Bulgaria Needs 50,000 Foreign Workers — How to Apply

ISLAMABAD: Bulgaria is confronting a deepening labor shortage across nearly every major sector, with the tourism industry bearing the brunt as the country heads into its busy summer season. Experts estimate that the country needs at least 50,000 foreign workers to support its struggling tourism sector alone.

The shortage is not limited to hospitality; key sectors such as construction, transport, and even healthcare are also reporting significant gaps in staffing.

The crisis is driven by a combination of factors, including an aging population, widespread migration of workers to Western Europe, and low domestic interest in seasonal or physically demanding jobs.

Over 36,000 Work Permits Issued in 2024

To combat the growing crisis, Bulgarian companies are increasingly hiring workers from abroad. According to data from labor authorities, more than 36,000 work permits were issued in 2024 to foreign nationals from 79 countries.

The largest groups of workers have come from Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Moldova.

These foreign workers are helping to fill roles in hospitality, transportation, construction, and other essential services. More sectors are expected to open up in the coming months as the need intensifies.

Bureaucratic Hurdles Delay Recruitment

Despite the demand, businesses face lengthy delays in securing international staff due to bureaucratic red tape. The process of obtaining work permits can take anywhere from six to nine months, largely because of outdated systems, staff shortages in government offices, and poor coordination among state institutions.

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This has created particular challenges for businesses dependent on seasonal hiring.

Legal Hiring Limits in Place

Current regulations limit how many foreign workers Bulgarian companies can employ. Large enterprises may hire up to 20% of their workforce from abroad, while small and medium-sized businesses can employ up to 35%.

These limits are under review as pressure mounts on the government to respond to the growing labor gap.

Work Visa Options for Foreigners

Foreign nationals interested in working in Bulgaria can explore several visa options:

• EU Blue Card: For highly skilled professionals in sectors like IT and healthcare. Valid for up to four years.
• Single Work Permit: For non-EU workers employed in Bulgaria for more than 90 days. Valid for one year and renewable.
• Seasonal Work Visa (D visa): Designed for short-term roles in tourism and agriculture. Valid for up to nine months.
• Intra-Company Transfer Permit: For employees of multinational firms transferring to Bulgaria temporarily.

How to Find a Job in Bulgaria

Job seekers can explore opportunities through online job portals such as Jobs.bg and Zaplatomer.bg, or via European networks like EURES.

Recruitment agencies, LinkedIn, and direct applications to employers in industries like hospitality and IT also offer effective routes for finding employment.

As Bulgaria’s labor market continues to tighten, foreign workers are likely to play an increasingly critical role in keeping the country’s economy on track.