Do Bulgarian citizens need a visa to work in the UK after Brexit?

Yes. Since 1 January 2021, Bulgarian citizens who want to move to the UK must apply for a visa. Bulgarians who were in the UK before 31 December 2020 may have EU Settlement Scheme status. New arrivals need a Skilled Worker visa, student visa, or another qualifying route.

Do Bulgarian citizens need a TB test for a UK visa?

No. Bulgaria is not on the Home Office list of countries requiring a TB test.

Do Bulgarian citizens need an English language test?

Yes. Bulgaria is not a majority English-speaking country. Bulgarian applicants must pass an approved SELT test at the required level for their visa route (B1 for Skilled Worker, A1 for initial spouse visa).

How much does it cost for a Bulgarian citizen to move to the UK?

A Skilled Worker visa costs £719 to £1,420 plus IHS of £1,035 per year. Including the English test and other costs, budget approximately 10,000 to 25,000 BGN for the visa process before relocation expenses.

Moving to the UK from Bulgaria: Guide 2026

Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007, and Bulgarian citizens were able to live and work freely in the UK from 2014 when transitional restrictions were lifted. Brexit changed this. Since 1 January 2021, new Bulgarian arrivals need a visa. This guide covers the current options for Bulgarian nationals.

Brexit and Bulgarian Citizens

Before Brexit, Bulgarian citizens could live and work in the UK under EU free movement. Since 1 January 2021, new arrivals must apply through the standard immigration system. Bulgarians who were in the UK before 31 December 2020 could apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.

Visa Routes

Skilled Worker visa. The main work route. Requires a job offer from a UK licensed sponsor at the minimum salary of £38,700.
Health and Care Worker visa. Reduced fees and no IHS for healthcare roles.
Family visa. If your partner has British citizenship or settled status. See the spouse visa guide.
Student visa. With a CAS from a UK institution. See the student visa guide. Note: Bulgarian students now pay international fees.
Graduate route. 2 years' work permission after a UK degree. See the Graduate route guide.

EU Settlement Scheme

Bulgarians who lived in the UK before 31 December 2020 could apply for the EUSS. Late applications may be accepted with reasonable grounds. If you have EUSS settled status, you can live, work, and access public funds without a visa. Pre-settled status holders should apply for settled status before their pre-settled status expires.

Document Requirements

Valid Bulgarian passport. A national identity card is no longer sufficient for UK immigration.
No TB test required.
English language test. Required for most routes. Tests available in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna.
Svidetelstvo za sadimo (criminal record certificate). Issued by the Ministry of Justice in Sofia. Processing takes approximately 2 to 5 days. Available online through the e-Justice portal.
Certified translation. Bulgarian documents must be translated into English.

Costs in Bulgarian Lev

Skilled Worker visa fee: £719 to £1,420 (approximately 2,500 to 5,300 BGN)
IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately 3,600 BGN)
English test: approximately 400 to 500 BGN
Criminal record certificate: minimal cost

See our UK visa fees guide for the full breakdown.

The Bulgarian Community in the UK

The Bulgarian-born population in the UK is estimated at 80,000 to 100,000. Communities are concentrated in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and several smaller towns. Bulgarian shops, churches (particularly Bulgarian Orthodox), and community associations exist in most major cities.

After Arrival

Collect your BRP within 10 days
Apply for a National Insurance number
Register with a GP
Open a UK bank account

Path to Settlement

After 5 years on a qualifying visa, apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship. Bulgaria permits dual citizenship.

Next Steps

For official information, visit the GOV.UK EU Settlement Scheme page and the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.