Our Process # From Consultation to Deployment Personela runs a structured 10-stage workflow refined across 500+ placements. We invest 3 to 5 months doing it properly — deep vetting, full work permits, D-visa and relocation handled end-to-end — so the people you hire stay for years, not months. Typical Timeline ## 3–5 Month Engagement — Done Right Legitimate international recruitment, government work permits and a long-stay D visa can't be rushed. Every stage is spent making sure the hire is fully vetted, fully legal, and built to last. Selection & interviews3–5 weeks Employment Agency work permit30–45 days Long-stay D visa35–60 days Travel & arrival1 week Residence card2–4 weeks Total time3 to 5 months Step by Step ## The 10 Stages, Start to Finish From your first request to a fully documented worker on site — here is exactly what happens, and who does what. 01 1–3 business days ### Client Request & Scoping We take your staffing request and lock down the brief: number of workers, role, work location, working hours, pay, provided accommodation, transport arrangements and the target start date. We then sign the recruitment agreement between your business and the agency. 02 2–4 weeks ### Candidate Sourcing Abroad We search our existing candidate database and post targeted vacancies where needed, then run pre-selection, verify work experience and references, and conduct first-round interviews. You receive a curated shortlist of qualified candidates. 03 3–7 days ### Employer Interviews We arrange online interviews between you and your shortlisted candidates. You approve the people you want, and we issue the formal job offer on your behalf. 04 3–5 days ### Signing Employment Contracts Employment contracts are drawn up and signed in line with Bulgarian labour law. #### Employer provides - Draft employment contract - Declarations required by Bulgarian law #### Candidate provides - Passport - Diplomas (where required) - Certificates - CV 05 30–45 calendar days ### Filing with the Employment Agency Our legal team files the full application for labour-market access with the Bulgarian Employment Agency and manages every requirement until the decision is issued. #### Documents filed - Labour-market access application - Copy of the employment contract - Qualification documents - Employer declarations & company documents #### Result Work permit / labour-market access decision issued. 06 1–2 weeks ### Preparing the D-Visa Application We send the original documents to the candidate's home country, book the appointment at the Bulgarian embassy, and prepare all certified translations and legalisations. 07 35–60 calendar days ### D-Visa Application The candidate submits the long-stay (type D) visa application at the Bulgarian embassy. We track it through to approval. #### Documents - Passport & photos - Employment Agency permit - Employment contract - Proof of accommodation - Medical insurance & visa form #### Result Type D visa issued for entry into Bulgaria. 08 3–10 days ### Travel Arrangements We book the flights, arrange the arrival pickup, and prepare the accommodation so the worker is met and settled from the moment they land. 09 1 day ### Arrival in Bulgaria The worker moves into their accommodation, is introduced to the employer, and completes a workplace safety and role induction. 10 14–30 days ### Single Residence & Work Permit We file the final application with the Migration Directorate at the Ministry of Interior to convert the D visa into a single residence-and-work permit. #### Institution Migration Directorate, Ministry of Interior. #### Result Residence card issued — the worker is fully documented to live and work in Bulgaria. Quality Assurance ## Vetting Checkpoints Every candidate clears 4 quality gates before placement. ### Screening Criteria Min. 2 years industry experience, English fluency, no criminal record, valid documents. ### Skill Tests Role-specific practical assessments. Chefs cook, mechanics diagnose, caregivers demo procedures. ### Reference Checks Minimum 2 previous employer verifications. Direct calls, not just documents. ### Cultural Fit Behavioural interview assessing adaptability, teamwork, and cross-cultural readiness. ## Which authority handles which step Four of the ten stages run through Bulgarian and EU institutions. Personela files and tracks them, but the rules and processing times are set by these bodies. - **Stages 5 and 10 —** [Employment Agency of Bulgaria](https://www.az.government.bg/) and the [Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior](https://www.mvr.bg/migration) decide labour-market access and issue the single residence-and-work permit. - **Stages 6 and 7 —** the long-stay type D visa is issued by the Bulgarian embassy in the candidate's country; consular network and requirements are published by the [Ministry of Foreign Affairs](https://www.mfa.bg/en). - The permit itself implements [Directive 2011/98/EU](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32011L0098). Full detail of the obligations on the [compliance page](/en/compliance/); costs and payment milestones on the [pricing page](/en/pricing/). ## Start Your Engagement Book your free consultation today — step 1 of your workforce delivery begins immediately. Request Staff Now Schedule a Call