Average salary in Bulgaria

Average earnings in Bulgaria are not as high as in other EU countries, but still significantly higher than salaries in the post-Soviet space. According to experts, the new economic policy adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers will lead Bulgaria to the top three in the EU until 2020. Such prospects make this country one of the most suitable areas of job search for residents of the CIS countries.

Economic situation and incomes of the population today

The most promising in Bulgaria are tourism and agriculture. It is these industries that bring most of the country's income. The country's economy is also based on such areas as industry, real estate, livestock, trade and finance.

As of 2019, the standard of living in Bulgaria is well below the average of European countries. Salaries remain one of the lowest in the European Union. At the same time, Bulgaria enjoys well-deserved popularity for moving to permanent residence among the Russian-speaking population, who have a full and stable income in their home country.

Since 2018, there has been an active economic growth in the country. At the moment it is 4,2%... According to experts' forecasts, there will be a slight decrease in growth further, but in general, the indicators will remain at the level 3,7-3,8%.

Salary per month by occupation in 2021

Despite the fact that Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, it still retains its own currency - the lion. The course officially established by the government has not changed for several years and is slightly less than 2 leva for 1 euro... At the beginning of 2019, the possibility of a full transition to the European currency is still being actively discussed.

Average income in Bulgaria in 2021 is approximately 490 euros or 960 leva... However, depending on the profession and region of residence, this figure can vary significantly.

The average monthly salary by specialty is:

Minimum

The level of the minimum wage in Bulgaria has increased by more than 10%... This is facilitated by the country's economic growth and steady GDP growth in recent years. The minimum wage in Bulgaria in 2021 is 260 euros or 510 leva. Pay per hour of working time cannot be lower 3.07 BGN

Average

The average salary in Bulgaria differs depending on the region of residence. In the capital and large resort cities, the average wage in 5,5 times higher than in the provinces. In the capital, the average salary is approximately 1195 leva, or 609 euros. In other regions, the monthly payment is kept in the region 300-500 euros.

Average starting point for foreigners

The number of registered unemployed among the local population significantly exceeds the number of vacant jobs. Therefore, compatriots are a priority for the employer. Visiting applicants can only expect to get a place if the payment is reduced. Accordingly, for foreigners, even in large cities, the average salary will be significantly lower than for indigenous people.

Maximum

According to statistics, among the local population only 20% have higher education. This gives high-level foreign specialists a chance to get a job with decent wages. The most in demand are representatives of professions related to information technology. The salary level in this area reaches 3100 leva, or 1590 euros... In the restaurant business, where there is no shortage of personnel, you can count on no more than 600 euros.

Payment by region

Payroll taxes

Taxation for employees in Bulgaria is regulated by the Personal Income Tax Law. The obligation applies to both employees and self-employed workers. Both citizens of Bulgaria and foreign workers need to pay taxes.

Income tax

Individuals working in Bulgaria are required to pay income tax in the amount of 10%... For the citizens of Bulgaria, the profit received both within the country and abroad is taken into account. For foreign workers, tax is levied only on profits earned in Bulgaria.

The tax return is filed by April 30 of the year following the reporting period. Persons who pay taxes earlier than the due date can count on a discount in the amount of 5%.

Social contributions

In addition to income tax, individuals are required to pay social, health and pension insurance fees. These payments are shared between the employee and the employer.

Social fees table

Bulgarian legislation exempts certain types of citizens' profits from taxation.

These include:

• profit from the sale of shares;
• state benefits for children;
• grants provided to students studying in Bulgaria or abroad;
• student scholarships;
• income from deposits in banks in Bulgaria;
• profit from the sale of immovable and movable property in cases specified in the legislation;
• state awards;
• the cost of tickets provided to the employee by the employer;
• the cost of a uniform given to an employee free of charge;
• profit from the sale of an inheritance or gift.

The ratio of salary and living expenses

The living wage in Bulgaria has been approved by the government at the level 314 leva, or 161 euros.

Do not forget that Bulgaria is an agrarian country, and food prices here are much more democratic than in most countries of Europe and the post-Soviet space.

• In most cities, you can have lunch or dinner at a restaurant for 10-13 euros... In an inexpensive cafe, lunch will cost 5-7 euros, in fast food establishments - 4-6 euros.
• Renting a small car costs 15-25 euros per day, a taxi ride will cost EUR 0.40 / km... A monthly public transport pass costs 25 euros.
• You will need to pay for renting a 1-room apartment from 100 euros, in the capital or major cities from 200 euros.
• More 47 euros utilities will cost for a small apartment.

In large resort towns, consumer prices are higher by 20-30%.

For a normal life in Bulgaria, you need at least EUR 280 per month. This amount includes payment for utilities, medical services, food and household goods.

Unemployment Rate and Prospects for Migrants

The unemployment rate varies by region. In the capital of Bulgaria and resort cities, it is extremely low, but in the periphery and in small settlements it is almost impossible to find a job with decent wages.

Official unemployment rate fell in 2021 up to 5.6% compared from 11% in 2015.

The salary level in Bulgaria is poor. However, given the democratic prices for products and other services necessary for a normal existence, Bulgaria is a rather attractive country for living.