In an effort to improve the effectiveness of migration policy and respond to current economic and social challenges, the National Assembly has adopted legislative amendments to the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (“FRBA”).

The key changes are, as follows:

It is explicitly provided that no visa requirement applies to a foreign national who already holds a valid residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union (“EU”), in light of Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area.

The regime for issuing long-term residence permits to representatives of a foreign commercial entity with a registered trade representation in Bulgaria has been revised. It now requires the entity to have generated an annual turnover of at least BGN 100,000 in each of the two years preceding the registration of the trade representation.

Notably, the scope of persons eligible for long-term residence has been expanded to include so-called “digital nomads”. A detailed legal definition has been introduced, generally describing digital nomads as individuals who provide remote services through the use of information technologies.

Amendments have also been made to the procedures for obtaining an EU Blue Card, a single permit for residence and work, as well as for intra-corporate transfers.

Within three months of the entry into force of these amendments, the Council of Ministers is required to align the implementing regulations with the revised legislation.