Myths vs Reality about Working in Bulgaria (for EU Citizens)

Bulgaria is showing up more and more in relocation offers for language speakers: customer service, tech support, digital marketing, IT…

At the same time, it’s one of those destinations that raises the most questions:

“Do they even have labor laws there?”
“Can they fire me whenever they want?”
“Is it really safe to move to Bulgaria for a job?”

In this post, we clear things up and debunk some common myths, focusing on EU citizens who are considering an offer and want to understand what’s really behind the contract.

Why Bulgaria is so popular in the jobs abroad world

Bulgaria combines three very specific factors:

• It’s part of the European Union → if you have an EU passport, you don’t need a work permit or visa.

• It has a lower cost of living compared to Western Europe.

• Many international companies have opened multilingual hubs there (customer support, content, marketing, etc.).

Result: there are interesting opportunities, but also a lot of rumors. Let’s break them down.

Myth 1: “There are no labor laws in Bulgaria, companies can do whatever they want”

Reality:
Bulgaria has a pretty detailed Labor Code. Among other things, it requires:

• A written employment contract.

• Registration of the contract with the authorities by the employer.

• Maximum weekly working hours, rest periods and minimum holidays.

• Specific legal grounds for dismissal and notice periods.

It’s not a “no rules” zone. The legal framework is simply different from Spain, France or Germany, which is exactly why it’s so important to understand the local rules before saying yes or no to an offer.

Myth 2: “If I go there to work, I need a special permit”

Reality:
If you have an EU passport, you can:

• Enter Bulgaria with your national ID or passport.

• Look for a job and work without a visa or work permit.

Only if you stay longer than 3 months you need to do a simple residence registration as an EU citizen. It’s an administrative registration, not a “permission” that can randomly be denied.

Myth 3: “Because the minimum wage is low, everyone earns badly”

Reality:
Yes, Bulgaria’s minimum wage is one of the lowest in the EU. That’s a fact.
But in real life, in the sectors where our offers are (customer service, content review, tech, marketing…), what you usually find is:

• Salaries above the legal minimum, especially if you speak languages like German, Dutch or the Nordics.

• Packages with extra benefits: performance bonus, private health insurance, meal card, housing support, etc.

The key is not to look at just one number, but to compare:

net salary + benefits + local cost of living

What might look “low” from Spain or Germany can translate into a comfortable lifestyle within Bulgaria.

Myth 4: “They can fire you any time, with no notice”

Reality:
Bulgarian law sets:

• Specific legal reasons for termination (organizational changes, performance, closure of the company, etc.).

• Notice periods, typically around 30 days for permanent contracts (and written into the contract).

On top of that, there are legal options to challenge unfair dismissals and, in some cases, ask for financial compensation.

Can there be companies that do things wrong? Of course, just like in any country.
That’s why it’s crucial to know what your contract should include and to work with partners who filter out unreliable projects.

Myth 5: “Contracts are vague and don’t protect you at all”

Reality:
By law, your contract has to include at least:

• Job title and main responsibilities.

• Type of contract (permanent/fixed-term) and start date.

• Working hours (per day / per week).

• Gross salary.

• Number of vacation days.

• Notice period for ending the contract.

If you receive a document where none of this is clear, the problem isn’t “Bulgaria” as a country — it’s that specific company.

That’s where good guidance matters: someone who can review the contract, spot red flags and help you ask the right questions.

Myth 6: “The probation period is endless, they can keep you on trial for years”

Reality:
The probation period has legal limits:

• In general, it can be up to 6 months.

• If the contract is short (for example, less than a year), the probation period is usually much shorter.

That trial period must appear in writing in the contract. It can’t be extended forever “just because that’s how we do it here”.

Myth 7: “As a foreigner, you have no rights if something goes wrong”

Reality:
If you’re an EU citizen and you pay contributions in Bulgaria:

• You have the right to public healthcare and social security according to Bulgarian rules.

• Your contributions are coordinated with other EU countries (for pensions, unemployment, etc.).

• At work, you have the same basic protection as a Bulgarian employee.

What often happens is that you feel lost because nobody explains the system in your language.
It’s not that you don’t have rights – it’s that you’re missing information.

Before you accept a job in Bulgaria: quick checklist

Whenever one of our candidates is considering a role in Bulgaria, we always recommend checking:

1. Do you have a written contract?
   It should clearly state duties, gross salary, contract type, working hours, holidays and notice period.

2. Gross vs net
   Always ask:

   “Is this amount gross or net? How much will I receive approximately per month after taxes and contributions?”

3. Clear probation period
   It should be defined in the contract with dates and conditions.

4. Relocation support
   Who pays the flight, first nights of accommodation, airport pick-up, support with registration and paperwork, etc.?

5. Realistic daily life info
   Shifts, language of the team, training plan, career growth opportunities inside the company.

How City Job Offers supports you

At City Job Offers, our goal is that you don’t have to jump into a new country blindfolded.

When we work on roles in Bulgaria (or any other destination), we want you to understand:

• What the contract really says, without legal jargon.

• What you can expect from the salary and the cost of living.

• How the country’s basic worker protection actually works.

• And what your plan B is if things don’t match your expectations after you arrive.

We can’t change each country’s laws, but we can help you:

• Ask the right questions,

• Choose serious, reliable projects,

• And make an informed decision instead of one based on rumors.

Thinking about a job abroad in Bulgaria?

If you’re considering an offer in Bulgaria and you’re not sure about:

• the contract,

• the salary,

• or whether it’s the right move for your career,

we’re here to help you look at it calmly.

👉 Check our current job offers in Bulgaria or get in touch to talk through your situation before you decide.

The goal isn’t to convince you to go at any cost. The goal is that, if you go, you do it with your eyes open and the facts on your side.