Live and work in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is part of the Balkan countries in South-East Europe, and it has become known for especially its warm climate and beautiful beaches by the Black Sea. Furthermore, it has stunning nature including mountains, rivers, and lakes.
Here we seek to give you a sneak peek into what your life in one of our destinations in beautiful Bulgaria can look like.
Latest available jobs in Bulgaria
Norwegian Digital Trust and Safety Specialist – Sofia (hybrid)
Do you speak Norwegian and would you like to move to stunning Sofia to live and work? We have a job in the financial technology industry ready. Apply for this job today and start your journey.
Hebrew Content Moderator – Sofia
Do you speak French, and would you like to move to stunning Sofia to live and work? Then apply for this job today and start your journey! We will assist and support you all the way.
Norwegian Customer Support, Fitness Technology – Sofia
Do you speak Norwegian, and would you like to move to stunning Sofia to live and work? Then apply for this job today and start your journey! We will assist and support you all the way!
Currency
Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev (ISO code: BGN, symbol: лв) as its official currency
Famous people
Some notable bulgarians are John Atanasoff, Stamen Grigorov & Ralitsa Vassileva
Population
Bulgaria has a population of around 6.8 million people, mainly living in big cities
Typical food
Shkembe chorba (spicy soup), chushka biurek (stuffed peppers), palačinka (thin Bulgarian pancakes)
Avg. working week
Bulagria has a 40-hour work week, which is distributed over 8 hours, 5 days a week
Location
Bulgaria is situated in South-East Europe and borders Romania, Greece, Serbia, North Macedonia and Turkey.
Languages
The official language is Bulgarian, using Cyrillic script (like Russia)
Healthcare
Emergency healthcare is free. Other medical services cost a small amount of money and are self-paid.
What you need to know about living and working in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe. It was Established in the 7th century and has functioned well to this day. The country has beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers and the Black Sea coastline. Even though some people say life is going a little bit slower there, you can find many interesting things to do. Popular activities are watersports and skiing, but if you are looking for more nightlife you should definitely head to Sofia. With a low cost of living and scenic landscapes, it is the perfect scenery to start your journey by working abroad.
Check our Job offers in Bulgaria, if you are interested in starting your work there. Read the article if you want to know more or if you’re still hesitant whether this unique country is right for you.
Work in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a small country in Europe, and it has been recording a steady economic growth in the past years, since many international businesses have settled down here. The biggest opportunities in the job markets can be found in the IT sector and language services. The biggest economic output is metallurgy, manufacturing, energy, gas and water, but the IT sector is increasing its activity with some huge industries like IBM, Siemens and Software AG. These industries are requiring expats to work here for language purposes, especially teaching English which is highly sought in the city.
The work culture in Bulgaria is based on trust and respectful relationships, and it does not differ so much from other European countries. Bulgarians take their time getting to know new people, so for expats it’s important to be open, trustful and patient while building business relationships.
A key to understanding Bulgarian business culture is also their reverse meaning of head shaking and nodding, while a head shake is a ‘yes’ for them a nod refers to a ‘no’.
Taxes in Bulgaria
One of the biggest attractions in Bulgaria is their flat rate of income tax, being 10% no matter how much you earn. This has attracted many expats from all over Europe to work here. There are social security contributions of about 12-13% and the 10% rate, but even with this it is still lower than many other European countries.
As an expat residing in Bulgaria, even for less than 183 days, you have to pay the 10% income tax but only for your Bulgarian income. If you’re staying longer you need to pay for the worldwide income as it is for residents with more than 183 days.
To register and get your VAT number, you must go to the NRA (National Revenue Agency) and submit an application form, then you will receive a VAT number, however, after doing this we recommend you to ask your employer if this process is made by them or if you must do it yourself.
Popular cities in Bulgaria
Speak to one of our recruiters
Life in Bulgaria
The cost of living in Bulgaria is generally lower compared to many other European countries, and it offers a variety of cultural, historical, and natural attractions to explore. In the capital city Sofia you can explore ancient Roman ruins, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Vitosha Mountain.
