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Country card | Bulgaria

Language proficiency: In Bulgaria, Bulgarian is the exclusive language used in all official institutions. When applying for jobs, especially in administrative, customer-facing, or local public sector roles speaking Bulgarian is a strong asset. However, in international companies and the IT industry, English and other European languages are often sufficient, with English-only roles becoming increasingly common.

Important regulations: Information on residence permits, visa regulations, and work rights can be found via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Employment Agency. Understanding employment types and contracts is essential before signing any job agreement.

Networking: Attending career fairs, employer presentations, and university-hosted workshops—especially those organized by the Interuniversity Center for Career Development (ICCD)—is an effective way to build professional connections and enter the local job market.

Living in Bulgaria: Sofia offers a great balance of low cost of living, vibrant cultural life, and proximity to nature. Accommodation in the capital is generally affordable compared to Western Europe, but it is advisable to explore trusted rental platforms and student groups for guidance.

Monthly expenditure: Based on surveys and student data (2023–2024), the average monthly expenses for a student in Sofia range between €460–€570 (BGN 900–1,100).

  • Az.government.bg – Official Bulgarian website for finding jobs.
  • JobTiger.bg – JobTiger is a Bulgarian online platform for job listings and career development that connects employers with job seekers.
  • LinkedIn – Increasingly popular in Bulgaria, especially for international and remote jobs.
  • Dev.bg – Focused on IT, programming, and engineering jobs.
  • Jobs.bg – The largest platform in Bulgaria for full-time and part-time roles.
  • Zaplata.bg – A growing job board with sector-specific opportunities.
  • Karieri.bg – Especially designed for students and entry-level job seekers.
  • UNWE Career Portal – Student-focused listings and internship opportunities.

According to national data (2024):

  • Bachelor’s degree graduates usually start at BGN 1,300 – 1,800/month gross (€660–€920).
  • Master’s graduates may earn between BGN 1,700 – 2,400/month gross (€870–€1,230).

Sectors like IT and finance offer higher starting salaries, while NGOs and public administration tend to start lower.

  • Services (especially IT & outsourcing);
  • Industry (manufacturing and energy);
  • Agriculture;
  • Tourism;

Bulgaria’s economy is primarily driven by the services sector, which accounts for over 60% of GDP, with major contributions from IT, tourism, and outsourcing. In 2023, exports reached approximately €44 billion, and foreign direct investment exceeded €3.2 billion, highlighting the country’s integration into European and global markets.

UNWE Career Center – Interuniversity Center for Career Development (ICCD)

Website: You can find internship offers, job fairs, career counseling, and direct employer contacts.