Bulgaria Seeks 50,000 Foreign Workers — Here’s How to Apply

Bulgaria Grapples with Labor Shortage, Urgently Needs 50,000 Foreign Workers in Tourism Alone

Bulgaria is facing an escalating labor crisis that is affecting nearly every major industry — with the tourism sector taking the hardest hit as the country enters peak summer season. Experts warn that the tourism industry alone needs at least 50,000 foreign workers to stay afloat.

But it’s not just hotels and resorts sounding the alarm. Construction, healthcare, transport, and other critical sectors are also struggling to fill job vacancies.

What’s Fueling the Shortage?

• Aging population
• Mass migration to Western Europe
• Low domestic interest in seasonal or physically demanding jobs

Over 36,000 Work Permits Issued in 2024

In an attempt to bridge the gap, Bulgarian employers have turned to international labor. According to government data, over 36,000 work permits were granted this year to foreign workers from 79 countries. The largest contingents hail from Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Moldova, and are helping fill roles in hospitality, construction, and transportation.

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Hurdles Remain: Bureaucracy Slows Recruitment

Despite growing demand, companies face long delays (6–9 months) in securing foreign staff. The recruitment process is bogged down by:

• Outdated systems
• Staffing shortages in government offices
• Inefficient coordination among state institutions

These delays are especially damaging for seasonal businesses, where timing is everything.

Legal Limits on Foreign Hires

Bulgarian law restricts how many foreign workers a company can hire:

• Large businesses: up to 20% of the workforce
• Small and medium-sized businesses: up to 35%

However, with pressure mounting, these caps are now under review.

Visa Options for Foreign Workers

Interested in working in Bulgaria? These are your primary visa routes:

1. EU Blue Card
   • For highly skilled professionals (IT, healthcare)
   • Valid up to 4 years
2. Single Work Permit
   • For non-EU workers employed for over 90 days
   • Valid for 1 year, renewable
3. Seasonal Work Visa (D Visa)
   • Ideal for tourism and agriculture
   • Valid up to 9 months
4. Intra-Company Transfer Permit
   • For employees temporarily relocated from multinational firms

Finding a Job in Bulgaria

Aspiring foreign workers can explore openings via:

• Jobs.bg
• Zaplatomer.bg
• European EURES network
• LinkedIn, recruitment agencies, and direct applications to Bulgarian employers

With local labor dwindling, foreign workers are fast becoming essential to Bulgaria’s economy — especially in industries that rely on seasonal and manual labor. For job seekers looking to work in Europe, Bulgaria now presents both opportunity and urgent demand.