Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

In 2023, most foreigners employed in Bulgaria came for seasonal work

Photo: Georgi Neykov, BNR

Over 12,000 foreigners from non-EU countries have received various types of work permits in the country since the beginning of the year. 

According to the Employment Agency, construction is the main sector in which foreigners in Bulgaria are employed, with the largest number of them in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas and Elin Pelin. 

6,837 people from non-EU countries registered for seasonal employment of up to 90 days. They worked in the hotel and restaurant industry, as well as in agriculture, forestry and fishing. 

There are 156 foreigners of Bulgarian origin registered to work in Bulgaria: from Moldova – 54; Russia – 49; Serbia – 28; Ukraine - 19 and North Macedonia - 5. They are mainly employed under bilateral employment agreements between Bulgaria and the respective country. 

2,134 citizens of third countries work in Bulgaria with the EU Blue Card for highly qualified employment.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Rumen Radev

President Radev: Europe should support the US’ efforts for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine

To insist on seeking a military settlement to the conflict in Ukraine is a losing venture. Europe should support the efforts of the US to find a better solution, said President Rumen Radev at the Chief of Defence Annual Conference in Sofia. At..

published on 2/25/25 2:34 PM
PM Rosen Zhelyazkov

PM Zhelyazkov reiterates no Bulgarian troops will be sent to Ukraine

“There is no change, Bulgarian troops are not going to be sent to Ukraine,” said PM Rosen Zhelyazkov in a comment about the meeting between US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House. “The institutions in..

published on 2/25/25 1:17 PM
Ministry of Defence building

Bulgaria to take part in common procurement of IRIS-T air defence systems and CAESAR howitzers

Bulgaria is to take part in common procurement procedures in the sphere of defence at an EU level, under projects for the acquisition of IRIS-T air defence systems and CAESAR self-propelled howitzers. The Ministry of Defence applied for and..

published on 2/25/25 1:04 PM