Starting in July 2025, all individuals in Bulgaria holding a Single Work and Residence Permit will be registered under the country’s State Statutory Health Insurance system.
While this may seem like routine bureaucracy, the real shift lies in what it means for employers: they must now deduct, report, and contribute to health insurance for these employees—just as they already do for Bulgarian citizens and EU Blue Card holders.
Table of Contents
What Changed and Why It Matters
Until now, health insurance for Single Permit holders was optional or often ignored. With the new law, employers are now required to:
- Enroll Single Permit holders in Bulgaria’s public health system
- Process monthly payroll deductions for health contributions
- Report insurance payments alongside those of local employees
This update ensures that non-EU employees have equal access to Bulgaria’s public healthcare services, aligning their benefits with those of domestic and EU workers.
Who This Affects
- Non-EU nationals working and living in Bulgaria on a Single Work and Residence Permit
- Employers who hire international staff under this permit type
- HR and payroll teams responsible for legal compliance in workforce management
What Is the Single Work and Residence Permit?
The Single Work and Residence Permit is Bulgaria’s main visa pathway for third-country nationals. It is designed for skilled non-EU workers who already have a job offer from a Bulgarian employer.
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It grants:
- The legal right to work for that specific employer and role
- The legal right to reside in Bulgaria for more than 90 days
The permit is usually valid for 12 months and can be renewed if employment continues.
Why This Law Update Is Important
- Equal healthcare access: Non-EU employees now receive the same health coverage as Bulgarian workers
- Employer compliance: Adds a payroll and documentation obligation for companies
- More attractive immigration path: Encourages skilled foreigners to consider Bulgaria more seriously for long-term relocation
This move suggests Bulgaria is streamlining labor policies to better accommodate international workers and reduce disparities in benefits.
Other Work Permit Options in Bulgaria
If you’re considering relocating to Bulgaria for work, here are your main options:
1. EU Blue Card
- For highly skilled professionals
- Requires a university degree or equivalent
- Must meet a salary threshold of 1.5x Bulgaria’s average income
- Valid for up to 4 years
- Includes family reunification benefits
2. Single Work and Residence Permit
- For skilled third-country nationals
- Employer-sponsored
- Valid for 12 months (renewable)
- Now includes mandatory health insurance
3. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit
- For employees transferred from a company outside Bulgaria
- Covers executives, specialists, and trainees
- Requires proof of prior employment with the parent company
4. Seasonal Work Permit
- For short-term jobs in agriculture or tourism
- Valid for 3 months within a 12-month window
5. Freelancer or Self-Employed Residence Permit
- Available to non-EU nationals with a viable business plan
- Must prove that the activity benefits the Bulgarian economy
- Requires strong documentation
Conclusion
Though Bulgaria may not yet top the list for expats or digital nomads, it’s clearly evolving. Making health insurance mandatory for Single Permit holders shows a growing alignment with EU labor standards.
For employers, it’s one more compliance box to check.
For international professionals, it’s a major step forward in securing healthcare access and long-term stability in Bulgaria.
If you’re planning to work in Bulgaria, make sure your employer is aware of this update and your payroll reflects it. Health coverage is not just a legal formality—it’s essential protection while living abroad.
