Third-country workers in Bulgaria: what the 2025 numbers show

In 2025 the Employment Agency issued work permits and registrations to 24,642 third-country nationals employed in Bulgaria, according to data reported by BTA. Nearly 25,000 people in a single year is not an exception - it is a clear signal that hiring workers from outside the EU has become a normal part of the Bulgarian labour market.

Which sectors hire most actively

• Hospitality and restaurants - the sector with the most pronounced seasonal staff shortage.
• Agriculture and forestry - work that cannot wait for local candidates to appear.
• Construction - constant demand for general and skilled workers on projects across the country.

Why employers choose this route

The reason is simple: when local recruitment leaves positions open for months, the business needs a workable alternative. For many companies, hiring from third countries is the difference between stable operations and a permanent shortage - especially when the need repeats every season.

What to know before you start

• Choosing the right route is the first step: seasonal employment up to 90 days, seasonal employment for 3-9 months, Visa D for 1-3 years, or the EU Blue Card.
• The procedure involves several institutions - the Employment Agency, the Ministry of Interior and the consular services - and takes from a few weeks to a few months depending on the route.
• Starting on time is decisive: employers who begin early meet the season with a full team.

The 2025 numbers show the direction. For most employers the question is no longer whether hiring from third countries works, but how to make the process predictable and on time - with the right route, correct documents and a partner who knows every step.