site.btaParliament Approves New Rules for EU Blue Card Applicants and Foreigners’ Stay in Bulgaria on First Reading

On Thursday, Parliament approved on first reading a bill to amend and supplement the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act. The amendments aim to align the country’s legislation for accepting EU Blue Card applicants with EU directives and address the specific needs of foreigners seeking to work and reside in Bulgaria.

The changes clarify the conditions foreigners must meet to obtain a Blue Card, as well as the required documents and procedures for the application process. The rights and obligations of Blue Card holders are also clearly defined, including the right to move for short and long-term periods within the EU, to bring their families, to gain long-term residency status, and to remain in Bulgaria if they become unemployed.

Additionally, the amendments introduce changes to the Health Insurance Act, requiring foreigners with permission to stay and work in Bulgaria to be insured with the National Health Insurance Fund.

New types of personal documents, issued by Bulgaria in line with a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 20, 2019, will also be introduced. The relevant changes will be made to the Bulgarian Identity Documents Act and the Act on Entering, Residing and Leaving the Republic of Bulgaria by European Union Citizens, Who Are Not Bulgarian Citizens and Their Family Members.

The bill also proposes that the stay of third-country nationals in Bulgaria will be considered as part of the Schengen Area stay. It further specifies conditions for entry and visa issuance, adhering to Schengen rules for third-country nationals who hold a visa, a short-stay visa, or benefit from a visa-free regime for up to 90 days within 180 days in other EU member states.

The bill suggests an amendment to the Tourism Act, allowing the Ministry of Interior access to data on all tourists. Currently, hotel owners are required to keep a register of guests, including their personal details, such as name, ID number, date of birth, nationality, identity document, room number, arrival and departure dates, and the number of nights stayed. However, for Bulgarian citizens, EU nationals, and citizens of Switzerland and the European Economic Area, only basic information (number of guests, registration date, and departure date) is collected without additional identifying details.