Migration updates · 29 October 2026
One of October’s migration debates concerns a proposal to make retention of Bulgarian permanent residence conditional on actually living in the country. Comments and proposals are being submitted to Parliament on a bill amending the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act.
This concerns a draft law, not a requirement that has already entered into force. As of 29 October 2026, the official parliamentary record does not indicate final adoption and promulgation of the law.
Proposals to reconsider the “183-day rule” for permanent residence
In public discussion, the proposal is often called the “183-day rule”. The draft itself describes residence in Bulgaria for at least six months and one day during the previous calendar year. This wording should not be replaced with an arbitrary calculation of days.
- What is being discussed. Removing or amending the provision that would lead to loss of permanent residence rights if the proposed actual-residence requirement is not met.
- Comments submitted. The materials published by Parliament include an objection to the new requirement submitted by “Citizenship and Investments” on 26 October 2026.
- Arguments. The authors question the necessity and proportionality of the restriction, its compatibility with Bulgarian and European Union law, and its implications for families and the investment environment. This is a position submitted by participants in the debate, rather than a court ruling striking down the provision.
New debates on residence permits: who will be allowed to work?
The October discussions also address employment for foreign nationals holding residence permits.
- Access to work. Proposals are being discussed to expand lawful employment opportunities for certain categories of foreign nationals, including family members of people legally resident in Bulgaria.
- Electronic checks. The proposals include improving data exchange between public authorities, including the National Revenue Agency, the General Labour Inspectorate and the Employment Agency. This could potentially reduce employers’ administrative burden.
The final categories covered, employment conditions and checking procedures will depend on the adopted text. The proposals under discussion do not themselves grant a new right to work.
Exceptions for investors and trade representatives
During discussions on the amendments, representatives of business and professional organisations have called for special rules for certain categories of foreign nationals to be retained.
In particular, the debate includes the need to consider the circumstances of representatives of foreign companies and investors whose work may require regular international travel. The relevant proposals remain part of the legislative discussion.
Temporary and permanent residence are different statuses. An exception for a particular temporary-residence ground does not automatically mean that the same exception applies to a permanent resident. The applicability of future rules must be assessed against the final law and the specific residence ground.
When will the changes become law?
Bill No. 52-602-01-29 was introduced by the Council of Ministers on 28 July 2026 and passed its first reading on 16 September. A draft report for the second reading was published on 2 October.
At the time this article was prepared, the bill was still going through the legislative procedure. Its final wording may change as proposals are considered. The date on which new rules apply will be determined by the adopted and promulgated law, including its transitional provisions.
It is therefore premature to treat the requirement as either already introduced or already withdrawn.
Sources
- Official record for Bill No. 52-602-01-29 — text, legislative progress and comments submitted.
- Draft report for the second reading, dated 2 October 2026.
- Comments by “Citizenship and Investments”, dated 26 October 2026.
- State Gazette — “Държавен вестник” — official publication of legislation.
This material is for information purposes and is not legal advice. The bill is under consideration, and its provisions may change before final adoption.
