How to legalise diplomas and prepare a portfolio for a Freelance application in Bulgaria
A practical guide to putting together a flawless professional dossier as a foreign national
2021 in review and forecasts for 2022 for foreigners
2021 is coming to an end. Let us look back at what it brought us and at what to expect from the coming year, 2022.
2021 in review in Bulgaria
2021 in Bulgaria passed under the signs of the coronavirus and the parliamentary elections. The unstable situation (Bulgaria had no permanent government from April until December) meant that the authorities were little concerned with the affairs of foreigners, so after April no amendments were made to the Foreigners Act. Some adjustments to the law were introduced in March, while Bulgaria still had a permanent government, but they were not particularly significant and by no means affected all foreigners. Thus, there were changes to the procedure for obtaining a long-term residence permit for researchers, students, holders of the “blue card”, seasonal workers, holders of the “Startup visa” and investors. In addition, the law now sets out new grounds for refusing an extension of a long-term residence permit. Nevertheless, these changes will not affect the majority of law-abiding immigrants in Bulgaria.
Despite the political situation, the restrictive measures and the rise in prices in Bulgaria, the year was fairly favourable for immigrants.
What will happen in 2022?
The year traditionally begins with an increase in the minimum wage and pensions. This affects all foreigners in Bulgaria. Residence permit holders must present, when submitting documents to extend a long-term residence permit, a certificate showing that they have funds amounting to 12 minimum pensions/wages (depending on the grounds) for the year. And this amount grows every year. From the new year it will increase again – be careful if you are planning to obtain a residence permit in 2022.
As for holders of EU long-term resident status and a permanent residence permit who are not in salaried employment, for them the increase in the minimum wage means an increase in the contributions to the system of compulsory health insurance (NZOK).
In 2022 a significant rise in electricity prices for private individuals is planned. Legal entities have already faced the increase: it has led to the closure of a number of companies, while those that remain are raising the prices of their products and services to offset their costs.
According to Petar Mastikov, chief analyst of the state register of new construction and reconstruction of Bulgaria, the construction sector is expected to continue growing in 2022. While at present it is mainly residential property that is being bought, in 2022 demand for non-residential properties is also expected to grow. Property prices are rising and will continue to rise – and this is good news for those who have invested funds in Bulgarian apartments and other property.
According to experts’ forecasts, inflation in Bulgaria will remain high in 2022, but overall the outlook for business is favourable. There is also hope that the work of the new government, which has set itself the goal of fighting corruption, will ease the position of entrepreneurs (including foreign ones) in the country.
Happy holidays!
The staff of Bulgarian Expert wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and wish you happiness, health and success in all your endeavours! Stay with us, and may the coming year bring only favourable changes!
Increase in the minimum wage and pension in Bulgaria in 2022
Need help?
Did not find the answer here? Write to us — we will look at your case and tell you what comes next.
Mon–Fri 9:00–17:30 (EET)
Ask a question