Living and Working in Bulgaria: A Complete Guide 🇧🇬
Are you dreaming of a life far away from wind and rain, and perhaps already looking toward the warm sun of the south? Maybe Bulgaria is already on your radar, and you’re interested in learning more about what the country has to offer? Then you’ve come to the right place.
Bulgaria, located in Southeastern Europe, offers a unique mix of affordability, cultural depth, and professional job opportunities. Whether you’re interested in customer service, digital marketing or tech, this EU member state is increasingly attractive to job seekers from other European countries.
Bulgaria is home to around 6.8 million people and is especially known for its rich cultural heritage, natural attractions, and ancient landmarks. Among traditional Bulgarian specialties, you’ll find banitsa (cheese pastry), shopska salad, kebapche (grilled minced meat), lyutenitsa (pepper and tomato spread), and hearty soups like shkembe chorba.
In your free time, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore Bulgaria’s stunning mountains, picturesque villages, and UNESCO-listed historical sites. During the winter, you can enjoy skiing in Bansko or Pamporovo, and in summer, relax on the beaches along the Black Sea coast or discover the country’s many mineral spa resorts.
We’ve gathered everything you need to know about living and working in Bulgaria, so you’ll be fully up-to-date on what your future life in this Southeastern European country might look like.
Here’s what we’ll cover (jump to the section you want to learn more about):
Overview:
Key Facts about Bulgaria
Location: Bulgaria is in Southeastern Europe and borders Greece, Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Romania.
Population: Around 6.8 million, most residing in major cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna.
Language: The official language is Bulgarian, written using the Cyrillic alphabet.
Currency: The Bulgarian lev (BGN), pegged to the euro for stability.
Climate: A temperate-continental climate with warm summers averaging 25–30°C and cold winters averaging -2 to 5°C. Snow is common in winter, especially in the mountains, while summers are dry and sunny.
Culture: Bulgaria offers a rich cultural heritage with roots in Thracian, Roman, and Ottoman history, and is known as the spa capital of the Balkans due to its many mineral springs and natural attractions.
Bulgaria is known for its flat tax rate system, which is one of the lowest in the European Union. Employees pay a 10% personal income tax, regardless of income level. Employers are responsible for deducting this directly from your salary.
Fun Facts About Bulgaria
Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe that hasn’t changed its name since its founding in 681 AD.
The Cyrillic alphabet was developed here and is still in use today.
Bulgarians nod for “no” and shake their heads for “yes”!
Bulgaria has over 600 mineral springs – that’s why it’s called the spa capital of the Balkans.
It’s one of the top global producers of rose oil, mainly from the Valley of the Roses.
Yogurt in Bulgaria is made with a unique local bacteria called Lactobacillus bulgaricus.
Is Bulgaria a Good Place to Live and Work?
Absolutely. Bulgaria is a hidden gem among European countries, known for its low cost of living, competitive salaries in certain sectors like the IT sector, and excellent work life balance. As a European Union country, Bulgaria allows EU citizens to move, seek employment, and settle with minimal bureaucracy.
The Tax Advantage: Keep More of What You Earn 💸
Bulgaria has one of the lowest tax rates in the entire European Union. Here’s what you need to know:
Flat personal income tax: 10%
Corporate tax rate: Also 10%
Employer deducts taxes directly from salary
Social contributions: Shared between employer and employee, but still low
This means you get to keep more of your salary – ideal if you’re saving up or just want better value for your money.
How much can I earn in Bulgaria?
At Next Job Abroad, we typically recruit for jobs in Bulgaria that pay between 1.400 and 1.900 EUR per month. Bulgaria is known for its low cost of living compared to many other European countries, which makes these salaries competitive and attractive for young professionals and digital nomads.
In 2023, the average salary in Bulgaria was approximately 860 euros per month, reflecting a growing economy but still remaining one of the lowest average wages in the European Union. This means living and working in Bulgaria offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a high quality of life with a lower budget.
Sofia – Bulgaria’s Capital and Youth Hotspot
Sofia is a vibrant city full of contrast – where ancient ruins meet trendy cafes, and green parks sit alongside modern coworking spaces. Home to major universities, international companies, and a thriving start-up scene, it has become a favorite among digital nomads and young job seekers. With lively bars, cultural events, excellent nightlife, and easy access to the mountains, metro, and bike lanes, Sofia offers a dynamic yet relaxed lifestyle that blends urban energy with outdoor adventure.
Bulgarian Culture
Bulgarian culture is deeply rooted in family values, hospitality, and tradition. Expect warm welcomes, homemade food, and strong coffee. Locals love celebrating holidays with folk music, dancing, and vibrant costumes – especially during Baba Marta Day and Kukeri festivals.
Despite being a European Union country, Bulgaria has preserved its unique identity, blending Orthodox Christianity with pre-Christian rituals and Slavic customs. Workplaces tend to value respectful communication, and it’s common to build trust over time. Embracing the rich cultural heritage of Bulgaria helps many foreign workers feel more connected and at home.
Cost of Living in Bulgaria
One of the biggest reasons people choose to work in Bulgaria is the affordability. The average monthly wage is around €860, while living costs hover at €475 per month.
Popular cities for expats like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna offer a mix of urban comfort and low prices for services, rent, and transportation. Many consider Bulgaria’s cost of living among the lowest in the European Union.
Live Well for Less
One of Bulgaria’s biggest perks is how far your money goes:
Average monthly salary: €860
Average monthly expenses: €475
Rent for 1-bedroom in city center: €200–€400
Public transport card: ~€25/month
Lunch at a restaurant: €5–€7
Big cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna offer excellent quality of life at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.
