The approved text standardises the requirements for foreigners applying for permanent residence and optimises the procedure for granting long-term residence to investors. 

The draft amendments provide for penalties for administrative violations by foreigners who fail to comply with the legislation in force regulating the right to reside and work in Bulgaria. Employers will no longer be required to provide proof of the foreigner's residence address in the first set of documents submitted when applying for a residence permit. Such proof will only be required after the foreigner has entered Bulgarian territory.

The law will be amended to exclude the possibility of granting residence permits to foreigners wishing to carry out non-profit activities in Bulgaria.

The amendments must be approved by the National Assembly before they come into force.