgarian legislation defines specific timeframes for the validity of the intra-corporate transfer permit:

• Up to 3 years for executive-level employees;
  
• Up to 1 year for specialists and trainees.
  

These time limits are non-negotiable. After the expiration of the initial permit, and provided that the maximum duration has been reached, the employee must observe a mandatory 6-month break before a new application can be submitted for the same person.

This rule applies regardless of the employee’s performance or the company’s internal needs and must be taken into account when planning medium- or long-term human resource strategies in Bulgaria.

Furthermore, employees transferred under this scheme must respect Bulgarian labor and tax laws for the duration of their stay, including proper registration, payroll contributions, and health insurance coverage.

Transfer of Personnel to Bulgaria: Family Members and Residence

Employees who are non-EU citizens and legally working in Bulgaria through an intra-corporate transfer may also apply to bring their family members into the country. The legislation allows the main permit holder to submit an application for family reunification.

The request must follow a separate procedure and must be supported by documents proving the family relationship. Commonly accepted documents include marriage certificates and birth certificates for children. Upon approval, family members receive a residence permit linked to the main applicant’s status.

This possibility facilitates the relocation process for skilled professionals with dependents and supports the long-term integration of foreign staff in Bulgaria.

Successfully completing the transfer of personnel to Bulgaria requires accurate planning, careful document management, and ongoing compliance with Bulgarian immigration and labor rules. The administrative burden may be significant, particularly for companies unfamiliar with local requirements or without dedicated internal HR and legal departments.

To simplify the process and avoid costly errors or delays, businesses are advised to consult a qualified Tax advisor in Bulgaria like Accountancy Bulgaria. These professionals can assist with compiling the necessary documents, navigating the visa and permit process, and ensuring that the transfer meets all legal standards—thereby allowing the company to focus on its operational goals with peace of mind.