Bulgarian draft law ends automatic residence loss for single permit holders

Bulgaria’s government approved a draft on July 22 that would replace automatic residence loss after job termination for some foreign workers with a conditional unemployment stay, while tightening revocation and permanent-residence checks. No effective date has been set.

Current rules can end residence with a job

Under rules effective since June 30, 2025, employers must notify the Migration Directorate within three days after terminating a foreign worker covered by a single residence and work permit. In most cases, the worker’s residence right ends on the termination date.

The draft would let those permit holders change employers without leaving Bulgaria. It would also preserve residence during unemployment when workers complete the required registration and notification steps.

Single-permit holders who lose their jobs are the group facing the clearest deadline. The draft calls for registration with the Employment Agency within seven working days, followed by notice to the Migration Directorate within three days. Missing that second deadline would provide grounds to revoke residence.

Permanent residence faces tighter oversight

The government wants stricter controls because permanent-residence applications have increased, the Bulgarian News Agency reported. Proposed amendments to the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act would spell out additional grounds for revocation when foreign residents miss notification, registration or other legal obligations.

The wider package covers EU Blue Card holders, single-permit workers and residence routes based on commercial representation. Bulgaria has tightened the latter route by requiring qualifying foreign companies to show annual turnover of at least BGN 500,000 (€255,000) for the previous two years, have no outstanding tax liabilities and sponsor no more than two representatives.

Digital nomad permits remain separate

Bulgaria’s dedicated Digital Nomad residence permit, established under Article 24p, has accepted applications since Dec. 20, 2025. It covers remote workers employed by companies outside the EU and isn’t the main permit category affected by employment-termination rules.

Applicants comparing that route with work-based options can find the existing categories in Bulgaria’s residency rules. The July 22 draft still requires parliamentary passage before its proposed controls can take effect.