Living and working in Bulgaria has become increasingly popular in recent years. Although Bulgaria was once relatively unknown to many people, the country is now attracting more tourists and expats than ever before. Bulgaria has undergone major development — and you’ve probably heard of Sunny Beach by now!
Thanks to low taxes and a very affordable cost of living, more and more people are choosing to relocate to Bulgaria. In this blog, you’ll find 10 reasons why you should also consider living and working in Bulgaria.
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Living and working in Bulgaria
Mountains and Beaches
One of the best things about Bulgaria is that it truly has something for everyone!
In winter, you can enjoy snow-covered mountains perfect for skiing or snowboarding. During the warm summer months, you can relax on the beautiful beaches along the Black Sea.
On top of that, Bulgaria is rich in natural parks and hiking trails, making it an outdoor-lover’s dream.
If you enjoy fresh air, outdoor activities, and want to work abroad, living and working in Bulgaria might be perfect for you!
Bulgarian Cuisine
Bulgarian food is diverse, fresh, and incredibly flavorful. Many dishes share similarities with Turkish cuisine. If you enjoy discovering new culinary cultures, the Bulgarian kitchen is a must-try.
Traditional dishes include:
Shopska Salad
Tarator
Banitsa (more common than Baklava locally)
Moussaka
Expect delicious soups, fresh salads, hearty oven dishes — and occasionally some organ meats on menus. Not everyone’s favorite, but definitely part of the local charm!
Affordable (Luxury) Goods
One of Bulgaria’s biggest advantages is how cheap everyday and luxury goods are.
Think: drinks, groceries, petrol, clothing, and even nights out.
Examples:
A beer in a local bar: around €1
Petrol: about €1.02 per liter
Groceries: up to 60% cheaper than in the Netherlands or Belgium
Public transport: 1.60 BGN (€0.81) for a single ticket
Taxi starting fare: €0.41
If affordability matters to you, Bulgaria is a fantastic place to live and work.
Warm and Welcoming Culture
Bulgarians are known for being helpful and hospitable.
There is one thing that might confuse newcomers: Bulgarians shake their heads to mean “yes” and nod to mean “no.” Luckily, locals are aware of the difference and increasingly use verbal confirmations.
Fun cultural facts:
“Yes” = da
“No” = ne (short “e”)
Many Bulgarians celebrate both their birthday and their name day, based on Orthodox saints.
Although roughly 40% of the population is religious, Bulgaria remains one of the least religious countries in Eastern Europe.
Four Distinct Seasons
Bulgaria has all four seasons clearly defined:
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Winter: cold, snowy (Dec–Mar), especially in the mountains
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Summer: hot, with temperatures around 30°C along the coast
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Spring & Autumn: unpredictable but beautiful transitions
If you enjoy varied weather throughout the year, Bulgaria is an ideal place to live
Living and Working in Bulgaria: Currency & Taxes
The currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN).
1 Lev = 0.51 Euro (fixed rate).
Key points:
ATMs (bankomats) are widely available
Euros can easily be exchanged
Credit cards are accepted mainly in big cities, hotels, rental car agencies, and major shops
Always keep some leva in cash
Taxes
Bulgaria’s flat income tax rate is only 10%, one of the lowest in the EU.
This means you keep more of your salary — and enjoy a very comfortable lifestyle.
If you work for one of our partner companies in Bulgaria, you can expect a higher-than-average salary by local standards.
Shopping Paradise
In Bulgaria, you can shop even late at night — some stores are open 24/7. Major cities have modern shopping malls with international brands.
If you love browsing local markets, visit:
TZUM in Sofia
The historic market hall right across from TZUM
“Little TZUM” on Pirotska Street
Nightlife
Sofia’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse.
Whether you prefer:
Opera
Clubs
Bars and pubs
Live performances
Cultural events
…there’s always something happening!
With generally low prices and a lively atmosphere, Bulgaria is a fantastic place for anyone who enjoys going out.
Endless Opportunities to Explore
Bulgaria is full of historical sites, natural wonders, and cultural attractions.
Must-see locations include:
Plovdiv
Veliko Tarnovo
Rila Monastery
Buzludzha Monument
Whether you join guided tours or explore by car, you’ll never run out of things to do when living and working in Bulgaria.
Endless Opportunities to Explore
Does living and working in Bulgaria sound like a dream?
Are you excited about exploring nature, enjoying the nightlife, meeting new friends, and boosting your career abroad?
Good news — we can help you make it happen!
Visit our job page to discover current vacancies in Bulgaria. Apply today and you could be living and working in Bulgaria before you know it!
👉 Read more: Working in Sofia