Jobs in Bulgaria for Foreigners: Work Visa Requirements, Wages and Taxation

Bulgaria is not among the most sought-after EU countries for foreign migrants. The main reason is relatively low wages. Even amid a labor shortage and the readiness to accept 50,000–70,000 foreign workers, local employers cannot offer much more than the national average salary of about €1250.

However, if we look at the issue from another perspective, prices in Bulgaria are roughly 50% lower than the EU average. This means that, within the country itself, such income provides a decent standard of living, especially considering that Bulgaria’s tax system withholds only about 22% of one’s earnings.

In this article, we will examine how to find employment in Bulgaria, which professions are in highest demand, and what legal formalities must be taken into account.

The Bulgarian Labor Market

According to data from Bulgaria’s National Statistical Institute, the unemployment rate in 2025 stands at around 4.6%, one of the lowest levels recorded in the past 15 years. At the same time, about 25–30% of all employers in Bulgaria report a shortage of qualified workers, particularly in construction, agriculture, hospitality, and transportation. For this reason, Bulgaria is actively opening its labor market to foreign employees. In 2024 alone, more than 36,000 work permits were issued to citizens of third countries, and in 2025 the quota was increased by approximately 20%.

Most in-demand vacancies in Bulgaria:

• IT and digital technologies — developers, QA engineers, DevOps specialists, cybersecurity experts.
• Hospitality and food service — chefs, waiters, housekeepers, bartenders, receptionists.
• Agriculture — fruit and vegetable pickers, vineyard workers, livestock farm employees.
• Construction and logistics — masons, electricians, plumbers, drivers, warehouse staff.
• Social care and healthcare — caregivers, nurses, domestic assistants.
• Education and language training — teachers of foreign languages, especially English and Russian.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Employment in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s job opportunities attract foreigners with its simple administrative procedures, low taxation, and mild climate. Moreover, the country is gradually catching up with its EU neighbors in terms of living standards. However, the wage gap with Central Europe remains substantial.

Advantages of Bulgarian job:

• Accessible labor market. Work permits for citizens of third countries can be obtained within 15–20 working days, making Bulgaria one of the more straightforward EU destinations for legal employment.
• Low taxes. Bulgaria maintains one of the lowest personal income tax rates in the EU—10%. Social security contributions range from 19% to 22% of gross salary, with roughly half covered by the employer.
• Low cost of living. Living expenses in Bulgaria are approximately 45–55% lower than in Western Europe. A net monthly income of €700—900 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle.
• Flexible employment options. The country offers diverse forms of work, from seasonal and remote jobs to part-time and short-term contracts providing flexibility for both employers and employees.

Disadvantages of working in Bulgaria:

• Low wage levels. Despite favorable taxation, real incomes remain among the lowest in the EU. The average net salary is around €1000, compared to approximately €1400 in neighboring Romania.
• Regional disparities. Wages in Sofia and Varna can be up to twice as high as in smaller towns or rural regions.
• Bureaucracy. Although the system has improved, obtaining a Type D visa, work permit, and residence permit still involves bureaucracy. While the work permit itself can be processed in under a month, completing the entire procedure usually takes 1.5 to 2 months.
• Seasonal job market. Jobs in tourism and agriculture account for up to 30% of all vacancies. Consequently, employment demand drops sharply during the off-season (November—March), especially in coastal areas.
• Shadow economy. An estimated 15–20% of the labor market operates informally. Some employers continue to use «grey» payment schemes, paying part of salaries off the books to avoid Bulgarian taxation.

Average Salary in Bulgaria

According to the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria (NSI) and Eurostat, the average gross monthly salary in Bulgaria in the second quarter of 2025 is around €1250, with an average net income of €950—1000.

As of January 1, 2025, the Bulgarian minimum wage has been set at €551. Wage growth remains robust: between 2024 and 2025, nominal wages increased by 13.4%, while real growth (adjusted for inflation) reached approximately 8.5%.

Average salary by region:

Average Bulgarian wages by industry:

Average salary by in-demand jobs in Bulgaria:

Taxation in Bulgaria

According to the Personal Income Tax Act (ЗДДФЛ), an individual pay taxes in Bulgaria if they reside in the country for 183 days or more within a 12-month period, or if they have a center of vital interests in Bulgaria — such as family, business, or property.

