Is a reality that not only in Bulgaria, but in all EU Member States, they are facing employment shortages in a number of key sectors: Europe could need up to 756,000 skilled ICT workers and around a million healthcare professionals by 2020 and this are just 2 years from now!
Seen this problematic, Bulgaria was the first country to implement the Blue Card Bulgaria (EU Blue Card which represents a single employment and residence permit.) since 1st June 2011.
The EU Blue Card is essentially a renewable up to 4-year visa that enables highly skilled non-EU workers to take up jobs in the EU and to live and work there with their families, in Bulgaria or any other EU member state.
The Blue card enables highly-skilled non-EU citizens to work and live in any country in the EU, excluding Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, which opted out and do not participate in the program.
What conditions must I fulfill to apply for an EU Blue card in Bulgaria?
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You must prove that you have ‘higher professional qualifications’, by showing a higher education qualification (such as a university degree). Some Member States may also accept at least five years of relevant professional experience.
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You must work as a paid employee – the EU Blue Card Bulgaria does not apply to self-employed workers or entrepreneurs;
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Your annual gross salary must be high, at least one and a half times the average national salary – except when the lower salary threshold applies;
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You must present a work contract or binding job offer in an EU country for at least one year;
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You must have the necessary travel documents. You must have health insurance for yourself and any relatives who come to the EU with you.
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You must prove that you fulfill the legal requirements to practice your profession, where this profession is regulated
A new version of the rules will no longer require employers to submit documents of education, specialty, legal capacity, professional qualifications and experience for foreign workers that they want to hire for seasonal work up to 90 days within 12 months.
Bulgaria currently has a shortfall of skilled workers particularly in the fields of Engineering and IT., and welcomes highly skilled professionals from other countries, also seasonal workers need it in the tourism industry.
You must be a highly-qualified professional according to Law on labor migration and labor mobility. “Highly qualified employment” shall mean the employment of a person who possesses the necessary competence for the job – higher education qualifications, attested by a diploma, certificate or other document issued by a competent authority after training lasting at least three years, conducted by an educational institution recognized as a higher education establishment by the respective state.
Is important to say that you will be eligible for long-term resident status after five years of legal and continuous residence in the EU as an EU Blue Card holder.
In 2015, only 17,106 cards were issued, mostly by Germany. To increase its appeal, the Blue Card will be made easier to get.
How?
Lower salary threshold. Shorter contracts. Help for graduates in sectors in need. This is a scheme which will not be about mass migration. It will be about targeted migration to fill some skills gap. With the revised Blue Card, Bulgaria and Europe hope to win over more of the world’s best and brightest.
Restrictions of the EU Blue Card in Bulgaria
The EU Blue Card entitles the foreign employee to work in Bulgaria only for a particular employer and only according to conditions of the permit in terms of place of work, job position, and term of employment.
The foreign national can change his employer during the first two years of his employment only after a written permission of the Bulgarian Employment Agency.
In case the foreign employee loses his job, he is entitled to seek a new job and start new work within 3 months without losing the EU Blue Card.
Residence Permit for the Members of the Family of the EU Blue Card Holder
The members of the family of the EU Blue Card holder are entitled to continuous residence permits valid for the period of the EU Blue Card if for the period of their residence they dispose of lodging, health insurance, and sufficient funds to support themselves no less than the minimum monthly salary (BGN 510 for 2018).
The EU Blue card has also been the focus of international criticism from governments of developing countries, for its perceived functionality in snatching up talents, that there are already in shortage in their own countries.
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contact daniel@foreigner.bg if you would like to know more about Blue Card process and application, we speak Bulgarian, English, and Spanish.
