Created on 28.10.2025
On May 1, 2025, a new Program for Humanitarian Support and Integration of Displaced Persons from Ukraine with Temporary Protection came into force. It was adopted by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria in accordance with the European Union's decision to extend temporary protection until March 4, 2026.
The program was created to help persons from Ukraine who have been granted temporary protection in Bulgaria to successfully integrate into the country, including access to the labor market, social assistance, medical care, education, etc.
In this article, you will learn more about the right to work of persons with temporary protection who are accommodated under the Program for Humanitarian Support and Integration of Displaced Persons from Ukraine.
I. Who is eligible for the Program?
All persons from Ukraine who hold a valid registration card for a foreigner under temporary protection are eligible for the Program. This card is the official document that proves your status and gives you access to a number of rights in Bulgaria, including the right to work, education, healthcare, and social services. For more information about the rights and opportunities that the Program offers you, read here.
II. Who has access to the labor market in Bulgaria?
If you have temporary protection, you can work freely in Bulgaria – without a special work permit. Bulgarian institutions are obliged to support you in finding suitable work and integrating into the labor market.
Important! In answer to an official inquiry, made by Foundation for access to rights, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy as well as the Head of the National operational headquarters confirmed that all persons with temporary protection who are accommodated under the Program for Humanitarian Support in hotels or state facilities have the right to work in Bulgaria and can freely participate in the labor market.
The owner and/or manager of the hotel or place where you are accommodated cannot prohibit you from working under an labor contract. Being threatened that you will have to leave the hotel or place of accommodation if you find a job is absolutely illegal.
III. What measures for integration and finding work are provided for in the Program for Humanitarian Support?
The current Program for Humanitarian Support not only does not prohibit you from working, but on the contrary, encourages you to find work in Bulgaria, because this facilitates your integration into society.
Section X of the Program includes a Plan for the implementation of integration measures, the first of which is "social inclusion and employment." Among the goals set by the Program are:
• Objective 1: To support the integration of persons granted temporary protection by supporting their inclusion in the labor market; and
• Objective 2: To guarantee the labor rights of persons with temporary protection by ensuring quality control over hiring and employment.
You can get help finding a job and entering the labor market from the Employment Agency and its regional labor offices.
What you can get from the labor offices:
• information about job vacancies;
• assistance in finding a job and contacting employers;
• consultations on your labor rights and obligations;
• vocational training and retraining courses;
• the opportunity to validate your existing skills and professions;
• scholarships, transportation, and accommodation during training;
• psychological and motivational support.
All these services are free of charge and are provided by the Employment Agency and the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. More information on how to find a job in Bulgaria, find in our article here. If you are interested in your rights as an employee in Bulgaria, read more here.
In addition, the General Labor Inspectorate monitors compliance with your labor rights and can respond if your rights are violated in the workplace. For more information on how to protect yourself against violations by your employer, see here.
If you have any questions or need legal assistance, we advise you to immediately seek the services of a lawyer who can explain and protect your rights.
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