WHY BULGARIA

Bulgaria’s culture has foundations built on strong social connection, which makes relocation easy for non-natives. It is no surprise why so many people are relocating to Bulgaria.

Alongside its tourist attractions, Bulgaria is transforming into one of the digital and technological capitals of Europe, with no signs of slowing down. Bulgaria also has the lowest cost of living of almost anywhere in Europe.

Located within the south-eastern tip of Europe, neighboring Romania to the north and Greece and Turkey to the south, you have a land steeped with history, swooping mountain ranges and costal paradises.In the past few decades, Bulgaria has developed into a leading tourist destination for both summer sun seekers and alpine winter sports enthusiasts. The Bulgarian countryside is beautiful and unspoiled. The wines and food are excellent and if you want some culture, there are plenty of monasteries hidden in the mountains where you can hide away from the dynamics of the city and reflect on life.

The Bulgarian diet is mainly based on dairy and meat. However, even if you have food intolerances, or you’re vegetarian/vegan you still have many options. Bulgarian vegetables are very tasty and fresh. Bulgaria also has traditions in wine making which have given the country world-wide reputation.

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  • Close to major European hubs
  • Income tax is 10%
  • Excellent climate
  • Rich history
  • Diverse culture
  • EU member since 2007
  • Authentic Bulgarian cuisine
  • Friendly people
  • Low cost of living
  • Folklore, film and theater festivals
  • Dynamic nightlife
  • Seaside and mountain tourist resorts

Climate

  • Mild spring
  • Dry and hot summer
  • Long and pleasant autumn
  • Relatively mild winter

Demographics

  • Area: 111,000 km2
  • Population: 7.1 million
  • Language: Bulgarian
  • Time zone: EET – Eastern European Time

Currency

  • The currency of Bulgaria is called the lev or leva (plural).
  • 1 Euro = 1.95 BGN
  • 1 USD = 1.69 BGN
  • 1 GBP = 2.22 BGN
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Sofia

Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and largest city. Founded thousands of years ago, today the city continues to develop as the country’s cultural and economic center. In 2015, Forbes listed Sofia as one of the top 10 places in the world to launch a startup business, because of the low corporate tax (10%), the fast internet connection speed available – one of the fastest in the world, and the presence of several investment funds. The city has a population of 1,250,000.

Sofia has also turned into the preferred destination for the world’s leading companies in the BPO industry. There is a large percentage of multilingual speakers from far and wide working in the BPO sector. In 2015 Sutherland announced a 10 million Euro investment in its Bulgaria operation to create 3,000 jobs in the country over the coming years showing the importance and opportunity that Bulgaria has to offer. Sofia is in the western part of the country, on the lower slopes of Mountain Vitosha. The climate is moderate and continental. The proximity to Vitosha gives people of Sofia great access to the mountains ski slopes in the winter. Bansko and Borovets ski resorts are just a short drive away. The city of Sofia is at the crossroads of south-eastern Europe giving its residents great accessibility within a short drive to some of Europe’s most historic cities.
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  • 2200 Sutherland team members
  • Three office locations
  • Major European BPO and IT hub
  • Bulgaria’s capital and largest city
  • Multinational environment
  • Close to main ski resorts

Burgas

If you enjoy local seafood set on a beautiful coastline Burgas will be the perfect place for you. Burgas is an important industrial center in Bulgaria, and the city also invests considerable resources in tourism. In the past couple of years it has been voted as the best city in Bulgaria to live in.

Burgas is the fourth largest city in Bulgaria, situated in the south-eastern part of the country, right on the Black sea coast. The climate is primarily continental with a distinct impact from the Black Sea. Despite its location on the seaside, the city is not famous as a beach resort, but more as a turning point to the southern resorts like Sunny Beach, Pomorie, Sozopol, etc. which are all closely located. After opening our office in 2014 we have seen Sutherland grow in the city and become one of the largest employers in the area. Our presence and reputation in there is paramount.
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  • 350 Sutherland team members
  • Office with a beautiful sea view
  • Voted the best city in Bulgaria to live in
  • Close to main sea resorts
  • Summer festivals
  • The largest oil refinery in South-eastern Europe

Varna

Today Varna is the main port for both naval and commercial shipping and it has a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city’s peculiar sea charm is sublime and moving. Ancient, medieval, renaissance and modern cultures mingle and coexist in the city.

The city of Varna is situated in the North-Eastern part of Bulgaria on the Black Sea shore providing a mild climate throughout the year. Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria with population of about 330 000 people.Thanks to its historical, economic and cultural significance it is often called the Sea Capital of Bulgaria. Along with that it is on the crossroad between the Middle East and Western Europe. Some 20% of its population are students. Varna has an impressive nightlife, especially during the summer season and many say that “the city never sleeps”.
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  • 300 Sutherland team members
  • Office located in the heart of the business district
  • Sea capital of Bulgaria
  • European Youth Capital in 2017
  • Cosmopolitan atmosphere
  • Impressive night life

Relocation Package

We want to make sure you are safe and comfortable from the first day of your relocation. That is why we have a buddy assigned to you who can help answer your questions. Your buddy waits for you at the airport and accompanies you to your hotel. For the first weeks of your stay we grant you housing where you can start feeling at home.

Relocation bonus

Company apartment or hotel for 3 weeks upon your arrival

Buddy program – especially created for welcoming new hires coming from abroad

Visa | Work permit

Citizens of the following countries do not need visa to enter Bulgaria: European Union member states, member states of European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), Switzerland, UK, Canada, USA, Mexico, and Australia.

Only a valid passport is required to enter the country for 90 days. All visitors are required to register with the regional passport office for foreigners or the police within 48 hours after their arrival. Your hotel will be able to take care of this, but you’ll be asked to leave your passport with them for some minutes.

After the first 90 days in the country you will need a document for prolonged stay which can be obtained at the main passport office located on 48 Maria Luiza Blvd.

You will need the following documents:

contract

Work contract and rental agreement or

cross

Health Insurance card and debit/credit card

write

Application form (we will assist)

password

ID card/passport

Average Prices in Bulgaria

Rent Per Month

Type Average Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 734.38 BGN 600.00 – 900.00

Transportation

Type Average Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 1.60 BGN 1.60 – 1.60
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 50.00 BGN 40.00 – 58.65
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 0.80 BGN 0.70 – 1.20
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) 1.29 BGN 1.24 – 1.56

Sports And Leisure

Type Average Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 47.46 BGN 30.00 – 60.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 12.00 BGN 10:00 – 15:00

Restaurants

Type Average Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 12.00 BGN 9.77 – 20.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 50.00 BGN 40.00 – 76.00
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) 3.00 BGN 2.00 – 3.68
Imported Beer (11.2 oz small bottle) 3.65 BGN 2.00 – 5.00
Cappuccino (regular) 2.46 BGN 1.50 – 3.50
Coke/Pepsi (11.2 oz small bottle) 1.61 BGN 1.00 – 2.50
Water (11.2 oz small bottle) 1.14 BGN 0.60 – 2.00
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