Work and Residence Permits
If you’re from an EU member state, you don’t need a work permit to live and work in Bulgaria. However, you must register your residence and get a residence permit if you’re staying longer than 90 days. This involves submitting the necessary documents (such as a valid passport, proof of employment, or proof of funds) to the local police department or Migration Directorate.
You’ll also need to register with the National Revenue Agency for tax and social security purposes and obtain health insurance coverage.
Employment in Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers growing job opportunities in various industries, especially in:
Digital marketing
Customer support
Tech and IT sector
Hospitality and tourism
Shared service centers
You’ll typically need a job offer before signing an employment contract. A Bulgarian employer usually provides help with onboarding, and you can check job portals or recruitment agencies that specialize in helping foreign workers.
The work culture is respectful, trust-based, and often relaxed – contributing to a positive work life balance.
Health Insurance and Public Services
Emergency care is free for everyone
If employed, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the public healthcare system
Coverage includes GP visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions
Private clinics are available and affordable
Public Transport in Bulgaria
Getting around in Bulgaria is affordable and convenient. In Sofia, the capital, you’ll find a reliable metro system, buses, and trams connecting the entire city.
A monthly public transport card costs around €25 and gives unlimited rides. Trains and long-distance buses connect smaller towns and major cities like Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas. While travel times can be longer than in other European countries, ticket prices are low, and routes are scenic – especially across the mountains.
📲 Many expats use mobile apps like Moovit or Google Maps for real-time schedules and routes.
Accommodation in Bulgaria
Finding accommodation is usually straightforward, especially with the help of local real estate agents and Facebook groups – many young professionals use these options to make the process even smoother. Renting in big cities like Sofia or Plovdiv is affordable compared to Western Europe. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost between €200 and €400 per month.
Move to Bulgaria – Your Checklist for All the Practicalities
If you’re planning to live and work in Bulgaria, here’s a handy checklist to help you get started:
✅ Valid passport and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
✅ Proof of employment contract or job offer
✅ Apply for a residence permit if staying longer than 90 days
✅ Register your address with the local police department
✅ Set up health insurance via your Bulgarian employer
✅ Open a local bank account (you’ll need this for salary payments)
✅ Get a public transport card in your city
✅ Join local Facebook groups or use local real estate agents to find housing
✅ Learn some basic Bulgarian phrases
✅ Register with the Bulgarian Employment Agency if you’re planning to seek employment
Moving to Bulgaria is very doable with the right preparation – and many EU citizens find the process smooth, thanks to easy access through EU member state agreements.
Bulgarian Lifestyle and Culture
Living in Bulgaria means more than just work. The country values community, family, and leisure. From weekend hikes in the mountains to relaxing on the Black Sea coast, Bulgarians make time to enjoy life.
Try traditional dishes like shkembe chorba (spicy tripe soup), banitsa (cheese pastry), and chushka biurek (stuffed peppers). The diverse cuisine reflects centuries of cultural fusion and local ingredients.
Before you move from your home country
- Register your move with your home country: If you plan to live in Bulgaria for more than three months, you must register your move no later than five days after your arrival. You don’t need to know your new address right away – you can always add it later.
Cancel subscriptions/payment agreements: There’s no reason to pay for services you won’t benefit from in Bulgaria, such as internet, electricity, or insurance (unless they actually cover you in Bulgaria).
Check if your passport is valid: If it expires while you’re in Bulgaria, you can get a new one through your countries embassy in Bulagaria.
Contact your bank: Notify your bank of your new address, as they may not automatically receive the update. You don’t need a Norwegian bank account when living abroad, but it can still be convenient, for instance, when you visit home or want to pay in your local currency as usual.
Optionally, contact the local tax authorities: If you’ve updated your address after moving abroad, you shouldn’t have any issues with taxes. If you’re unsure about your situation, your local tax authority can provide guidance.
Nightlife in Bulgaria
Whether you’re in major cities like Sofia, Plovdiv or Varna, the nightlife in Bulgaria is buzzing with energy. Expect a wide mix of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues – many open until the early hours. From underground techno clubs to rooftop cocktail lounges and beach parties along the Black Sea, there’s something for every vibe. Drinks are affordable compared to Western Europe, and entry fees are usually low or free. Sofia’s Studentski Grad is a popular district packed with clubs, while coastal cities offer vibrant summer scenes. The friendly atmosphere makes it easy to meet locals and other young expats enjoying life abroad.
The Bulgarian Language: 10 Useful Words and Phrases
While many young Bulgarians speak English, especially in the IT sector and customer service roles, learning a few basics in Bulgarian goes a long way:
Здравей (Zdravey) – Hello
Благодаря (Blagodarya) – Thank you
Моля (Molya) – Please / You’re welcome
Извинете (Izvinete) – Excuse me / Sorry
Да (Da) – Yes
Не (Ne) – No
Колко струва? (Kolko struva?) – How much does it cost?
Къде е…? (Kade e…?) – Where is…?
Говорите ли английски? (Govorite li angliyski?) – Do you speak English?
Наздраве! (Nazdrave!) – Cheers!
Pro tip: Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic script, but street signs in major cities are often also written in Latin letters.
Why Bulgaria?
Choosing to live and work in Bulgaria means enjoying:
A strong sense of political stability
Easy access to other EU countries
A fresh start in a friendly and welcoming country
A great mix of employment options and competitive salaries
A culturally rich environment full of natural attractions
If you’re looking for an affordable lifestyle, new experiences, and solid career prospects in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria might just be your next home – where you can work at your next job abroad.
Next Job Abroad helps people finding jobs in Bulgaria
Next Job Abroad is your gateway to living and working in Bulgaria when you’re ready.
Each year, we help many people successfully move abroad with a job in hand and everything they need for a great experience.
All you need to do to be considered for a position is visit our jobs abroad, choose the job that appeals to you the most, and apply. Voila!
