Bulgaria Expands Health & Travel Benefits for Foreign Workers
Bulgaria is amending its labour legislation by obliging third-country nationals holding a Single Work and Residence Permit to have access to the national health insurance system. This step is meant to harmonize the public access to health services of foreign and Bulgarian workers. Under the new rules, employers will now have to withhold and pay health insurance contributions on behalf of these workers, just as they do for their local workers. This is to establish a fairer working environment that makes the life of companies easier and to make Bulgaria even more attractive as a destination for skilled international labour, all while strengthening and reinforcing the work force.
Starting in July 2025, Bulgaria is implementing a significant change to its foreign labor laws. Anyone holding a Single Work and Residence Permit in the country will automatically be included in the national health insurance system. This shift aligns the benefits for foreign workers with the country’s labor standards, ensuring they receive healthcare coverage comparable to Bulgarian nationals and EU Blue Card holders.
