What Employment Opportunities are Available When Working in Bulgaria

How to Choose the Job That Is Right for You

In today's fast-paced world, finding a job that not only pays the bills but also fulfills your professional aspirations is crucial. The process of determining the right job can be both exciting and challenging. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to identify the job that best suits you, ensuring a fulfilling and successful career path.

Bulgaria offers an intriguing prospect for those fond of the Balkans and seeking to avoid overcrowded tourist spots. It boasts of a steady economy, scenic beauty, and welcoming people. This article elaborates on the opportunities, work culture, and prerequisites for those aspiring to live and work in Bulgaria.

Why work in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria offers an adventure for those who seek it, with its small villages, mountains, and modern cities. It has a rich cultural history with remains from Roman times and Thracians. Being an EU member since 2007, Bulgaria has a stable economy, and the Bulgarian lev is one of the most stable currencies in the Balkans. The country is also affordable, with an average monthly rent of €300 and a three-course dinner costing around €12.

Where are the most opportunities for work in Bulgaria?

Various sectors offer employment opportunities for those who want to work abroad. The capital city Sofia is an excellent place to start, with several multinational companies like Hewlett Packard Enterprise, SAP, KPMG, Coca-Cola HBC, and ING operating there. You can also find work in the coastal resorts on the Black Sea. The service industry, agriculture, industry, transportation, environmental technology, software development, tourism, and hospitality sectors offer many job opportunities. Jobs for ex-pats are usually in customer service, sales, or call centers. Those with specialized technical skills also have good prospects in Bulgaria.

The working culture in Bulgaria: The work atmosphere in Bulgaria is different from other countries; also, they go for a more hierarchical structure. Punctuality and neat dressing are important. Many companies have an increased interest in CSR and community involvement. A typical workweek consists of 40 hours over 5 days with 20 days off and 11 official holidays.

What must you arrange before you start living and working in Bulgaria

If you plan to stay in Bulgaria longer, there are important considerations to make, despite the ease of visiting the country as an EU member.

Arrange visa: A type D visa is required to stay in Bulgaria for over 90 days, which allows up to a year's stay with a work permit. Within five days of arrival, register with the police and obtain proof of registration. Contact the Bulgarian embassy beforehand to know which documents are required.

Find accommodation: Living in Bulgaria is affordable, and many affordable apartments and houses are available on Housing Anywhere or Bulgarian Properties. Checking the accommodation before paying a month's rent and a deposit in advance is recommended.

Open a bank account: To receive your salary, opening a bank account in Bulgaria is advisable. The process is simple and requires a passport and proof of address. National and international banks are available, including TC Ziraatbank, Bulgarian National Bank, and ING Wholesale Banking. These banks are known for English-speaking staff.

Healthcare: In Bulgaria, local and foreign employees must pay health insurance premiums, which the employer and amount cover to eight percent. The national health service is accessible to all and managed by regional health centers. However, healthcare quality may not be as high as in Western Europe, and specialized medical assistance may require a trip to Sofia or overseas. Nevertheless, basic medical care is readily available across the country.

Learning the language: English is widely spoken in Sofia and at big multinational companies but less so among older populations. If you plan to emigrate to Bulgaria, learning the language can be helpful, but it is challenging and written in Cyrillic. Consider a reputable language school or online course.

Apply for work in Bulgaria: You should know the application rules if you want to apply for a job in Bulgaria. Prepare a current resume, a brief and powerful cover letter in English, and attach a professional photo. Keep in mind that Bulgarian job interviews are usually more formal due to the country's hierarchical culture.

By now, you have gained a deeper understanding of living and working in Bulgaria. However, living and working abroad is always a wonderful experience regardless of your chosen country! It allows you to embrace a new culture fully, form new friendships and acquire valuable experiences.