In 2024, Bulgaria’s immigration landscape experienced notable growth as the country issued over 36,000 work permits to foreign nationals. This figure represents an increase of nearly 10,000 permits compared to 2023, reflecting Bulgaria’s rising appeal as a destination for employment and economic opportunity. Data provided by Atanaska Todorova, the Chief Expert in Labor Market, Migration, and Mobility (as reported by Schengen.News), offers valuable insights into the evolving trends and challenges of Bulgaria’s immigration.

A Snapshot of 2024 Work Permit Statistics

Bulgaria has streamlined its process for non-EU citizens seeking employment in the country. While EU and Swiss nationals need only register with local Employment Offices, non-EU applicants must secure a work permit through the National Employment Agency. In 2024, the government issued over 36,000 work permits, a significant rise from previous years.

Key statistics include:

• Total Permits Issued: Over 36,000
• Increase from 2023: Nearly 10,000 additional permits
• Top Beneficiary Nationalities:
  • Türkiye: Approximately 8,000 permits
  • Uzbekistan: Around 8,000 permits
  • Kyrgyzstan: About 5,000 permits
  • Nepal: Roughly 4,500 permits
  • Moldova: Nearly 1,300 permits

These numbers predominantly represent combined residence and work permits, which enable foreign workers to settle and contribute to Bulgaria’s economy over an extended period.

Seasonal Work Trends

Seasonal employment remains a crucial component of Bulgaria’s labor market, especially in industries such as agriculture and tourism. In 2024, there were over 13,400 seasonal workers registered—a figure that, although slightly lower (by around 2,000) than in 2023, underscores the ongoing reliance on temporary labor during peak seasons.

Notably, Turkish nationals comprised the largest group among seasonal workers, with more than 4,200 registrations. This trend illustrates the importance of seasonal work in Bulgaria and the country’s strategic position in attracting temporary labor from neighboring regions.

The EU Blue Card Scenario

The EU Blue Card Bulgaria program is designed for highly skilled professionals, granting them the right to live and work in the country under a specific employment contract. However, in 2024, only about 800 Blue Cards were issued. This modest uptake suggests two key points:

1. There is a significant demand for skilled labor, yet the stringent eligibility criteria for the Blue Card may be limiting its widespread use.
2. Many Bulgarian employers are currently relying on lower-skilled workers to fill positions, which might be contributing to the lower number of Blue Card issuances.

This situation highlights a gap in the market where the supply of highly qualified professionals does not meet the growing demand, a challenge that could be addressed by revisiting the program’s requirements or by enhancing local training initiatives.

Employer Demand and Worker Retention Challenges

Bulgaria’s labor market is under pressure to fill a substantial number of positions. Recent studies indicate that Bulgarian employers are seeking approximately 262,000 workers and specialists across various sectors. Despite this high demand, worker retention remains a significant challenge. Data indicates that more than 40 percent of foreign workers leave Bulgaria within the first three months of employment, often opting for better opportunities in Western European countries where wages and working conditions may be more favorable.

This high turnover not only disrupts business operations but also places additional burdens on employers who must frequently invest in recruiting and training new staff. Improving retention rates is critical for ensuring a stable and skilled workforce and for the long-term economic success of Bulgaria.

Implications for Bulgaria’s Labor Market

The surge in Bulgaria’s work permits issued in 2024 reflects the country’s proactive measures to attract international talent. However, the statistics reveal several challenges that need to be addressed:

• Skill Mismatch: The relatively low number of EU Blue Card Bulgaria issuances points to a mismatch between the demand for highly skilled professionals and the available pool of qualified candidates.
• Worker Retention: With a significant portion of foreign workers leaving shortly after starting, there is an urgent need for strategies that improve job satisfaction and retention.
• Reliance on Seasonal Labor: Although seasonal work remains vital, the slight decline in registered seasonal workers suggests potential vulnerabilities, especially in sectors heavily dependent on temporary labor.

Addressing these challenges will require concerted efforts from both government bodies and industry stakeholders. By refining recruitment strategies, investing in local workforce training, and improving working conditions, Bulgaria can better align its labor market with the needs of both employers and employees.

Conclusion

The issuance of over 36,000 work permits in 2024 underscores Bulgaria’s commitment to welcoming international talent and fostering a diverse labor market. While the country has made impressive strides in streamlining its work permit application in Bulgaria process, challenges such as low retention rates and the underutilization of the EU Blue Card Bulgaria program continue to loom large.

For individuals looking to navigate the complexities of international employment and Bulgaria immigration, seeking expert guidance can make a significant difference. At the end of the day, comprehensive support is crucial for successfully managing the immigration process. 

ICC Immigration offers reliable and experienced assistance for those looking to secure work permits and other immigration pathways—not only in Bulgaria but across multiple regions. Our expertise can help streamline the process, ensuring that applicants meet all requirements and transition smoothly into their new roles.

By staying informed about these trends and leveraging the right resources, both employers and prospective workers can better prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in Bulgaria’s dynamic labor market.