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Factsheet for measure BG-2018-1/3851 – measures in Bulgaria

Bilateral Agreements for Labour Migration

Двустранни споразумения за трудова миграци

Country Bulgaria , applies nationwide
Time period Open ended, started on 01 January 2018
Context Labour Migration Management
Type Legislations or other statutory regulations
Category Employment protection and retention
– Income support for people in employment (e.g., short-time work)
Author Bagryan Malamin
Measure added 30 April 2025 (updated 06 June 2025)

Background information

To address labour shortages and promote legal labour mobility, Bulgaria has signed bilateral labour migration agreements with Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, and Israel. These agreements facilitate the temporary and seasonal employment of third-country nationals in Bulgaria while safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring legal recruitment channels.

They typically allow foreign nationals to work in Bulgaria without a separate work permit, provided they hold a valid employment contract and residence permit. The agreements also provide for coordination between national employment services. Legal references include: Agreement with Moldova, Agreement with Armenia, Agreement with Georgia, Agreement with Israel.

Content of measure

These bilateral agreements cover temporary and seasonal employment for nationals of Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, and Israel. The agreements are aimed at easing access to Bulgaria’s labour market in sectors facing worker shortages, such as agriculture, construction, and services. Eligible applicants must be nationals of the partner country and must have a valid job offer from a Bulgarian employer. Employment is typically permitted for up to 1 year, extendable to 3 years; or for seasonal work: up to 9 months per year. Recruitment is coordinated through the respective national employment agencies, ensuring transparency and legal protection. The agreements stipulate that workers receive equal treatment under Bulgarian labour law, including wages, working conditions, and social protection. There is no direct monetary support from the Bulgarian state under these agreements.

Use of measure

In 2023, over 23,000 third-country nationals received permits to work in Bulgaria, with a portion of these individuals arriving through bilateral agreements with countries such as Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, and Israel. Exact figures per agreement are not published, but uptake is particularly in sectors with acute labour shortages, such as agriculture, construction, and tourism.

Target groups

Workers Businesses Citizens
Applies to all workers Applies to all businesses Applies to all citizens

Actors and funding

Actors Funding
National government
Trade unions
Employers' organisations
Company / Companies
Public employment service
Social insurance
No special funding required

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

Trade unions Employers' organisations
Role Consulted Consulted
Form Consultation through tripartite or bipartite social dialogue bodies Consultation through tripartite or bipartite social dialogue bodies

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

  • Social partners jointly
  • Main level of involvement: Unknown

Involvement

Social partners were consulted through Bulgaria’s tripartite framework. CITUB, Podkrepa, and employer organisations provided input on worker protections, recruitment needs, and labour standards. Though not involved in drafting, they contribute by advising, monitoring, and supporting implementation of the agreements.

Views and reactions

Social partners are generally supportive of the measure. Employer organisations view it as essential for addressing labour shortages. Trade unions are more cautious but agree with the principle, emphasising the need for strong safeguards to ensure fair treatment, equal pay, and protection against worker exploitation.

Sectors and occupations

This case is not occupation-specific.

Sources

Citation

Eurofound (2025), Bilateral Agreements for Labour Migration, measure BG-2018-1/3851 (measures in Bulgaria), EU PolicyWatch, Dublin, https://static.eurofound.europa.eu/covid19db/cases/BG-2018-1_3851.html

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Disclaimer: This information has not been subject to the full Eurofound evaluation, editorial and publication process.