Jobs in Bulgaria With Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners

Jobs for Foreigners in Bulgaria with Sponsored Visas! Are you trying to find a place to live and work in Central America? Does sponsoring your visa need a job in Bulgaria? Like most Eastern European nations, Bulgaria made the shift from a system that was tightly regulated by the state to a market economy. With a robust economy and a large international labor market, Bulgaria is now a full member of the European Union.

Bulgaria currently has a skilled labor force, low taxes, and a good location within the European Union. Due to this specific situation, many international corporations choose to establish in Bulgaria in order to save costs. These companies usually look for competent workers in a range of occupations where proficiency in Bulgarian or any other language other than English is not required.

This article will teach you how to work in Bulgaria with a visa sponsorship, the many kinds of Bulgarian work visas, how to apply for Bulgarian work visas, how to secure a job and a Bulgarian work and residence permit, and much more.

Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Bulgaria for Foreigners

These are the available visa sponsorship jobs in Bulgaria for foreigners this year:

• Product Manager
• Senior Data Engineer
• Sr. Engineer Customer
• Senior Software Engineer
• Report Developer
• Director of Engineering – Growth
• Princ Engineer Quality
• Principal Eng Design Enablmt PDK
• Sr Analyst Real Estate Mgmt
• Engineering Manager, Sales Ops Team
• Sr IC Design Engineer
• Brand Manager
• MTS Business Analyst
• Small Business Account Eecutive
• Back- end Architect
• Product Desiginer
• Growth Product Manager
• UX Researcher
• Senior Growth Product Manager
• Director of Marketing Operations
• Sales Manager

Companies in Bulgaria that provide Sponsorship

The following companies, especially in the IT and fintech sectors, have a known presence in Bulgaria and may offer visa sponsorship. It is crucial to check their official careers pages for current openings and specific sponsorship policies.

• Toptal: This company operates a global network of freelance talent and may have roles that involve sponsorship.
• Uber: The tech giant has an engineering hub in Sofia, and its careers page indicates a focus on developing core products, suggesting a need for specialized engineering talent that could lead to sponsorship.
• Agoda: While its primary operations are in Bangkok, Agoda has a large global presence and may have roles within its network that offer relocation and visa sponsorship.
• JPMorgan Chase: As a major international financial services firm, JPMorgan Chase has a presence in Europe and may offer sponsorship for highly skilled professionals in finance, technology, and operations.
• Payhawk: While Payhawk is a prominent fintech company based in Sofia, recent job postings on its careers page explicitly state that they do not provide visa sponsorship and require candidates to have the right to work in the EU. This highlights the importance of checking specific job descriptions.
• Espressif Systems: This is a technology company with offices in various locations. While its website lists job openings, you would need to check for a specific Bulgaria office and the visa sponsorship details for that role.
• Freestar: As an advertising technology company, Freestar has a remote-first policy but may have roles that are location-based and offer sponsorship.

What are Common Jobs in Bulgaria?

Here are some of the most common jobs and industries in Bulgaria:

1. Information Technology (IT)

The Bulgarian economy is mostly driven by the expanding IT sector, which has a strong need for both domestic and foreign talent.

• Software Development: Roles for developers are plentiful, particularly for those skilled in languages like Java, JavaScript, Python, and .NET.
• Specialized IT Roles: There is also a demand for professionals in cybersecurity, data science, machine learning, and DevOps.
• IT Support: Roles like IT Help Desk analysts and network administrators are also very common.

2. Tourism and Hospitality

In addition to providing year-round opportunities in large cities and resorts, this industry is a key employer, particularly for seasonal positions.

• Hotel Staff: There are often openings for such positions as housekeepers, hotel managers, and receptionists.
• Food: The industry is always looking for chefs, cooks, bartenders, and waiting staff.
• Travel Agents: Travel agents and tour operators are in high demand due to Bulgaria’s expanding tourism sector.

3. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Shared Service Centers

Multinational firms frequently establish call centers and shared services in Bulgaria, which generates a significant number of jobs for multilingual workers.

