From May 23, 2018, new changes to the Law on Foreigners in Bulgaria will come into force.This time it will have new grounds for obtaining a visa D and a permit for a long-term stay.

From now on, volunteers of the European Volunteer Service (EVS) will be able to obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria for up to one year. This is indicated by Article 24, paragraph 1, paragraph 21 of the Law on Foreigners.

To obtain a D visa It is necessary to submit an agreement with the host party to the Bulgarian consulate. This document must contain a description of the volunteer's work, as well as information that he will be provided with housing and means of subsistence during his stay in Bulgaria.

This ground cannot be called universal. EVS is a program for young people from 18 to 30 years old. Accordingly, only young people will be able to obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria in this way.

Also, a residence permit can be obtained by researchers who have entered into an agreement on the development of a research project with a research organization located in Bulgaria and included in the register.

The Law stipulates that it is possible to refuse to extend the period of stay if the foreigner is on the territory of Bulgaria for purposes other than those that have become the basis for issuing a permit (Part 26 (10) of the Emergency Response Act).