Major changes in EU Blue Card procedure – an important step towards attracting talent to Bulgaria

On 19 January the Bulgarian Parliament has passed a bill introducing changes in the procedure to obtain a EU Blue Card - a type of a prolonged work and residence permit for highly qualified individuals. We at EY Bulgaria’s People Advisory Service team have continuously dedicated our vast experience, strong expertise and energy to support the business community’s efforts to improve the immigration procedures. The following amendments were made:

• Certain periods for internal review and exchange of documents by the authorities have been significantly shortened;
• High qualification can also be proven with professional experience and not only with a university degree;
• The maximum term of validity is extended to 5 years;
• The employee can now get promoted or change employer without the requirement for the EU Blue Card plastic holder to be renewed;
• EU Blue Card holders will be health insured as local employees which will eliminate the need to provide a private insurance for the period of the permit and reduce the cost for employer
• The EU Blue Card holder is allowed to work remotely similarly to local employees;
• Online application will be possible once the required IT infrastructure has been built.

Further amendments will be needed to implement the EU Blue Card amending directive. To make the procedure as effective and fast as in the countries where this instrument is used to attract the highest number of highly qualified talent that is lacking on the local labor markets,  proposed changes like the possibility to apply for a EU Blue Card while residing on short-term visa or visa-free regime and a fast track option for registered employers, would need to be further adopted.