Right of residence in Bulgaria

Residence law clarifies permits, deadlines, rights and duties. Bulgarian immigration law separates permission to enter from the right to reside after entry. A visa, where required, permits travel for a stated purpose, while longer residence usually requires a separate legal basis and procedure. European Union, European Economic Area and Swiss citizens generally follow free-movement rules and may need to complete a registration process for longer stays. Other foreign nationals usually rely on a specific legal basis such as employment, business activity, study or a family connection. Residence categories reflect different purposes and durations, and one status does not automatically provide every right attached to another. Work authorization and residence permission are related but distinct, so employment access depends on the residence category, citizenship and type of work. Family-based residence depends on the sponsor, the family relationship and the sponsor's status. The Migration Directorate, known as Дирекция Миграция, and its territorial units handle many residence matters in Bulgaria.