Residents are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents pay taxes only on income earned within Bulgaria. Importantly, tax rates are the same for both residents and non-residents. No additional registration is required: obtaining a Bulgarian work permit automatically entails registration with the National Revenue Agency (NAP). For short-term employment up to 90 days, taxes are withheld by the employer, and no personal tax declaration is necessary.

Bulgaria’s income tax rate is a flat 10%, applied to all types of income regardless of amount. This makes Bulgaria one of the lowest-tax jurisdictions in the EU, especially compared to:

• Czech Republic — 15%.
• Poland — 12–32% (progressive).
• Germany — up to 45% (progressive).

In addition to income tax, social security contributions are deducted from wages. The total contribution rate is 32.7% of gross salary, split between employer and employee as follows:

Under formal employment, an employee effectively loses about 10.7% of gross income to social contributions, plus 10% Bulgarian personal income tax. The employer, in turn, contributes roughly 22% on top of the employee’s gross salary. As a result, the total labor tax wedge, i.e., the share of employment costs paid to the state, is around 39–40%, which is below the EU average of 46–48%.

How to Find a Job in Bulgaria

It is more challenging to find a job in Bulgaria than in other EU countries. The main reason is that a large portion of local vacancies are posted on domestic job portals and social media and rarely appear on international platforms.

According to EURES and the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria, by the end of 2024 there were approximately 95,000 open positions across the country, of which only 18% were explicitly aimed at foreign workers.

Main Bulgarian job search portals:

• Jobs.bg. The largest national job portal, featuring over 60,000 active listings. Best suited for professionals, office employees, and IT specialists.
• Zaplata.bg. Focuses on blue-collar jobs, service, trade, and logistics. Frequently features vacancies not requiring Bulgarian language skills.
• JobTiger.bg. Popular among students and young professionals; includes a section for temporary and seasonal jobs.
• EURES.europa.eu. The official EU employment portal, listing verified and legal job offers with detailed information on working and living conditions.
• Indeed.com / LinkedIn. Suitable for finding jobs in international companies, particularly in Sofia and Plovdiv.
• BalkanHire.com. A newer platform specializing in employment opportunities for foreigners from CIS and Balkan countries.

Both local and international recruitment agencies operate actively in Bulgaria. Most are licensed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MLSP). The official list of licensed Bulgarian employment agencies is publicly available on the MLSP’s website.

For those who prefer to avoid intermediaries, the Bulgarian Employment Agency (Агенция по заетостта) maintains a portal with job listings for both local citizens and foreigners. However, this option is best suited for applicants who already hold a work permit.

Social networks and online communities play a significant role in job searching. Telegram channels, Facebook groups, and professional forums often share fresh postings. However, caution is advised: up to 15% of such listings may not comply with Bulgarian labor regulations. Some employers may lack a valid license or offer semi-legal employment arrangements.

Employment in Bulgaria for Foreigners

Citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) have the right to work in Bulgaria without a work permit. A valid passport or national ID card is sufficient, along with temporary registration at the place of residence. The only formal requirement is to register the employment contract with the National Revenue Agency (NAP).

For non-EU nationals, employment is regulated by the Law on Labour Migration and Labour Mobility (Закон за трудовата миграция и трудовата мобилност, ZTMTM). Several types of work arrangements are available:

• Standard work permit. After signing a contract, the Bulgarian employer applies to the Employment Bureau for approval. Once granted, the foreign worker receives a Type D visa, and upon arrival, a Bulgarian work visa is issued.
• EU Blue Card. Designed for highly qualified professionals with a university degree and proven expertise. The minimum salary under the contract must be at least 1.5 times higher than the national average (i.e., around €1875 in 2025).
• Seasonal employment (up to 90 days). Common in tourism, agriculture, and food processing. The work permit is issued directly through the employer and allows short-term legal employment during the summer season.
• Intra-corporate transfer / Posting. Used by multinational companies to relocate managers or key staff within corporate structures. If the employee already holds a valid EU work permit, no additional Bulgarian visa is required.

