Extending working visa in Bulgaria

Sea garden, originally uploaded by John Pandai.

Ini lah pengalaman ku yang aku tak nak lalui lagi, tapi mungkin berguna utk mereka2 yang mungkin akan bekerja di negara bekas jajahan komunis ni. Penjelasan ini hanya utk mereka2 yang ada di sini sahaja sebab kalau nak masuk, itu cerita lain. The reason of this blog is because of the following:-

1. There is no printed procedure in explaining the process. Specifically in Varna
2. For those who do not understand Bulgarian language

Required documents:

1. Passport - do copy for each pages
2. Rental contract
3. Working permit
4. Work contract
5. Marriage certificate (if applicable)

All document copies except passport need to be certified by Notary (fees around 30 leva to 50 leva depending to type of document). If the document is not in Bulgarian language, you will need to get translated by certified translator (cost around 10 leva per document).

Other documents (only can be done during submission of the application) -
1. Declaration (only can be done in Notary office - 50 leva)
2. Application forms (2 copies)

Among the payments that need to be made for the application (payment at the bank- cash only) are:-

1. Tax = 13 leva
2. Another tax = 35.80 leva
3. Visa fees = 200 leva for six month, or 500 leva for 1 year.

You cannot pay all the above at one go. The payment instruction will be made upon the submission of each document (this is suck!) - you need to go to the bank in 3 different occasions. It is a shame that they can't think the effective way to reduce the complexity of the process. Particularly on the forms and payment procedure.

In sum, the whole process is damn complicated, and lengthy. In addition, don't expect friendly services or smiling faces.

Good luck...hehehe