You can also visit the historic town of Plovdiv, known for its well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and charming old town. And you do not want to miss out on the picturesque Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in the Rila Mountains.
Basic facts about Bulgaria
Bulgaria is located in the south of Europe. It lies on Balkan Peninsula, by the Black Sea. The population of 6,875,040 is spread over an area of 110,994km². Sofia is the capital city and the official language is Bulgarian. Their currency is Bulgarian lev and it’s written as BNG or лв. The climate is continental with a bit of subtropical accent which gives hot summers and cold winters.
5 fun facts about Bulgaria
- Rakia is a well known Bulgarian alcoholic national drink. It’s made from fermented pears, grapes or apricots.
- Motto of the capital city, Sofia, is “grows but does not age”.
- It’s a homeland of yoghurt. They drink it believing that’s what makes them live longer.
- Bulgaria has the third biggest biodiversity from Eastern European countries.
- Since the year it was established, Bulgaria hasn’t changed its name. It’s the only country in Europe which can boast of this.
Ancient culture in Bulgaria
Traditions in Bulgaria are rooted deeply in history, and some of them are still practised. You may experience e.g. rose picking, which has also become a tourist attraction. It is worth knowing that the rose is a symbol of Bulgaria. Music festivals are another entertainment very common for this nation. There are events like the International Folklore Festival in Burgas or Musical Weeks in Sofia. The most vibrant nightlife takes place in the capital city, Sofia, but you can easily find good places for a night out with newly met friends everywhere. Opera and theatre remain popular among Bulgarians, and the same goes for libraries.
When it comes to sports disciplines, Bulgaria is leading the way in boxing, tennis and gymnastics, however, their real gem is weight lifting. But the most popular sport to watch among Bulgarians is football.
Diverse cuisine in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is well-known for its wide range of dishes made from vegetables or meat. They have many kinds of salads, soups, meatballs, grilled meat pieces and sausages, stuffed cabbage. Some of the most popular vegetables are cucumber, tomato or potatoes. All of this combined with wine or rakia may give you unforgettable culinary memories. They usually use a lot of various mild spices combined with onion or garlic. Their cuisine is often compared to Greek or Turkish. The ingredients are fresh and said to be exceptionally tasty.
Some of the national dishes are:
- Yoghurt
- White brine (feta) cheese
- Banitsa (dough filled with spinach, meat, rice, cheese etc.)
- Tarator (cold cucumber Soup)
- Shopska Salad
A three-course meal in a restaurant will cost you around €15, a beer costs €1.85, and a cappuccino will cost you €1.25.
Finding accommodation in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has quite low costs when it comes to accommodation. The easiest way to find a place to stay is by looking online. However, be careful, sometimes on the Bulgarian market you can meet scammers.
Because of the language barrier many expats decide to use real estate agents’ help. You have to keep in mind that even though the choice of agencies might be big, you will have to pay them a fee for this service. Some companies cooperate with different agencies and they will sometimes cover this fee.
Another good idea is using Facebook groups for expats. You can contact the landlord directly, or maybe find somebody who is looking for a roommate. Don’t be afraid to ask and socialise.
Cost of living in Bulgaria
The cost of living in Bulgaria is relatively low compared to other European countries, and combined with their beautiful landscapes with high mountains, their fortresses and warm and cosy little towns to visit, all expats want to stay longer than expected. Right now the average wage in Bulgaria is approximately €860, and the costs of living are around €475.
Here is a more detailed description of each cost in Bulgaria:
| Description: | Cost: |
| Accommodation* (1 bedroom apartment in the city centre and outside) | 350 |
| Food** | 60 |
| Cinema Ticket | 6.14 |
| 1min prepaid mobile tariff local | 0.15 |
| Meal in a mid-range restaurant | 12.50 |
| Fitness Club (1 month fee) | 20,52 |
| Transport (monthly pass) | 25.57 |
| Total | 475 |
* Prices can vary depending on the neighbourhood, the number of people living in the apartment and facilities.
**Depends greatly on your diet and from which shops you buy food and drinks.
Expats in Bulgaria
Life in Bulgaria is very relaxed and chill. Bulgarians prioritise family, friends and life over anything else. This is very different from a lot of western and nordic countries, so if you’re of the chill type you should consider Bulgaria as your destination.
