Foreign Jobs in Bulgaria – Visa, Salary, and How to Apply

Bulgaria is currently facing a serious labor shortage across almost all major industries. The tourism sector is suffering the most, especially as the country prepares for its busy summer season. Experts say that the tourism industry alone needs at least 50,000 foreign workers to meet demand and keep services running smoothly.

But the problem doesn’t stop there. Other important sectors—such as construction, transport, and healthcare—are also reporting major staff shortages. This labor crisis is becoming a nationwide issue, affecting both cities and rural areas.

Why Is Bulgaria Facing a Labor Shortage?

Several reasons are behind this growing problem:

• Aging Population: Many older workers are retiring, and there aren’t enough young people to replace them.
• Migration to Western Europe: A large number of Bulgarians are moving abroad in search of better job opportunities and higher pay, especially in countries like Germany, the UK, and Spain.
• Low Interest in Physical Jobs: Many local people are not interested in doing seasonal, low-paid, or physically demanding work such as construction or housekeeping.

This combination of factors has made it difficult for businesses to find enough employees, especially during the high-demand summer season.

Over 36,000 Foreign Workers Got Permits in 2024

To solve the labor shortage, many Bulgarian companies are now turning to foreign workers. In 2024 alone, over 36,000 work permits were given to workers from 79 different countries, according to data from Bulgaria’s labor authorities.

The largest number of foreign workers came from:

• Türkiye
• Uzbekistan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Nepal
• Moldova

These workers are now helping in key areas like hospitality, transportation, construction, and other important services. As the labor shortage worsens, experts believe more sectors will open up to foreign workers in the near future.

Hiring Delays Due to Bureaucracy

Even though the need for workers is high, hiring foreign staff is not easy. Businesses often face long delays because of slow and complicated paperwork. It can take six to nine months to get a work permit approved. This is mostly due to:

• Outdated systems
• Lack of staff in government offices
• Poor communication between government departments

These delays are especially hard for businesses that rely on seasonal workers, such as hotels and restaurants that only operate during the summer.

Rules on Hiring Foreign Workers

Right now, there are limits on how many foreign workers Bulgarian companies can hire. According to the law:

• Large companies can hire up to 20% of their workforce from abroad.
• Small and medium-sized companies can hire up to 35% of their employees from other countries.

However, because of the labor shortage, the Bulgarian government is reviewing these limits. Many business owners are asking for the rules to be more flexible so they can hire the people they need.

Work Visa Options for Foreign Job Seekers

If you’re a foreigner interested in working in Bulgaria, there are several types of visas and permits available:

1. EU Blue Card
   • For highly skilled professionals like IT experts and healthcare workers.
   • Valid for up to four years.
2. Single Work Permit
   • For non-EU citizens who will work in Bulgaria for more than 90 days.
   • Usually valid for one year, and it can be renewed.
3. Seasonal Work Visa (Type D Visa)
   • For short-term jobs in tourism and agriculture.
   • Valid for up to nine months.
4. Intra-Company Transfer Permit
   • For workers who are transferring from an international branch to a Bulgarian office.
   • Usually used by multinational companies.

Where to Find Jobs in Bulgaria

If you’re looking for work in Bulgaria, there are many helpful resources available:

• Online Job Websites: Sites like Jobs.bg and Zaplatomer.bg are popular for finding job listings in all industries.
• EURES Network: This is a European job search platform that connects employers and job seekers across Europe.
• Recruitment Agencies: These companies can help you find a job and guide you through the application and visa process.
• LinkedIn: Many Bulgarian companies use LinkedIn to post job openings, especially in tech and business fields.
• Direct Applications: You can also apply directly to companies, especially in industries like hospitality, construction, and IT.

As the labor shortage continues, foreign workers are becoming more important than ever to Bulgaria’s economy. Without enough staff, many businesses cannot grow or even stay open. By hiring international employees, Bulgaria is finding new ways to support its economy and maintain essential services.

In the coming years, we can expect to see even more efforts to attract foreign talent, speed up the visa process, and loosen hiring restrictions to meet the growing demand for workers in every part of the country.

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