Bulgarian work visa requirements:

• Documents. Passport, signed employment contract, copy of work permit, and valid health insurance.
• Language. Bulgarian is advantageous but not mandatory; English is sufficient for IT and international business roles.
• Health insurance. Must cover the entire duration of stay.
• Minimum salary. Cannot be below the national minimum — €551 per month (as of 2025).
• Accommodation. The employer must provide proof of housing or accommodation for the foreign employee.

Employment contracts for foreign nationals in Bulgaria are fully governed by the Bulgarian Labour Code. Foreign workers enjoy the same legal rights as Bulgarian citizens, including paid annual leave, sick leave, termination compensation, and access to social security benefits.

Seasonal and Temporary Employment in Bulgaria

Seasonal work in Bulgaria is concentrated mainly in tourism (May—October) and agriculture (April—October). For foreign workers, this is one of the most accessible entry points into the Bulgarian labor market — language requirements are generally lower, the application process is simplified, and many employers provide accommodation and meals. The main drawbacks are income instability during the off-season and the risk of informal («grey») payment schemes.

Main periods of seasonal employment in Bulgaria:

Seasonal contracts of up to 90 days are rarely extended and only at the employer’s initiative. Working hours typically range from 40 to 48 hours per week, with overtime compensated either financially or through additional days off. The Bulgaria work permit processing time typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, while seasonal employment permits may take up to two months to be issued.

Most seasonal workers are employed under fixed-term contracts governed by the Bulgarian Labour Code. In practice, this ensures minimum wage guarantees, paid rest days, and insurance contributions if the employment is formalized.

Most common seasonal Bulgarian jobs for foreigners:

• Waiter/Bartender.
• Housekeeper/Hotel Maid.
• Hotel Receptionist/Administrator.
• Line Cook / Kitchen Assistant.
• Animator/Activity Instructor.
• Berry or Vegetable Picker.
• Vineyard Worker.
• Warehouse Packer / Order Picker.
• Forklift Operator.
• Courier/Delivery Worker.

Employment Opportunities in Bulgaria for Pensioners

Bulgaria attracts not only young professionals but also older individuals and retirees seeking a mild climate, low cost of living, and a safe environment. Pensioners from non-EU countries can obtain a residence permit based on proof of sufficient income at least equal to the minimum salary in Bulgaria (€500—550 per month).

For those wishing to engage in part-time or freelance work, it is necessary either to obtain a work permit or to register as a self-employed person (самоосигуряващо се лице). In both cases, valid health insurance is mandatory, even for limited or irregular employment.

Common types of work for pensioners in Bulgaria:

Legal Aspects of Employment in Bulgaria

Even when holding a valid employment contract with a Bulgarian employer, foreign nationals must ensure that their employment fully complies with the Bulgarian Labour Code and is registered with the National Revenue Agency (NAP). Failure to meet these legal requirements may result in severe penalties, including fines for employers of up to €10,200 and deportation of the foreign worker, along with a ban on entry to the EU for up to five years.

Work permits and visa requirements:

Every employment contract in Bulgaria must be signed in writing before work begins and include the following mandatory details:

• Full names of both parties, job title, and workplace.
• Gross salary amount and payment frequency.
• Paid leave entitlement (minimum 20 working days per year).
• Working hours (typically 40 hours per week).
• Terms and conditions for termination of employment.

The employer is obliged to register the contract with the NAP within 3 days of signing and to provide the employee with a copy of the registration certificate. Without this registration, the employment relationship is considered illegal, even if a signed contract exists.

Within 3–5 days of arrival, a foreign employee must register their residence address at the local police department (Ministry of Interior). Required documents:

• Copy of rental contract or accommodation guarantee letter from the employer,
• Passport and copy of visa.
• Application for address registration.

All foreign workers in Bulgaria are required to have health insurance covering the entire duration of their stay, with a minimum coverage amount of €30,000. For formally employed workers, insurance contributions (3.2% of the employee’s salary) are paid by the employer as part of social security, while remote jobs in Bulgaria usually require workers to arrange their own health insurance, which typically costs around €25—35 per month.