Bulgaria Makes Health Insurance Mandatory for Single Permit Holders from July 2025
Starting July 2025, Bulgaria will implement a major policy update affecting foreign workers: employers must now enroll Single Work and Residence Permit holders in the national health insurance system. This move brings expat workers closer to equal footing with Bulgarian citizens in terms of employment benefits.
What’s Changing?
Currently, health insurance for holders of the Single Work and Residence Permit has been optional, private, or inconsistently applied. But that’s changing.
From July 2025:
- All Single Permit holders will be automatically enrolled in Bulgaria’s State Statutory Health Insurance System.
- Employers must deduct, contribute, and report health insurance payments for these foreign employees — the same as they do for Bulgarian nationals and EU Blue Card holders.
Who Does This Affect?
- Non-EU nationals working in Bulgaria with a valid Single Work and Residence Permit
- Bulgarian employers who hire and sponsor foreign professionals
- HR and payroll departments responsible for immigration compliance and benefits processing
What is the Single Work and Residence Permit?
The Single Work and Residence Permit is Bulgaria’s primary visa pathway for skilled non-EU nationals who have a job offer from a local employer. It offers:
- The right to live in Bulgaria for over 90 days
- The right to work for a specific employer in a specific role
- A permit valid for up to one year, with options for renewal
Previously, healthcare coverage under this permit was not mandatory — often resulting in patchy or inadequate protection.
Why This Policy Matters
This policy change is more than just red tape. It offers tangible benefits:
- Aligns expat worker rights with Bulgarian labor laws
- Provides access to public healthcare for foreign workers
- Improves Bulgaria’s appeal as a work destination for global talent
- Creates new compliance requirements for employers and payroll teams
This update sends a clear message: Bulgaria is working to standardize protections across its workforce — local and foreign alike.
Other Work Visa Options in Bulgaria
If you’re considering Bulgaria for work, here are the most common immigration routes:
- EU Blue Card
For highly qualified professionals with university degrees and strong job offers.
- Must earn at least 1.5× the average Bulgarian salary
- Valid for up to 4 years
- Easier pathway to family reunification
- Single Work and Residence Permit
The standard option for third-country nationals with a Bulgarian job offer.
- Employer-sponsored
- Valid for up to 12 months, renewable
- Now includes mandatory health insurance
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit
For professionals being transferred from a company abroad to a Bulgarian branch.
- Includes managers, specialists, and trainees
- Requires 6–12 months of prior employment with the sending company
- Seasonal Work Permit
For short-term jobs in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and hospitality.
- Valid for up to 90 days in a 12-month period
- Common in seasonal industries
- Freelancer or Self-Employed Residence Permit
A niche option for non-EU nationals with a strong freelance or entrepreneurial track record.
- Requires proof of economic benefit to Bulgaria
- Demands solid documentation and financial viability
Final Thoughts
Bulgaria might not be top-of-mind for expats and digital nomads, but it’s steadily building a reputation for clarity, compliance, and inclusivity in its foreign labor system.
For foreign workers, this new health insurance mandate means greater protection and peace of mind.
For employers, it means staying updated and adjusting payroll and benefits systems before July 2025.
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