Considering nearshoring in Bulgaria can be a strategic decision with several potential benefits. Bulgaria has been steadily growing as an attractive IT nearshoring destination due to its skilled workforce, competitive costs, favorable business environment, and proximity to Western Europe. Bulgaria is located centrally on the Balkans and can attract talent from Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Turkey and Romania as well.
Skilled IT Workforce: Bulgaria has a well-educated and highly skilled IT workforce, with a strong focus on technical and engineering disciplines but also strong in mathematics and physics. The country has a solid reputation for producing talented IT architects, software developers, engineers, and IT specialists.
Cost Efficiency: Nearshoring to Bulgaria can provide cost advantages compared to onshore or offshore options. The cost of labor in Bulgaria is generally lower than in Western European countries, while still maintaining a high level of quality.
Average net monthly salary in Bulgaria:
Java developer: € 1200 – € 3500
Python developer: € 1000 – € 2500
C++: € 1200 – € 3700
DevOps Engineer: € 2000 – € 4000
Business Analyst: € 800 – € 2600
Lead Developer: € 2000 – € 4600
Product Manager: € 2000 – € 4600
IT Architect: € 2000 – € 5600
Language Proficiency: English proficiency levels are generally high among IT professionals in Bulgaria, which facilitates effective communication with international clients. Many Bulgarian IT professionals also speak other European languages, making it easier to work with clients from various countries.
Time Zone Compatibility: Bulgaria operates in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which provides a favorable overlap with the working hours of Western European countries. This can promote efficient collaboration and real-time communication with teams in other European locations.
Cultural Affinity: Bulgaria has strong cultural affinity and historical ties with many European countries. This can contribute to smoother collaboration, understanding of business practices, and alignment with European regulatory frameworks.
Political and Economic Stability: Bulgaria is a member of the European Union (EU) and has a stable political and economic environment. EU membership ensures compliance with EU regulations and access to funding opportunities and grants.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: Bulgaria has been making significant investments in its infrastructure, including telecommunications, data centers, and high-speed internet connectivity. This infrastructure development supports the IT industry and ensures reliable and efficient operations.
Flights: Daily Business and Economy class flights from Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Dusseldorf and London to Sofia.
Sofia Office rentals: From € 6 to € 20 per m2 depending on area and buildings.
Sofia Real Estate: from € 1500 to € 4000 per m2 depending on area and buildings.
It’s advisable to partner with a local professional who can assist with the Bulgarian administration and is familiar with the nearshoring market to help in the decision-making process.