250,000 Employees Needed Across Nearly All Sectors of the Bulgarian Economy

In 2024, the number of third-country workers in Bulgaria reached a new post-pandemic peak. According to data from the Employment Agency, more than 10,400 foreign workers from outside the European Union started working in the country over the past year. This growth is driven both by newly simplified recruitment procedures and by rising income levels in Bulgaria, making the country an increasingly attractive destination for foreign workers.

Where Do the Workers Come From?

Although the overall trend of recruiting foreign workers remains relatively stable, the dynamics of their countries of origin are changing. In 2024, the five leading source countries were Kyrgyzstan with 2,709 workers, Uzbekistan with 2,151, Nepal with 1,328, Moldova with 1,043, and Turkey with 1,003 workers. These employees are primarily engaged in the hospitality, restaurant, and construction sectors, with demand concentrated in seaside and mountain resorts such as Sunny Beach, Varna, Nessebar, Bansko, and Borovets.

Labor Shortages – A Growing Challenge

The Bulgarian economy is facing a severe labor shortage. According to various estimates, the country needs more than 250,000 additional employees across different sectors. The main reasons include an aging population, record-low unemployment—which fell below 150,000 people at the end of 2023—and a lack of sufficiently qualified professionals in key industries. Employers continue to actively recruit foreign workers, and since the beginning of 2024, the Employment Agency has already processed over 150 applications for short-term employment of up to 90 days and registered more than 1,200 third-country nationals entering the labor market.

Hiring Foreign Workers – What Are the Restrictions?

One of the key regulations for Bulgarian employers is that they are not allowed to hire more than 35% of their workforce from third countries outside the EU. This requirement obliges companies to maintain a balance between local and foreign employees, which often creates additional challenges when filling vacant positions.

Early Planning – The Key to Success

In highly seasonal sectors such as tourism, preparation for hiring foreign workers begins as early as winter. Work permit procedures take at least 2–3 months, meaning that employers who wait until the last minute risk being left without the necessary staff during the peak season. Experience from previous years shows that early application is crucial to ensure employees can start work on time. Otherwise, hotels and restaurants may find themselves understaffed when demand for labor reaches its highest point.

What Lies Ahead?

Given the growing interest of foreign workers in Bulgaria and the business sector’s increasing need for qualified personnel, it is likely that we will see further changes in regulations and recruitment processes in the future. The key question remains whether these measures will be sufficient to address the escalating labor shortage and make Bulgaria even more attractive to international professionals.