Bulgaria is far from being the richest state in the EU. The standard of living there is much lower than in other countries of the former Eastern bloc, and there are enough unemployed people. Nevertheless, Bulgaria is quite suitable for starting a new life here. How can Russians and representatives of other nationalities find work in Bulgaria and what difficulties will they face?

Economic situation in Bulgaria

Judging by the pessimistic forecasts of the country’s government, the illusions about a quick recovery of the economy will have to be forgotten. Bulgaria is in the TOP-3 EU countries with the lowest per capita income, and in the next few years the situation will not change dramatically.

According to the latest data, the unemployment rate is gradually decreasing, but it is still too high. The equipment of most enterprises is worn out, there is no money for its modernization and expansion of production, therefore, new jobs are practically not created, competition for employment is huge. Perhaps after 2017, when the country will switch to the euro currency and will be able to count on the inflow of foreign investment, the situation will change for the better.
Legal job search methods

There are many ways to find a job in Bulgaria. It depends on the desired position, salary level, profession, knowledge of foreign languages.
Independently through relatives, friends or acquaintances

Among Russian-speaking citizens, this method is especially popular due to its simplicity and accessibility. Former compatriots will help you adapt to new conditions. So you can get a job as a cook, nanny, tutor, driver, seller.

Among the obvious disadvantages are the inability to find work for representatives of rare specialties, low wages, a closed language environment that prevents rapid assimilation.
Through dedicated websites

The most popular headhunting resource for Russian-speaking applicants is the EuRabota.com portal. Judging by its pages, working specialties, office and service personnel are most in demand today.
Through employment agencies

Here everything is the same as in Russia. The main thing, when concluding a contract for the provision of relevant services, is to study the reputation of the agency. Today, many scammers have divorced, specializing in extorting money from gullible citizens who are going to work in Bulgaria. In addition, the applicant will have to pay for the services of an intermediary and the preparation of documents necessary for employment.

Paradise on the Black Sea: who is expected here

Bulgaria is a country specializing in tourism and agriculture, so the work is usually seasonal. Today they are in demand:

drivers;
builders of different qualifications;
qualified turners, millers;
cooks, bartenders;
maids, housekeepers;
massage therapists, junior medical staff;
sales managers;
secretaries, assistant directors.

Among the highly qualified personnel, lawyers with a good knowledge of international law, IT specialists in software development firms, system administrators, web content and multimedia developers are in demand. The main requirements for them are excellent knowledge in their field and English at a high level.
Average salary

Salaries in Bulgaria are noticeably lower than the EU average. Today, the minimum wage in the country is 380 leva (about 200 euros). During 2016, it is expected to grow by about 10%, which does not look very comforting. Workers and office staff receive approximately 400-500 euros per month. The average salary in the country is about 700 euros, and in Sofia it is almost 1.5 times higher than in Varna, Gabrovo or Burgas.
Stages of official employment

Work in Bulgaria for residents of non-EU countries is practically inaccessible. Before looking for it, according to local law, you must obtain the status of permanent residence. To do this, you will have to live in Bulgaria for at least 5 years, and you can leave the country for no more than 6 months within 1 year and no more than 10 months in total for 5 years.

In other words, in order to get a legal job in Bulgaria, you will have to emigrate for permanent residence. Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians cannot work during these 5 years. Исключение делается только для супругов граждан Bulgaria. Such tough laws are designed to protect the domestic labor market from the influx of migrants. However, there are still ways to get a job officially.
Work permit for foreigners

Residents of Russia and other non-EU countries will be officially hired in the following cases:

if an employee invited and hired by a firm in need of specialized services;
if the immigrant plans to run his own business here.

Previously, an employer could employ a foreigner only if he managed to prove that it was unrealistic to find a specialist of the appropriate qualification among fellow citizens. In April 2016, the Bulgarian deputies ratified a document abolishing this requirement. Теперь работодатели могут брать на работу высококвалифицированных иностранцев с так называемой «синей картой», дающей право на проживание и трудоустройство в Bulgaria. Citizens with a diploma of higher education or 5 years of work experience in their specialty can receive a “blue card”.
The subtleties of obtaining a work visa

Необходимо помнить, что документы на выдачу долгосрочной визы можно сдать только в посольстве или консульстве Bulgaria. To officially find a job, you need to submit the following documents:

international passport;
a certificate confirming knowledge of the Bulgarian language;
a document confirming the presence of a residence permit or a residence permit;
work permit or documents confirming the intention to open your own business.

Previously, a special work permit had to be issued within six months, now this period has been reduced to 2 months. All necessary documents are submitted to the Ministry of Economy of the country, where the “one window” principle operates. This is very convenient, since there is no need to seek help from various government agencies.