Trade Representative Office/Overseas Company Representative

It could be true or false but I think the authorities will have to give it a sound second thought if they decide to demolish or abrogate it from the system.Even if what I am saying here vents your spleen,I understand but the fact is we can't  continue to wait in queues just for residency.Also,some are actually contributing in their own small way to the Bulgarian Society.For instance, I am here in Africa;I am not in Bulgaria yet but I contribute a token every month to an undisclosed centre in Bulgaria to support the vulnerable in the Bulgarian society out of my own passion.I don't need anything in return from Bulgaria even if they forget about me one day, which is highly highly possible.

Consequently,if the authorities choose to do so,they should sit up and critically consider the contributions of those affected and even attach more incentives to it rather than just cancelling it.

@antwipaul89

I think you're missing the point, which is that, apparently, the BG government is looking to crack down on applications for Trade Representation which aren't bona fide ones but simply attempts to circumvent the visa system.

As for queuing for visa processing, I don't see what the problem is: this is the Balkans and bureaucracy here involves waiting in line for almost everything; streamlining systems involves either increasing tax revenues or robbing Peter to pay Paul. I'd rather queue for the odd government/municipal service from time to time than drive through potholes everywhere. No-one's forced to live here and I prefer how Bulgaria is right now to the overtaxed and anodyne Eurostates in the north of Europe...

@Jim J

I did wonder how long they would allow that the TRO thing to go on. A simple way to tell the "real" TRO from TRO just for the D Visa would be to check on economic activity. Well, maybe that explains why neither of the immigration lawyers I contacted in the hope of using a TRO seat on one of their UK companies to get in sooner than my 67th birthday haven't replied!

I hope Bulgaria will also consider offering a different D visa class which would end the need for a fake TRO, one for people of working age who earn remotely.  Not so much for digital nomads following the sun and the snow, but for those who want to make Bulgaria their year-round home. It could even include a proviso that they need to make their homes away from major cities. Australia has something similar to try to reverse the depopulation of rural areas - there are visas that specify two years working inland.

@antwipaul89

Queues are frustrating, and also part of European life we need to accept. I found them quite shocking when I moved to the UK from Australia.  And I agree the wait is frustrating, when we want to be good, contributing members of Bulgarian society.

This  shouldn't be so frustrating.

Actually TRO option is made for people using their own business/or the business they work for to reside in Bulgaria and continue to work for that business as they perform researches and other activities, related to developing and expanding this business.

As my experience as an immigration lawyer  almost 90% of the people have real businesses and need to connect more with Bulgaria.

For the others, this is a good option to reside in Bulgaria using a friend's company,  but it is necessary this company to be with good reputation, active and these people need to try to connect their real activities with it. Have in mind that if you are not pensioner, not a student it is good to have some occupational to make money to live.

Otherwise their stay in Bulgaria cannot have any reason.

That's why the Bulgarian Government took action to change/not cancel this option.

They try to add minimal annual turnovers, so this is almost fair.

My personal opinion is that if we lose this nice option we will lose a lot of interest in Bulgaria from people who need to change their life in a positive and beautiful country.

But all changes due to Schengen needs to be more strict with all non-EU citizens.

The number mentioned in this article is 500,000 leva minimum revenue.

https://www.advocatemarkov.com/the-suic … o-program/

Ouch! That is not an insignificant minimum revenue.  The majority of UK companies are smaller businesses that wouldn't earn nearly that much, even considering that is turnover, not profit.

@JimJ

Hello Jim,

I know all about TRO inside out and your response is totally wrong and unacceptable.I have read extensively about Bulgaria and in my estimation,it's the only country in the EU with lowest taxes and most favourable cost of living.I got a 3 week visit visa to Bulgaria this year February,but I couldn't make it due to tumultuous circumstances far beyond my control.I see exactly what you see in Bulgaria and it's not about manipulations and manoeuvres and all that.Let me just abandon this discussion here because I will end up writing volumes.