Key Points
- Bulgaria now mandates academic credential validation for EU Blue Card applicants.
- The rule took effect on June 30, 2025, under amended immigration legislation.
- Applicants must authenticate diplomas through the Bulgarian National Centre for Information and Documentation (NACID).
Overview
As of June 30, 2025, Bulgaria has enacted new immigration legislation affecting highly skilled foreign nationals applying for the European Union (EU) Blue Card. The amendment introduces a mandatory diploma verification process designed to ensure that academic credentials meet Bulgarian higher education standards.
All prospective EU Blue Card applicants must now obtain formal certification from the National Centre for Information and Documentation (NACID), a government body that validates foreign academic degrees and transcripts. The NACID-issued document must confirm both the authenticity of the diploma and its equivalency to local academic qualifications. This requirement applies to all applicants who intend to reside and work in Bulgaria under the EU Blue Card scheme.
The update marks a significant procedural shift from prior practice, where diploma validation was not universally required at the point of application. Bulgarian authorities state that the measure enhances transparency and protects the local labor market by confirming that foreign professionals meet the requisite educational standards for high-skilled employment.
Given the additional step now embedded in the application process, both employers and foreign workers should anticipate longer timelines for document preparation and processing. Coordination with NACID should begin well in advance of intended application submission dates to mitigate potential processing delays.
Looking Ahead
Employers hiring non-EU nationals under the EU Blue Card framework should immediately adjust their compliance procedures to incorporate NACID verification into the pre-application phase. Immigration stakeholders should also monitor whether similar documentation requirements are extended to other residence or work permit categories in future legislative updates. As enforcement of this regulation solidifies, early preparation will be key to avoiding disruptions in hiring or mobility planning.
