Bulgaria : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

The unemployment rate in Bulgaria is relatively high and as a result it may be difficult to find work. Seasonal work such as that in the ski industry is easier to get, as are jobs in education and information technology.

• Typical problems encountered: local companies will first recruit Bulgarian graduates before considering those from overseas, as most of them will have postgraduate qualifications and will accept work at a lower pay.
• How to improve your chances: having some work experience is valuable and often professionals with substantial experience are headhunted for senior positions in Bulgarian companies. Gaining employment in a large international company in the UK that has offices in Bulgaria can be a good way of getting into employment in the country.   
• Language requirements: the official language is Bulgarian, which is a Slavic language. It uses the Cyrillic alphabet which is also used in Russian and Macedonian. It will be an advantage to you if you speak Bulgarian. Many of the jobs will require a good command of one or more foreign languages. Most popular is English, followed by German and French. Eurotalk Interactive  provides distance learning courses in Bulgarian.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: machine building and metal working, refined petroleum products, food industry, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, textile, power generation, agriculture.
• Recent growth areas: Bulgaria suffered in the economic downturn and although there has been some recovery in exports there is yet to be significant growth in other areas.
• Industries in decline: the industries most affected by the economic downturn are metallurgy, manufacturing and construction, transport and textiles.
• Shortage occupations: processing industry including clothing, beverages, food and tobacco. Also ICT and computer specialists and professionals fluent in foreign languages.
• Major companies: Lukoil Bulgaria, National Electricity Company, Mobiltel, Stomana–Industry, Petrol AD, Vivacom, Bulgarian Marine Fleet Company.
• Search for more companies: Kompass, Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, British Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce in the UK, Yellow Pages Bulgaria.
• Major cities: Sofia (capital and largest), Plovdiv, Varna, Bourgas, Russe 

What’s it like working in Bulgaria?

• Average working hours: the normal working day is eight hours long and Bulgarians work five days a week.
• Holidays: the annual leave is a minimum of 20 days. In addition there is an entitlement to 11 public holidays.
• Tax rates: all individuals are subject to a flat tax rate of 10% which is deducted automatically from an employee’s monthly earnings. The value-added tax rate in Bulgaria is 20%.  
• Working practices and customs: similar to those in the UK. Business dress is smart but not too formal. First names are not commonly used in business in Bulgaria. Be prepared to question people thoroughly in order to get the information you require.