• Customer Service Representatives: Call center representatives and customer service experts are always in demand, especially those that speak English, German, French, or Scandinavian fluently.
• Administrative and Financial Roles: Supporting international operations, common occupations include financial analysts, accountants, and administrative assistants.

4. Skilled Trades and Manufacturing

Even though the economy has changed, competent workers are still needed in conventional industries, and there is a known scarcity in these fields.

• Construction: Because of continuing infrastructure and urban development projects, there is a great demand for specialized personnel such as welders, electricians, carpenters, and plumbers.
• Manufacturing: Positions as assemblers, machine operators, and quality control inspectors are frequently found, especially in the electronics and automotive industries.

5. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Opportunities for medical and administrative personnel are available in Bulgaria’s expanding healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

• Healthcare Professionals: Physicians, nurses, and medical technicians are in low supply.
• Pharmaceutical Roles: There are positions available in clinical research, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance for pharmaceutical businesses.

Requirements for obtaining work visas for Bulgaria

Based on the provided information and additional research, here are the requirements for obtaining a work visa for Bulgaria:

Work Permit Application

In Bulgaria, the employer is in charge of submitting the foreign worker’s work permit application. The following documents must be given to the employer by the employee:

• Three passport-sized photos of the applicant.
• A copy of the applicant’s passport.
• A letter explaining the reason for the work permit request.
• A copy of the Bulgarian company registration certificate for the employer.
• The employment agreement.
• Documents proving the employee’s qualifications, such as diplomas, certificates, and proof of prior employment.
• Any other paperwork pertaining to the specific position.
• A completed work permit application form.

Additionally, the business must use a “labor market test” to show that no Bulgarian, EU, or EEA citizen could fill the position.

Long-Stay Visa (Type D) Application

Following approval of the work permit, the worker needs to apply for a Type D long-stay visa at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate back home. In order to receive a residence permit in Bulgaria, this visa is required. The following paperwork is needed to apply for a Type D visa:

• A copy of the first page of the applicant’s passport.
• A color passport photo.
• Evidence of the purpose of the trip, such as the approved work permit.
• Evidence of health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, valid for the entire duration of the stay in Bulgaria.
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to support the stay.
• Proof of housing in Bulgaria, such as a lease agreement.
• A police background check certificate (also known as a police clearance certificate) from the country of origin or usual residence.
• A valid passport with at least 18 months of validity remaining and at least two blank pages.
• A completed and signed visa application form.
• All documents must be translated into Bulgarian and legalized (e.g., with an apostille).
• A personal interview is mandatory for all Type D visa applicants.

Important considerations:

• The procedures for applying for a work permit and a visa are distinct but related. Before submitting an application for a Type D visa, the work permit must be approved.
• After entering Bulgaria with a Type D visa, the person needs to apply for a residence permit from the Migration Directorate in order to live and work there lawfully.
• The Type D visa might take up to 35 business days to process, while the work permit takes about 30 days.

Application Process

In Bulgaria, getting a work visa is a multi-step process that calls for cooperation between the business and the foreign worker. The business must prove that there is a need for a foreign worker by stating that no eligible Bulgarian or EU/EEA citizens are available for the position, due to Bulgaria’s stringent immigration laws.

1. Work Permit Application (Employer’s Responsibility):

• In Bulgaria, the employer starts the procedure by applying for a work permit at the Employment Service Directorate of the National Employment Agency.
• All necessary paperwork from the business and the employee, including the employment contract, the certificate of company registration, the employee’s qualifications, and a letter outlining the necessity of the overseas hire, must be included in the application.
• A “labor market test” is carried out by the National Employment Agency to ensure that no qualified local applicants are available for the position.
• After obtaining the required documentation, the director of the agency has one month to make a final decision regarding the work permit.

2. Employee Registration (Employer’s Responsibility):

• The employer is required by law to register the foreign worker with the local employment office as soon as the work permit is granted.
• This registration, which formally acknowledges the employee’s permission to work in the nation, must be finished within a given amount of time.

3. Long-Stay Visa (Type D) Application (Employee’s Responsibility):

• The foreign worker must apply for a Type D long-stay visa at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their home country when the work permit is granted.
• The employee must provide the required paperwork with the application, which includes evidence of the authorized work permit, health insurance, proof of Bulgarian residency, and a police background check.
• The Type D visa application process requires a face-to-face interview.
• Usually, it takes 35 business days to process a Type D visa.

