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I assume you're talking about the European Commission website ()?

On the face of it, one would imagine that the Commission know what they're talking about, but it's possible that it's old or incorrect information - or a good immigration lawyer might know ways and means to smooth the path. Freelancing here isn't easy - there's no shortage of hurdles, including the Bulgarian Language test and the provision of proof of qualification to practise a profession that you may have been in for many years and which has no formal qualification per se.

I can't really offer any concrete suggestions as I'm lucky enough to be a dual EU/UK citizen, but I have heard of some "good immigration lawyers" but can't vouch for them as I've never used them.  There are recommendations to be found on various "Foreigners in Bulgaria" FB sites, but I've found in other contexts that recommendations for lawyers, builders, restaurants etc are very subjective and dependent on how discerning the recommender is.  For example, would you trust a restaurant recommendation from an orange-tinted soi-disant "billionaire businessman", convicted felon and part-time POTUS famed for stuffing his face with fast food? 😎

The proficiency is no bother, I've been teaching myself Bulgarian for a while now (I visit at twice a year just short-term) so I've no issue in upping my work on that front.

I know I need to speak to a lawyer and of course it's part of the process, but obviously want to go in a bit "fore-armed' and all that.

I actually know a lawyer in Bulgaria, although it's been a while I am not 100% what kind of law she does. At the very least she might be able to recommend me a trustworthy person when that time comes. Might drop her a line while I think about it.

If it's a thing, then it's a thing. I just found it a bit odd, since most immigrants who leave a whole country behind don't tend to have a whole lot to go back to for a couple months three years later lol. Mostly I'm just wondering if there's a step in-between all that that I've missed that makes it sound less strange.

Ouch! That would be a serious hassle. I hope there's a workaround.

Unfortunately I don't think there are many forum members in Bg on a freelancer visa who'd be able to discuss renewal procedures.

A good immigration lawyer should be willing to answer that question upfront before you contract them, IMO. If they won't answer a simple without you paying, they probably aren't who you want to work with, anyway. There's one lawyer here who often makes helpful comments, I hope he sees your post.