Labor availability
The total number of the workforce in 2004 was 3 376 600 people, (2 969 800 employed; 406 100 unemployed) or 50.5% of the population at the age of 15 and more.
For the last four years total labor force has increased. The unemployment rate has also grown due to raised economic activity. The number of people engaged in the private sector has grown due to the restructuring of the economy. Most of the people unemployed have mainly secondary education. In June 2004, 27% of the employed people were working in manufacturing, 14% in trade and repair activities, and 9 % in education.
| Labor force data | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor force | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 |
| Labor force total | 3264.7 | 3248.6 | 3237.1 | 3376.0 |
| Employed total | 2628.2 | 2704.4 | 2825.6 | 2969.8 |
| In the private sector % | 60.3 | 62.6 | 65.6 | 68.8 |
In cities |
2033.8 594.4 |
2090.0 614.4 |
2167.3 658.3 |
2246.6 723.2 |
| Unemployed total | 636.5 | 544.2 | 411.4 | 406.1 |
| In cities In villages |
435.5 201.0 |
381.6 162.7 |
283.6 127.8 |
290.6 115.5 |
| With tertiary education | n/a | 64.7 | n/a | 46.3 |
| With secondary education | n/a | 290.0 | n/a | 207.7 |
Salary levels
The minimum monthly salary in 2004, set by the Government is 120 BGN (EUR 61). The average monthly salary in 2004 was EUR 149. The highest monthly salaries were paid in financial service sector (EUR 324) and Energy, gas and water supply (EUR 274), while the lowest salary levels were in the sector of hotels and restaurants (EUR 95). The average salary for manufacturing was EUR 135. For the last four years the country average salary has increased by 4.3% on average, while the average rate for the manufacturing industries by 3.8%.
Entry and employment of foreign nationals
The basic legislation referring to entry and employment of foreigners in Bulgaria includes the following acts:
- Law on Foreigners in Bulgaria;
- Law on Promotion of Employment;
- Regulation on the Conditions and Procedure for Issuance, Refusal and Depriving From Work Permits of Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria;
- Law on Foreign Investments;
- Labour Code.
A visa is required for entry in Bulgaria, except otherwise provided for by international agreements Bulgaria is a party to or by the Bulgarian regulations. In the latter case visa is not needed, if the foreigner's stay does not exceed 90 (30 for some states) days within each period of six months. Bulgarian visas are issued by the Bulgarian diplomatic and consulate services abroad in the form of airport transfer visa, transit visa, short entry visa or long-term visa. Foreigners may remain in Bulgaria:
- For a short period of up to 90 days, on the basis of a visa, or visa free, where applicable;
- For a period of up to 12 months on the basis of a longstay permit - for some categories of foreigners, including those that have obtained a work permit; are members of management or supervisory bodies of Bulgarian registered companies; are managers of foreign representative offices; conduct business activity in Bulgaria that has created at leas 10 jobs for Bulgarian nationals; conduct activities under the Law on Encouragement of Investments; are students, etc.
- For unlimited period on the basis of a permanent stay permit - for some categories, including individuals of Bulgarian origin; individuals that have legally invested in the country more than USD 250,000, etc.
Foreigners wishing to work in Bulgaria need a work permit, issued by the Employment Agency with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. The work permit can be issued for a period of 1 year (with two 1-year extension option s). The work permit can be issued if:
- the employer has actively searched for a Bulgarian specialist to take the job, but no eligible Bulgarian nationals or foreigners with permanent residence status have been available;
- the foreigner meets the eligibility requirements;
- the total number of foreign employees of the local employer during the preceding 12 months does not exceed 10% of the average number of all employees - Bulgarian and refugees, or individuals with humanitarian status;
- the working conditions and remuneration offered to the foreigner are not less favourable than the ones offered to Bulgarian citizens;
- the remuneration is sufficient to cover the means of support in the country, defined by the government.
Foreign nationals, after being registered by the employer at the Employment Agency, may perform short-term assignments without a work permit under the following circumstances:
- Foreign nationals are sent on a business trip to Bulgaria by their foreign employer
- The assignment in Bulgaria is up to 3 months within one year
- The assignment may include the following activities: installation or warranty repair of imported machinery and equipment; training in the operating of equipment or delivery of ordered equipment; training as part of an export contract for the supply of goods under a license agreement; control and coordination of the performance of a tourist services contact between a foreign tour-operator and a Bulgarian tour-operator or hotel-keeper.
The following categories of foreigners do not need a work permit to work in Bulgaria:
- foreigners, who have obtained permanent residence status in Bulgaria, as well as refugees or individuals with humanitarian status;
- foreigners working under international governmental agreements, incl. diplomats; mass media correspondents, accredited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
- managers of companies or branches of foreign companies;
- members of the Managing Board or Board of Directors of local companies, not employed on a labor contract;
- managers of representative offices of foreign companies registered in the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