4. Post-Arrival Steps:

• The employee must apply for a residence permit from the Migration Directorate after arriving in Bulgaria on a Type D visa in order to be allowed to stay there for an extended period of time.
• For as long as the residence permit is active, usually up to a year, the person is permitted to live and work lawfully in Bulgaria.

Benefits

Economic and Financial Benefits

• Low Cost of Living: In the European Union, Bulgaria has one of the lowest expenses of living. Compared to Western European nations, this includes far cheaper costs for housing, food, transportation, and utilities. As a result, international workers can live comfortably even on moderate pay.
• Good Tax System: The nation has one of the lowest flat income tax rates in the EU, at just 10%. Employees are able to retain a higher percentage of their wages as a result.
• Competitive Pay in Important Sectors: Although total pay may not be as high as in Western Europe, there is a strong need for qualified workers in some industries, most notably IT. This frequently results in competitive pay and chances for professional growth.
• Comprehensive perks Packages: In addition to the base pay, many firms offer substantial perks. These can include budgets for professional growth, lunch allowances, gym memberships, and private health insurance.

Work-Life and Social Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: A good work-life balance is becoming more and more important to Bulgarian employers. Numerous businesses provide flexible work arrangements, such as remote and hybrid work arrangements. Additionally, workers have a legal right to at least 20 days of paid yearly leave.
• Social Security and Healthcare: Foreign workers are eligible for social security and pension benefits after just six months of employment. A fundamental set of medical services is made available by contributions to the national healthcare system.
• Cultural Experience: Bulgaria has a wide variety of natural settings and a rich cultural legacy. There are lots of options for exploration and leisure activities, from the historic cities to the Black Sea coast and ski resorts, all of which add to a satisfying way of life.
• Expanding Job Market: Bulgaria’s economy is growing, especially in the manufacturing, outsourcing, and technology sectors. For both skilled and unskilled foreign workers, this creates an increasing number of employment options.
• EU Membership: Being a member of the EU gives foreign workers access to the larger EU labor market, makes traveling to other European nations easier, and offers the possibility of long-term professional advancement inside the EU.

Relocation and Integration

• Supportive Employers: A large number of businesses that sponsor international employees offer relocation aid, which includes support for housing, visa applications, and integration.
• Growing Expat Community: Newcomers can more easily settle in and form social networks thanks to the establishment and expansion of expat communities in major cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna.
• Language Opportunities: Although English is the primary language spoken in foreign businesses and tourist destinations, formal training and everyday interactions can offer excellent opportunities to acquire Bulgarian, which can improve employment prospects even more.

Best Websites to Find a Job in Bulgaria

• zaplata.bg: This is arguably the biggest job-search website in Bulgaria. Most of the offerings are in Bulgarian, while a few are in English.
• rabota.bg: Rabota.bg is an excellent resource for job seekers in Bulgaria. The site is mainly in Bulgarian; however, you can search for keywords in English. There are numerous English-language opportunities in the IT sector.
• jobs.bg: Jobs.bg is another great Bulgarian job site that also has an English version. There are many corporate jobs available in sectors like finance, IT, and customer service. Many of them don’t require you to speak Bulgarian.
• European Job Mobility Portal: This wonderful website, which is maintained by the European Union, is a great way to find employment in Bulgaria and other EU member states.

Conclusion

For expats looking for new professional prospects, Bulgaria offers an alluring place. It is a desirable alternative due to its advantageous location, expanding economy, and hospitable tax and social structures. The need for talented workers in the nation, especially in the rapidly expanding IT industry, makes it easy for non-EU nationals to get jobs with visa sponsorship.

While the employer and employee are both involved in the multi-layered visa application process, a successful transition depends on having a thorough understanding of each phase, from receiving a job offer to acquiring a work permit and a Type D visa. Working in Bulgaria offers a special combination of career advancement and a good standard of living due to its low cost of living, flat tax rate, and vibrant expat community.

Frequently Asked Questions