Bulgaria and Non-EU Workforce: Challenges and Opportunities for Businesses

In recent years, Bulgaria has been facing a severe labor shortage. The most affected sectors are manufacturing, construction, tourism, and agriculture, where the local workforce is no longer sufficient. Increasingly, the solution comes from abroad—through the recruitment of workers from third countries.

According to projections for 2025, the number of non-EU workers entering Bulgaria is expected to reach a record 50,000 work permits, while the total number of foreign employees in the country is projected to exceed 100,000.

The Myth of “Cheap Labor”

It is important to emphasize that foreign workers are not a cheap alternative. They are employed under the same working conditions as Bulgarian employees. The main challenge for employers lies in the lack of a long-term strategy. Recruitment is often done urgently, without a clear plan for visa renewals and workforce integration over the next three years.

Nevertheless, experience shows that foreign workers adapt quickly and demonstrate high levels of motivation. They are willing to acquire new skills, take on overtime work, and integrate successfully into the Bulgarian working environment.

The Next Step – Mid-Level Specialists

So far, the most significant shortages have been in low-skilled positions. However, current trends clearly indicate that demand for mid-level specialists will soon follow. This raises an important question: what is the long-term strategy of the state and the business sector? Will Bulgaria be able to create conditions that encourage these professionals to stay permanently?

The Return of Bulgarians from Abroad

A positive development is that over the past year, approximately 60,000 Bulgarians have returned from abroad, primarily from Northern Europe. Estimates suggest that around one-third of Bulgarians living abroad—approximately 2.5 to 3 million people—would consider returning if conditions were favorable. This represents a major opportunity for demographics, the labor market, and investment.

The Challenge with Young People

At the same time, Bulgaria has around 150,000 young people who are neither studying nor working. Some choose temporary employment or a lifestyle without full-time commitment—a trend observed in many countries in the post-Covid period. This further intensifies the need for foreign labor.

Our Role as a Business Partner

As a company specializing in the recruitment and integration of third-country workers, we believe that success is not only about filling vacancies quickly. The real solution lies in a sustainable approach:

• Recruiting motivated candidates with long-term commitment;

• Supporting adaptation and training;

• Building strategic partnerships with employers for effective workforce management.

Bulgaria is already part of the global labor market. The question is whether we will use this opportunity strategically—to build a stable and competitive economy.