Nine Countries to Remove Work Restrictions for Bulgarians, Romanians on January 1
November 22, 2013
Bulgarian and Romanian nationals will soon be able to work freely throughout the European Union (EU) after work restrictions for these nationals expire in nine countries on January 1, 2014. Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom will allow Bulgarian and Romanian nationals to work in their countries as other EU nationals do, without having to obtain work authorization.
Spain currently imposes work restrictions only on Romanian local hires and not on Bulgarian nationals.
When Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union in 2007, established EU member countries could elect to maintain work restrictions for nationals of both countries until January 1, 2012. Member countries had the option to renew the restrictions until 2014, if lifting them would have adversely affected the domestic labor market. All other EU members by now offer Bulgarians and Romanians unrestricted access of the right to work in their countries.
Switzerland, which is not an EU member, will continue to subject Bulgarian and Romanian nationals to work permit quotas separate from those for third-country nationals.
Croatia is the newest EU member state after joining on July 1, 2013. As was the case with Bulgaria and Romania, some EU states have chosen to treat Croatians as they treat nationals of existing EU states, while others have opted to impose temporary work restrictions, which they can do for up to seven years, provided that certain conditions are met.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen Global Immigration Services or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Awards
Fragomen is recognized at the National Tier 1 level for Immigration Law in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms – United States, with 15 offices across the country also recognized for their excellence in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen receives Altair Global’s 2025 Super Star Award for Humanitarian Commitment, honoring the firm’s leadership in advancing humanitarian mobility initiatives.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s 2025 federal budget and its significant shift in immigration policy including new limits on international student permits and temporary residents.
Fragomen news
Fragomen news
Fragomen is cited in the UK House of Lords’ landmark report, “The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out,” published on 4 November by the UK Engagement with Space Committee.
Blog post
Manager Zaur Gasimov discusses Georgia’s new immigration and labour-migration reforms introducing mandatory work permits, stricter employer compliance requirements and increased penalties for non-compliance.
Awards
Senior Associate Agata Danuta Richardson is recognized with a prestigious Pro Bono Publico Award by the Casa Cornelia Law Center.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Dr. Axel Boysen highlights the growing skilled labor gap as Europe’s defense industry expands.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Awards
Fragomen is recognized at the National Tier 1 level for Immigration Law in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms – United States, with 15 offices across the country also recognized for their excellence in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen receives Altair Global’s 2025 Super Star Award for Humanitarian Commitment, honoring the firm’s leadership in advancing humanitarian mobility initiatives.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s 2025 federal budget and its significant shift in immigration policy including new limits on international student permits and temporary residents.
Fragomen news
Fragomen news
Fragomen is cited in the UK House of Lords’ landmark report, “The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out,” published on 4 November by the UK Engagement with Space Committee.
Blog post
Manager Zaur Gasimov discusses Georgia’s new immigration and labour-migration reforms introducing mandatory work permits, stricter employer compliance requirements and increased penalties for non-compliance.
Awards
Senior Associate Agata Danuta Richardson is recognized with a prestigious Pro Bono Publico Award by the Casa Cornelia Law Center.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Dr. Axel Boysen highlights the growing skilled labor gap as Europe’s defense industry expands.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.