Bulgaria Issues Record Number of Work Permits, But 40% of Migrants Leave for Western Europe

In 2024, Bulgaria issued over 36,000 work permits to foreign nationals, marking a significant increase of 10,000 permits compared to 2023. This surge highlights the country's growing reliance on foreign labor to address persistent labor shortages. However, Bulgaria is struggling to retain workers, as 40% of foreign employees leave the country within three months, often relocating to Western Europe in pursuit of better wages and working conditions.

According to data from the Bulgarian government, the top recipients of work permits in 2024 were:

Turkey – 8,000
Uzbekistan – approximately 8,000
Kyrgyzstan – approximately 5,000
Nepal – 4,500
Moldova – 1,300
Most of these workers received combined residence and work permits, allowing them to stay in Bulgaria for employment. Seasonal employment, however, remained a secondary pathway for foreign workers.

Labor Shortages and Economic Impact

Despite the increase in foreign workers, Bulgaria faces a significant labor shortage. According to the National Employment Agency, employers in Bulgaria are seeking over 262,000 workers across various industries, including construction, agriculture, and tourism.

In 2024, the country registered 13,435 seasonal workers, a decrease of 2,000 compared to the previous year. Among them, more than 4,200 were Turkish nationals, making them the largest group of seasonal workers.

However, the retention rate of foreign workers remains a major issue. A recent study found that 40% of non-EU employees leave Bulgaria within three months, often heading to Western European countries where wages and working conditions are significantly better.

EU Blue Card: Falling Short of Expectations

Bulgaria has been promoting the EU Blue Card program to attract highly skilled workers, but the results have been underwhelming. In 2024, the country issued only 800 Blue Cards, far below employer expectations. The Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals, designed to attract skilled professionals to the EU.

To address the shortage of skilled labor, the Bulgarian government is considering:
- Reducing the processing time for Blue Cards from six months to two months
- Extending the Blue Card validity from one year to three years
- Simplifying the application process
- Wage Concerns and Labor Market Challenges

One of the main reasons for Bulgaria's labor shortage is low wages.

The minimum wage in Bulgaria in 2024 stands at 510 BGN (€250) per month. The average monthly salary is around €400, making it one of the lowest in the European Union. These low wages make Bulgaria an unattractive destination for foreign workers, especially when compared to Western European salaries, which can be three to four times higher. As a result, many foreign workers use Bulgaria as a stepping stone to enter the EU, later migrating to higher-paying countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

What’s Next for Bulgaria’s Labor Market?

The Bulgarian government is considering bilateral agreements with countries like Israel and Moldova to bring in more foreign workers. However, without improving working conditions and salaries, retaining labor remains a challenge.

To stabilize its workforce, Bulgaria needs to:
- Increase wages to remain competitive with other EU countries
- Improve worker protections and conditions
- Streamline the hiring process for foreign employees

The growing reliance on foreign labor suggests that Bulgaria’s economy depends on attracting and retaining foreign workers. Whether the country can create a sustainable labor market in the coming years will depend on wage reforms, policy changes, and improved job conditions.