If you have refugee or humanitarian status, temporary protection, or are currently seeking protection in Bulgaria, you have the right to access the labor market and can benefit from various programs offered by the Employment Agency.

The programs of the Employment Agency facilitate access to the labor market and support the easier integration of refugees through career guidance, training, skills development, and supported employment.

How to Participate?
Refugees and individuals with temporary protection can register at the local Labor Office according to their place of residence as job seekers, whether unemployed, retired, students, or employed, and take advantage of the full range of services offered.

You can find the addresses and contact information of Labor Offices at this [link].

Registration gives you access to career guidance, mediation services, participation in employment and training programs and measures, subsidized employment, and more.

Once you register at the Labor Office, you can receive counseling and be directed to suitable measures tailored to your individual profile for training, education, and employment.

Key Programs and Projects of the Employment Agency

➤ National Program for Employment and Training of Refugees
This program targets unemployed individuals who have been granted refugee or humanitarian status in the current or previous two calendar years, those under temporary protection, or those seeking protection after the third month of application. Funding is provided for both training and for employers who hire refugees.

• Offers Bulgarian language courses (180 academic hours for A1, A2, or B1 levels) and vocational qualification training (300 academic hours);
• Includes subsidized employment for up to 12 months on a full-time basis;
• Provides group risk insurance for unemployed persons participating in training for the duration of the course;
• Grants a stipend for each attended day and covers transport costs when training is held in a location different from the residence.

You can learn more about the program [here].

➤ National Program “Career Start”
This program targets young people up to 29 years old with higher education but without work experience in their field. It is suitable for refugees with recognized diplomas seeking their first job in Bulgaria. It offers subsidized employment in public administration for a period of 12 months.

➤ National Program “Support for Retirement”
Aimed at unemployed persons over the age of 60, this program supports the transition from unemployment to employment and retirement. It provides employment for a period between 3 and 24 months.

➤ National Program for Training and Employment of Long-term Unemployed
This program offers training to enhance skills and qualifications, as well as employment for up to 12 months for long-term unemployed individuals registered with the Labor Offices. Priority is given to youth up to 29 years old, recipients of monthly social assistance, and individuals over 50 years of age. Employers are encouraged through financial incentives.

➤ National Program for Employment and Training of Persons with Permanent Disabilities
Refugees with officially recognized permanent disabilities may benefit from this program, which provides an adapted working environment, subsidized wages, and employer support for up to 24 months. Unemployed persons who have successfully undergone treatment for substance addiction may also participate.

➤ National Program “Melpomene”
This program targets the cultural sector—such as theaters, museums, and cultural institutions—and offers employment opportunities to unemployed individuals with specific experience, professional qualifications, and skills in the performing arts.

➤ Project “Beautiful Bulgaria”
This project provides employment in construction and urban improvement, as well as vocational training in fields related to architecture and construction, healthcare, and social services.

➤ Project “Youth Employment+”
Targeted at unemployed and inactive young people up to 29 years old, including foreigners with the right to work. The project includes three components: training, internship, and employment, along with mentorship and subsidized employment opportunities in various economic sectors.

• Training Component – Provides 6 months of training and employment. Hired individuals receive on-the-job training guided by mentors designated by the employer;
• Internship Component – Offers a 9-month internship with a mentor for youth who have completed vocational secondary or higher education and lack work experience in their field. Employers are incentivized for signing permanent contracts with interns;
• Employment Component – Allows employers to hire youth up to 29 years old without experience in the announced position for up to 9 months, with mentor support throughout the employment period.

➤ Project “I Start Work”
This project offers a comprehensive package of measures aimed at integrating unemployed and inactive individuals—especially those from vulnerable groups—into the labor market. It supports job seekers through motivational training, career counseling, training in key competences and vocational qualifications, and inclusion in subsidized employment programs. It is suitable for individuals without a profession or those needing retraining.

Subsidized employment is provided:

• For unemployed and inactive individuals – up to 6 months;
• For those in disadvantaged situations – up to 12 months;
• For individuals with permanent disabilities – up to 24 months.

You can view all programs managed by the Labor Offices [here].

Useful Tips:

• If you are looking for a job, you can register on the employment platform www.migrantlife.bg, managed by the Foundation for Access to Rights – FAR. It connects employers with refugees and migrants who have the right to work in Bulgaria. The platform is available in 9 languages (Bulgarian, English, French, Russian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Arabic, Pashto, and Farsi) and offers real-time job listings.
• For additional help with job search and application, contact organizations that work with refugees—they often assist with translation, filling out documents, and finding suitable employers.