Working in Bulgaria
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Bulgaria
263
In Bulgaria , the term "occupational therapist" is also referred to as
Ergotherapist
Main language(s) spoken in Bulgaria
Bulgarian
Other languages commonly spoken in Bulgaria
English, Turkish
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Not Required
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Not Required
It is compulsory to join the Association of Bulgarian Ergotherapists in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
Bulgarian
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
No
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
The number of qualified OTs in the country is well below the European average. Although the shortage is not recognised as a government policy, the need is increasing while the number of graduates is decreasing. For this reason, OT is developing mainly in one area - paediatrics - because of the active involvement of parents.
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Job vacancies, including occupational therapists, are published on the website of the National Employment Agency: https://www.az.government.bg/bg/ejobs/view_prl/ (External) ↗.
There are also several websites that specialise in job vacancies: https://jobs.bg (External) ↗, https://jobtiger.bg (External) ↗, www.zaplata.bg Local information can be found on municipal websites.
The ABET Facebook group provides job vacancies for occupational therapists that are known to the members.
There are also several websites that specialise in job vacancies: https://jobs.bg (External) ↗, https://jobtiger.bg (External) ↗, www.zaplata.bg Local information can be found on municipal websites.
The ABET Facebook group provides job vacancies for occupational therapists that are known to the members.
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
General conditions for employment of foreigners in Bulgaria can be found here: https://www.gli.government.bg/en/node/6347 (External) ↗
Practical information about coming to the European Union for work and other reasons can be found on the EU immigration portal: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/eu-immigration-portal_en (External) ↗ Foreigners coming to Bulgaria usually contact ABET and receive personalised information about job opportunities in the country.
Practical information about coming to the European Union for work and other reasons can be found on the EU immigration portal: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/eu-immigration-portal_en (External) ↗ Foreigners coming to Bulgaria usually contact ABET and receive personalised information about job opportunities in the country.
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Bulgaria
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Association of Bulgarian Ergotherapists and was last updated on 23rd May 2025. WFOT is not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided. This information is intended as a guide and should be independently verified before making any decisions.
Definition of Occupational Therapy in Bulgaria
Association of Bulgarian Ergotherapists's definition of occupational therapy in own language
Ерготерапията е клиент-центрирана здравна професия, насочена към промоция на здравето и благополучието чрез участие в дейности (WFOT, 2010).
Association of Bulgarian Ergotherapists's definition of occupational therapy in English
Occupational therapy is a client-centred health profession focused on promoting health and well-being through participation in activities (WFOT, 2010).
Definition date: May 2025
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Bulgaria
1