During your spare time Bulgaria has a lot to offer, no matter if you like to explore or socialise, or love adrenaline rushes. The mountains are perfect for hiking, and their resorts around the country are perfect for relaxing and unwinding. It’s no wonder Bulgaria is known as the spa capital of the Balkans. Also, it is a strong cultural country, so there’s always a festival and events going on, so you won’t get bored living here.
Where to learn Bulgarian
If you have decided to move to Bulgaria we recommend you to start learning the basics of the language since some locals may not know English. There are many online courses to learn bulgarian that may be free or cost between €4 to €9 a month. Also, it’s important to know that their alphabet is different, so a good place to start is learning their alphabet first, there are many pictures on the internet of the translation and pronunciation of the Bulgarian alphabet, so give it a try and you’ll find is easier than expected.
Why Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is a small country with around the same population as London city, and with about 86.000 expats living there because of their many benefits like low tax rates, low cost of living and an increasing economic growth over the last years. But also, Bulgaria has an exceptional nature with high mountains, beautiful little villages and a cosy warm atmosphere. Bulgarian people are very welcoming and it’s easy to find a spot in their society if you’re respectful and kind. Expats live in multiple cities in Bulgaria and there are plenty of opportunities to find expats communities in each of them.
We know that moving abroad can be an overwhelming situation, so If you are interested in working abroad in Bulgaria, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can help you through the entire process from finding the job to accommodation tips and socialising.
Still not convinced about Bulgaria?
If you like to explore the world while still living in a picturesque country that offers lovely beaches and vibrant big city life, Bulgaria is the perfect fit. Bulgaria is conveniently located in Eastern Europe, making it an excellent base for exploring bordering countries. You can easily visit Greece, known for its stunning beaches and ancient ruins, including Athens and the iconic Acropolis.
Turkey is also within reach, offering a rich blend of cultures, historical sites like Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, and natural wonders such as Cappadocia. Another option is Romania, where you can explore the charming city of Bucharest, visit the legendary Dracula’s Castle in Bran, and marvel at the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains.
FAQ
No, if you are a member of the European Union (EU) you are entitled to work without visa or permit. Foreigners from outside EU countries will need a Type D work visa (for long stays) to obtain a work permit. The Bulgarian employer will have to issue to permit on behalf of their foreign employees, but the employee (you) have to provide some documents. You can read more here.
The ability to speak English in Bulgaria varies among individuals and depends on factors such as education, age, and occupation. In general, younger generations and those working in the tourism industry or in larger cities are more likely to speak English. English is commonly taught in schools, and many Bulgarians have at least basic knowledge of the language. However, fluency levels can vary, and outside of major cities or tourist areas, it may be more challenging to find English speakers. Having a basic understanding of Bulgarian or using translation tools can be helpful when communicating in certain situations
Bulgaria’s climate is a temperate-continental climate which means it has various weather conditions, also varying due to the mountains. The summers are generally nice, long, and warm while the winters can get cold and with snowfalls in winter.
Bulgarian is considered one of the most challenging languages to learn because of the complex grammar and the use of the Cyrillic alphabet. You can find both online courses as well as schools that offer language courses (e.g. Edno School in Sofia).
Buses are the primary and most often quickets form of transport in (and between) the cities and outskirts hereof. Some cities also offer trolleys. You can buy tickets (Bulgarian: bileti) at the stations at least an hour before departure, although some routes only sell tickets once the bus arrives. In the capital Sofia public transport is like in other big cities with metro, buses, trams and taxis. The network and infrastructure is good in Bulgaria.
Health insurance is mandatory in Bulgaria. EU and EEA residents are covered by their European Health Insurance (EHIC), so they are entitled to medical treatment at hospitals who are contracted with the Bulgarian National Health Insurance Fund. Emergency healthcare is free. Other medical services cost a small amount of money and are self-paid. The hospitals are more old-fashioned compared to Western standards, but the treatments and medical care are good. The staff might not speak much English.
