Draft Foreigners Act amendments would tighten oversight of residence permits

The government approved draft amendments to the Foreigners Act on July 22, transposing the EU single-permit directive. Single Permit holders could retain residence after losing a job if conditions are met, but permits could be revoked for failing to notify the Migration Directorate in time, and first-time applicants would have to apply from outside Bulgaria. Reports on the bill submitted to parliament say permanent residents would need to actually spend 183+ days a year in Bulgaria. The bill is not yet law.

Why it matters if you live in Bulgaria

The most consequential pending change for non-EU residents: new notification duties and a possible physical-presence test for permanent residence could catch out people splitting time between countries. Watch the bill this autumn before restructuring your residency plans.