Bulgaria self-employment visa
1 current source-backed self-employment pathway. Verify the responsible authority before applying.
This page contains 1 current route for this destination, with the available eligibility, requirements and duration details.
Source-backed legal route · Checked 2026-08-28
Current route records
| Route | Conditions | Effective or checked | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employment route | Bulgaria’s freelance/self-employment route is open to a third-country national working as a freelance professional. Initial eligibility requires a detailed work plan for the permit term; the Employment Agency permit supports a long-term visa or residence permit and is issued for one year. | 2026-07-13 | Official source |
Fees, processing times and requirements
Each value as the authority publishes it, in the currency it charges.
| Route | Fact | Value | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employment route | Application fee (permit) | 100 EUR | Official source |
| Self-employment route | Application fee (issuance, permit) | 204.52 EUR | Official source |
| Self-employment route | Processing time (standard, legal maximum) | 30 days | Official source |
| Self-employment route | First permit valid for | 12 months | Official source |
| Self-employment route | Can be renewed | yes | Official source |
| Self-employment route | Family can come along | yes | Official source |
| Self-employment route | Permanent residence after | 5 years | Official source |
| Self-employment route | Where to apply | at a consulate or in the country | Official source |
Can you work on this route?
Route-specific work rights and conditions stay separate from shortage-list status and individual eligibility.
| Route | Published work answer | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Self-employment route | The official page states the work conditions for this route. | Official source |