Over 60% of businesses in Bulgaria are open to hiring workers from non-EU countries, according to findings from the ongoing project “Functionally Sustainable Migration and Integration in Bulgaria,” led by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) in partnership with the Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development.
As part of this initiative, the two organizations recently held an online meeting to coordinate upcoming activities, including a national roundtable scheduled for September 25, 2025, in Sofia.
The event will be held in a hybrid format and is expected to bring together a wide range of participants, including government officials, local authorities, business associations, international organizations, non-governmental institutions, and employers.
The main focus will be to discuss workforce integration and potential solutions to Bulgaria’s ongoing labor market challenges.
During the roundtable, the results of a nationwide survey conducted earlier this year among Bulgarian employers will be presented. The survey explored the attitudes of businesses toward hiring workers from outside the European Union.
Preliminary data shared in July, during a BCCI-hosted event titled “Triple Transition: When Green and Digital Support Social Integration,” indicated that labor shortages remain a pressing issue.
Over 78% of companies reported experiencing difficulties in filling positions, with 64% expressing readiness to hire third-country nationals. Employers highlighted key expectations for potential foreign workers. According to the survey, 52% of companies require relevant work experience and qualifications.
Meanwhile, 22% prioritize proficiency in the Bulgarian language to ensure smoother integration, and 9% value formal education credentials.
Another 9% focus primarily on job-specific skills. These criteria underline that, while Bulgarian businesses are increasingly open to hiring from abroad, they still seek workers capable of integrating efficiently into the workplace.
Labor market shortages have become a recurring topic in BCCI’s discussions with both domestic and international partners.
In recent months, the Chamber has engaged with representatives from India, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and China, considering these nations as potential sources of skilled and semi-skilled labor for Bulgaria.
In addition to facilitating dialogue, the project aims to streamline procedures for companies seeking to employ non-EU workers.
During their latest coordination meeting, project partners finalized a methodology to help businesses reduce administrative burdens linked to labor migration.
Plans for a series of informational events across the country were also discussed, along with updates on current developments in migration policy.
The upcoming Sofia roundtable is expected to serve as a critical platform for discussing not only the survey results but also broader strategies to address Bulgaria’s workforce gaps.
By connecting employers, policymakers, and international stakeholders, BCCI and its partners aim to pave the way for more functional, sustainable labor migration that supports both business growth and social integration.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members