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Association of Bulgarian Ergotherapists

Delegates

Liliya Todorova

Delegate

Liliya Todorova

Email

Petya Mincheva

Alternate 1

Petya Mincheva

Email

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.

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.

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