In 2024, Bulgaria issued over 36,000 work permits to foreign nationals, marking a notable increase of almost 10,000 compared to the previous year. This surge in work permits, as shared by Atanaska Todorova, the Chief Expert in Labor Market, Migration, and Mobility, reflects the growing demand for foreign labor in the country.
Foreign workers from outside the EU are required to obtain a work permit through Bulgaria’s National Employment Agency before they can legally begin working. On the other hand, citizens from EU countries and Switzerland are exempt from this requirement but must still register with the local Employment Office where they reside.
Who’s Coming to Work in Bulgaria?
Each year, Bulgaria attracts workers from various corners of the world, eager to secure jobs. The latest statistics reveal that nationals from several countries stand out when it comes to the number of work permits issued. The top beneficiaries of these permits in 2024 were:
- Turkey: 8,000
- Uzbekistan: 8,000
- Kyrgyzstan: 5,000
- Nepal: 4,500
- Moldova: 1,300
The majority of these workers were granted combined residence and work permits, and seasonal jobs also provided opportunities for many. In fact, seasonal work has become a significant pathway for foreign nationals, although it is not the primary route.
Seasonal Workers on the Rise, but Fewer in 2024
Seasonal employment continues to draw significant numbers of foreign workers to Bulgaria. According to Todorova, over 13,400 seasonal workers were registered in 2024. However, this represents a slight decrease of around 2,000 compared to 2023. Among the seasonal workers, Turkish nationals made up the largest group, with more than 4,200 individuals.
Despite the decline in seasonal workers, Bulgaria’s labor market continues to rely on this category to fill various roles during peak seasons. However, the number of “blue cards” issued—an EU program designed to attract highly skilled workers—was far lower than expected. Only about 800 were granted in 2024, signaling that the demand for skilled professionals has not been fully met.
A Growing Need for Workers
Employers across Bulgaria are on the lookout for a large pool of talent, with roughly 262,000 positions waiting to be filled, as revealed by a recent study by the Employment Agency. Despite the considerable demand for skilled workers, employers continue to hire workers for low-skill jobs, including those with little to no formal education.
Although Bulgaria is keen to attract professionals with high qualifications, the reality is that only a small number of foreign nationals are meeting the criteria for the coveted “blue card.” With just 800 issued this year, it’s clear that Bulgaria’s labor market is still in need of skilled workers.
Interestingly, Todorova pointed out that more than 40% of foreign workers leave Bulgaria before completing three months of employment, often moving on to Western European countries in search of better opportunities. This outflow highlights the challenges the country faces in retaining foreign labor for the long term.
