What are the pros of investing in a talent from Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has a growing population of skilled professionals who are proficient in English and open to remote and international work. The Bulgarian workforce is highly educated, with a strong emphasis on STEM fields. Many major corporations are actively recruiting Bulgarian employees, particularly in the IT and engineering sectors. Currently, there are over 25,000 IT specialists in Bulgaria, and this number is growing rapidly due to the popularity of IT education programs and the competitive market.
What makes you unique among your competitors on the Bulgarian market?
DevsData’s priority is to maintain the highest level of transparency and we value honesty as a core business principle. We seek out employees and contractors who can provide solutions to complex problems through a rigorous, multi-stage recruitment process that only the best can pass
Are Bulgarian IT specialists considered well qualified?
Bulgaria is among the top destinations for IT outsourcing and has a large pool of highly qualified IT professionals. According to the Global Skills Index, Bulgaria ranks 15th globally in the quality of its IT talent, with a strong emphasis on software development and engineering.
Why is now the best time to hire Bulgarian developers?
Bulgaria has a growing and competitive IT market, with an increasing number of IT graduates every year. IT is a popular occupation in Bulgaria, and many universities and private schools offer comprehensive programs. This has created a strong pool of skilled IT specialists who are in high demand.
Do we need to start a legal entity before hiring talent in Bulgaria?
Yes, a company entity in Bulgaria must be established to legitimately hire Bulgarian citizens. This can be done in approximately 30 days, with the most common option being to establish a Bulgarian limited liability company. Alternatively, you can hire staff via an Employer of Record.
What are the specifics of the Bulgarian market?
Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and has a stable economy. It is also a popular destination for IT outsourcing due to its highly qualified and affordable talent pool.
Culture-wise, what are the things I should keep in mind?
Bulgarian culture values teamwork and respect for authority. Additionally, punctuality is highly valued, and it is customary to shake hands when greeting someone. Bulgarians also appreciate when foreigners make an effort to learn a few basic phrases in Bulgarian.
What are the popular benefits for Bulgarian employees?
Benefits packages can vary, but common ones include health insurance, paid vacation time, and flexible working hours. Providing stock options or equity is legally possible in Bulgaria.
Is it legally possible to provide stock options/equity for my Bulgarian employees?
Bulgarian professionals are known for their proficiency in English, with many having studied or worked abroad. However, language skills can vary, and we assess the English proficiency of each candidate individually.
What are the best ways to look for an office space or a coworking space in Bulgaria or Bulgaria in general?
There are several ways to look for office spaces or coworking spaces in Bulgaria, including online real estate portals, commercial property agents, and local business centers. Some of the popular websites for finding office spaces in Bulgaria include imot.bg, olx.bg, and imoti.net. You can also check out local business centers such as Regus, which offer flexible office spaces and coworking solutions.
I’m concerned about the English-speaking abilities of the Bulgarian candidates. How would you assess their level?
English is widely spoken in Bulgaria, especially among younger generations and in larger cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. However, the proficiency level may vary depending on the individual and their educational background. To assess the English-speaking abilities of Bulgarian candidates, you can conduct language proficiency tests, such as TOEFL or IELTS, or request a written or verbal communication sample.
Can you compare the work ethic between Bulgaria and the US or Israel?
That being said, both the US and Israel are known for having a strong work culture that values productivity, efficiency, and innovation. The work culture in Bulgaria also values hard work and dedication, but may be influenced by cultural differences and historical context. It is important to keep in mind that work culture can vary widely even within a single country, and it is always best to approach each individual and workplace with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt.
How much should I pay for a strong senior developer for Bulgaria, and how much for a lead developer?
The salary for a senior developer in Bulgaria typically ranges between €1,500 to €2,500 per month, while a lead developer can earn anywhere from €2,500 to €4,000 per month. However, these figures may vary depending on the industry, company size, and location
How much does it cost to keep a Bulgarian company operational for the entire year if I want to hire 10 people?
The cost of keeping a Bulgarian company operational for an entire year will depend on a variety of factors, such as the industry, the company's location, and the size of the team. However, as a rough estimate, the total cost of hiring 10 employees, including salaries, social security contributions, and other expenses, can range from €300,000 to €500,000 per year.
What would be approximately the cost of an office or a coworking space for 10 people in Bulgaria?
If you wish to use a coworking space, it’s about 200 USD per month. For a private office, it’s about twice that much.
Is there a strong talent pool in C/C++/embedded systems in Sofia? How about other cities?
Yes, there is a strong talent pool in C/C++/embedded systems in Bulgaria. Bulgarian universities offer programs in computer science and engineering, which produce many skilled graduates in these areas. Additionally, Bulgaria has a growing tech industry, which attracts international talent and provides opportunities for local professionals to gain experience in these fields. Other cities with a strong talent pool in these areas include Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas.
Can you name a couple highly-technological companies from Bulgaria?
Chaos Group, which develops V-Ray rendering software for 3D computer graphics, architectural design, and visual effects.
Telerik, which offers software tools and services for web and mobile application development.
Musala Soft, which provides software development, consulting, and IT outsourcing services for various industries.
ScaleFocus, which offers software engineering, cloud, and digital transformation services for global clients.
Can you name a few global corporations with a strong IT presence in Bulgaria?
The highest rated Information Technology global companies hiring in Bulgaria are for example: Google, IBM, Microsoft, Amazon or Atos. IT companies are very satisfied with choosing Bulgaria as the place for running a business. The IT sector is one of the fastest developing economic areas of Bulgaria.
How does Bulgaria compare to Bucharest in terms of the cost of IT resources?
The cost of IT resources in Bulgaria is generally lower than in many other European countries, but it can vary depending on the level of experience and specific skill set required.
Can you estimate how many software developers there are in Bulgaria?
As of 2021, there were approximately 45,000 software developers in Bulgaria, and this number is projected to continue growing. Sofia, the capital city, is the primary location for IT companies in Bulgaria, but other cities also have a growing pool of IT talent.