The Ministry of Innovation and Growth announced the implementation of “fast track” for issuing EU Blue card.

The new mechanism aims at reducing the time for obtaining EU Blue card work and residence permit to up to 4 weeks as of the application before the Migration Directorate.

The accelerated procedure applies to employers producing high value-added products. At this point, it is not clear what will be the specific criteria for assessment which business falls in this definition, however, there is an indication that the eligible companies should be in the high-tech sector. A specific feature of the mechanism is that it applies to groups of at least 10 employees.

Employers who will relocate employees from third countries to Bulgaria should initiate the procedure for obtaining EU Blue card by providing information as per template electronically to the Ministry of Innovation and Growth at least 2 days prior to the filing of the applications before the Migration Directorate at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

As per the information shared by the Ministry, the mechanism generally applies to cases related to the war in Ukraine. All other requirements for the applicants remain unchanged. The practical aspects of the mechanism are still unclear and EY Bulgaria is following up for news from the Migration Directorate which is the competent body for receiving the applications for work and residence permits in Bulgaria.