Health insurance for family members of a foreign citizen with an EU Blue Card residence and work permit

In connection with the “EU Blue Card” type residence and work permit received by foreign citizens, the issue of health insurance for their family members who wish to reside in Bulgaria arises.

It should be borne in mind that in order for a person to be liable for health insurance in Bulgaria, he should be within the scope of the persons who are compulsorily insured by law.

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Important changes regarding the acquisition of Bulgarian citizenship

Important changes regarding the acquisition of Bulgarian citizenship have been adopted in the Bulgarian Citizenship Act. First of all, the amendments to the law optimize the opportunities for acquisition of Bulgarian citizenship by naturalization by foreigners who have received permanent residence in Bulgaria, based on investments made by them, as well as by their spouses. Long-term investments and job creation are encouraged for the purpose of acquisition of Bulgarian citizenship upon shortened periods of residence.

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Change in the grounds for family reunification of a foreigner with a residence permit in Bulgaria

The grounds for reuniting the family of a foreigner with a permitted residence in Bulgaria are legally changed. A foreigner, with a residence permit of not less than one year on the territory of Bulgaria, can submit an application for obtaining the right of temporary residence (prolonged-stay) from a member of his/her family, if any of the following grounds exist in relation to his/her family member:
– if there are grounds for granting him/her permanent residence;
– if he/she is a member of the family of a foreigner who has received a permanent or temporary residence (prolonged-stay) permit, as well as of a foreigner who has received international protection – when the documents certifying family ties and the right to maintenance are recognized or admitted for execution under Bulgarian law;
– if he/she is a member of the family of a foreigner with granted asylum, temporary protection or humanitarian status – when the documents certifying the family ties and the right to maintenance are recognized or admitted for execution under the Bulgarian legislation;
– if he/she is a member of the family of a long-term resident foreigner – he/she may obtain a long-term residence permit for a period of one year with the possibility of renewal, without exceeding the permitted period of residence of the holder;
– if he/she is a member of the family of a holder of a permit for a person transferred during an intra-corporate transfer – he/she may obtain a temporary residence (prolonged-stay) permit for the period of residence of the holder.

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Amazon FBA and taxation

Amazon FBA, or Fulfillment by Amazon, is a business model that might seem attractive. Basically, if you decide to sell a certain product through Amazon, the deal is that you send your product to Amazon for storage and distribution, properly packaged. From then on it is your job to promote your business and find new clients, while Amazon does the practical things like handling orders and sending the products. There are, of course, fees for this service, as well as fees for storage.

But you should bear in mind that going into this line of business may bring some purely bureaucratic setback to you.  There are Amazon’s strict rules to consider, there are sales tax and VAT regulations in different EU and non-EU countries, and there is personal responsibility for faulty or dangerous products. Continue reading “Amazon FBA and taxation”

Bulgarian Visa information guide

If you decide to travel to Bulgaria, kindly read our guide in order to acquire general information what is required.

At first, check whether a visa is required for your country.

Visa Regime for foreigners with ordinary passports for a short stay (until 90 days) – check the list.

Visa Regime for foreigners with diplomatic and service passports – check the list.

Visa types:

Visa A (for airport transit) – The airport transit visa entitles the foreigner to cross or to stay in the international transit zone of the airport in the case of a transit landing or of changing flights for the purpose of continuing travel to another state. Continue reading “Bulgarian Visa information guide”

Permanent residence in Bulgaria

Permission for a permanent residence may receive aliens:

– of Bulgarian descent;

– who have resided legally and continuously on the territory of the country for a period of five years, five years after contracting a marriage with a foreigner permanent resident in Bulgaria;

– minor or underage children of a foreigner permanent resident in Bulgaria, who have not married;

– parents of a Bulgarian citizen, where they provide the said citizen with the child support due under the law and resided legally and constantly for a period of 3 years in the territory of the state;

– who have resided legally and without interruption on the territory of the country for a period of 5 years and for this period they have not been absent for more than 30 months; Continue reading “Permanent residence in Bulgaria”

Extended residence in Bulgaria

An extended residence permit may be granted to foreigners who possess a visa D (information below) and:

– wish to work under a contract of employment after obtaining a permit from the authorities of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy;

– engage in commercial activities in Bulgaria according to the statutory procedure and at least ten jobs for Bulgarian citizens, maintained for the term of residence, have been created as a result of the said activities, unless otherwise agreed in an international treaty which has been ratified, promulgated and entered into force for the Republic of Bulgaria;

– are foreign specialists residing in Bulgaria by virtue of international treaties whereto the Republic of Bulgaria is a party;

– have grounds to be permitted permanent residence;

– are representatives of non-resident commercial corporations registered at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Continue reading “Extended residence in Bulgaria”

Acquiring BG citizenship by investment

 I. Under Art. 12 of Bulgarian Citizenship Act

The physical person :

  1. Must be an adult;
  2. Before no less than 5 years has been given permit for permanent or long-term residence in Bulgaria;
  3. Has not been convicted of a crime by Bulgarian court or is not prosecuted for such a crime, unless rehabilitated;
  4. Has an income or occupation that enables him to live in Bulgaria;
  5. Is skillful at Bulgarian language;

Permit for long-term residence – requirements (LFRB art. 24, para 1, items 19, 20):

  • Visa D;
  • Investment of no less than 600 000 BGN or  investment in economically disadvantaged regions of no less than 250 000 BGN plus opened at least 5 workplaces for Bulgarian citizens;

Permit for permanent residence – requirements (LFRB art. 25, para 1, items 16, 17): Continue reading “Acquiring BG citizenship by investment”