Main ministry
The Migration Directorate is a national specialised structure within the Ministry of Interior, which regulates and controls the migration processes of non-EU citizens staying in the Republic of Bulgaria. It is responsible for the conditions of residence, as well as the issuance, rejection/denial and withdrawal of different residence permits.
The Migration Directorate is in charge of interacting and exchanging information with other state authorities, NGOs etc.
It is also responsible for the management, maintenance and security of specialised facilities for temporary accommodation of non-EU citizens who are subject to return decisions.
Other Ministries
Ministry of Labour and Social Policy
The Ministry of Labour and Social Policy is responsible for state policy on labour, professional qualifications, incomes and living standards, health and safety at work, social security and social assistance, including labour migration and integration of immigrants.
Ministry of Education and Science (in Bulgarian)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for Bulgaria's foreign policy.
- Diplomatic missions abroad
- Missions abroad are responsible for issuing visas to non-EU citizens.
implementing agencies
The Employment Agency (EA) implements state policy as developed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. It is responsible for issuing work permits and self-employment permits to non-EU workers, as well as for permitting the exercising of highly-qualified employment in relation with EU Blue Card applications of non-EU workers. Since 2013 EA is responsible for permitting employment in relation to “Single Permit” applications of non-EU workers.
general immigration policy papers
National Council on Migration and Integration, Ministry of Interior
key legislation
Law on Labour Migration and Labour Mobility
Law on the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria
Law on the Bulgarian Personal Documents
Law on entering, residing and leaving the Republic of Bulgaria by EU citizens, who are not Bulgarian citizens and of their family members
Regulations for the implementation of the Law on Labour Migration and Labour Mobility
Regulations for the implementation of the Laws on the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria
Ordinance for the conditions and order for issuing of visas and definition of the visa regime
ORDINANCE on the rules and procedures for posting and secondment of workers and employees within the framework of the provision of services
national scientific research and statistical offices on immigration
National Statistical Institute
Centre for Population Studies - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Economic Research Institute - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences