1. Which professions are regulated in Bulgaria?
The full List of regulated professions on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria is available on the NACID website: professio.nacid.bg/?id=31.
Frequently asked questions
2. I have found that my profession, acquired abroad, is regulated in Bulgaria. How do I know what the recognition procedure is, the necessary documents and deadlines?
Detailed information about the procedure for recognition of a regulated profession in Bulgaria, may be requested from the relevant competent recognition authority. Information about contact persons for each regulated profession can be found in the List of regulated professions: when you choose a specific profession.
3. Do I have to speak Bulgarian in order to be able to practice my profession, which is regulated in Bulgaria?
Yes. You need to have knowledge of the Bulgarian language, which will allow you to practice the regulated profession on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. You can consult the relevant competent authority for details.
4. My foreign qualification may be part of a profession that is regulated in Bulgaria. What should I do?
You need obligatory to consult the competent authority responsible for the regulated profession to which your professional qualification may belong.
5. I have found that my profession is not regulated in Bulgaria. Do I have access to the labor market here and who is competent to recognize my foreign professional qualification?
Yes, for practicing non-regulated professions you have direct access to the labor market in Bulgaria. The recognition of professional qualifications in professions that are not regulated in Bulgaria is within the competence of the potential employer. He has the right to decide whether to hire you with this foreign qualification or with another qualification held by you.
6. I have a qualification in a non-regulated profession in Bulgaria, acquired in a foreign secondary school. Which is the competent authority for the recognition of such qualifications in Bulgaria?
See the answer to question 5. In addition, it may be useful for you to know that you can request recognition of your foreign professional qualification in a non-regulated profession issued by a foreign secondary school in connection with the recognition of a completed class or degree of education from a Regional Department of Education of your choice. This recognition is intended to facilitate your access to the non-regulated labor market, not to allow it.
7. I have acquired my professional qualification after conducted professional training outside the school system in a foreign country. Which is the competent authority for recognition in this case? Will I be able to practice my profession in Bulgaria?
In case that your profession is regulated, you should contact the relevant competent authority (See question 4). In case that your profession is not regulated in our country, (See question 5) - You have direct access to the labor market in Bulgaria. In cases like this, there is no national recognition authority even for the purpose of facilitating access to the labor market, and the competences are entirely with the potential employer.
8. I am a holder of a foreign qualification in a non-regulated profession in Bulgaria. I would like to practice the profession as a self-employed person / to establish a company in Bulgaria. What should I do?
You have the right to pursue activities in non-regulated professions as a self-employed person with the following important clarification: all matters outside the legislative area of Directive 2005/36 /EC and the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Act, such as pursuing economic activities in various legal or contractual forms, required registrations or licenses, due insurances or taxes, etc., must comply with applicable national legislation.
9. I am a manager of a large company in Bulgaria that intends to hire workers who have acquired their professional qualifications in a foreign country. What steps does the company need to take so that they could work legally?
Holders of foreign professional qualifications in non-regulated professions in Bulgaria have direct access to the labor market. Recognition of such professional qualifications is within the competence of the employers themselves, in accordance to the applicable Bulgarian legislation. For practicing professions that are regulated in Bulgaria, you should contact the corresponding Bulgarian competent authority. In case that the foreign qualification might be part of a regulated profession, you must consult the matter with the competent authority responsible for the regulated profession to which the cited qualification may belong. The list of regulated professions and the contact details of their competent authorities can be found at: professio.nacid.bg/?id=31