The Council of Ministers has adopted amendments to the Regulations for Application of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act. Along with EU requirements, they are also related to the necessity of facilitating the procedures for applying for right of residence by foreigners of Bulgarian origin - citizens of third countries, which will lead to increased access of skilled labor to the Bulgarian market.

Foreigners of Bulgarian origin who have entered the country legally and without a long-stay visa will be granted a right of residence upon presentation of a labor contract with a local employer registered with the National Revenue Agency. Foreigners will be able to apply for permanent residency status after paying a tax, but without quitting work or leaving the territory of Bulgaria.

The term for obtaining a Permanent Residence and Work Permit is reduced from 14 to 7 days. Foreigners of Bulgarian origin, applicants for a right of permanent residence, will not be required to present proof of financial sufficiency.