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Build a dedicated tech team in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a rising star in Europe’s tech landscape, with a growing talent pool of over 111,500 IT professionals and a huge expertise in QA engineering. Bulgaria’s AI and Machine Learning sector, as well as cybersecurity, is experiencing a steady growth as well, and its capital, Sofia, is a hub for innovation, offering a business-friendly environment with low taxes and access to regional markets.

Build your dedicated team in Bulgaria

1,400+

Profiles filled in Bulgaria since 2007

7 weeks

Average time to fill senior tech positions

95.7%

Employee retention rate

“The collaboration was so beneficial that we have reorganized our company in such a way that we would outsource all future development activities.”

Steven Hackars,
Product Director, cQuilibrium

Bulgaria's tech talent market in a nutshell​

Expanding talent pool

Bulgaria boasts a robust and diverse talent pool, with over 111,500 software engineers and specialists across high-demand fields, including 1,500+ AI/ML engineers, over 2,000 DevOps and cloud engineers, and 9,000 QA engineers. The IT sector is expected to keep growing steadily in the coming years.

Resilient and growing IT sector

Despite global economic pressures, Bulgaria's ICT sector has shown resilience, with projections to exceed 8,7 billion USD by the end of 2026. The sector employs over 100,000 people, with 833 companies across BPO, ITO, and R&D.

A thriving tech hub

Sofia is a fast-growing tech hub, attracting global investment and innovation. Its strategic location and business-friendly policies, including Europe’s lowest personal income tax (10%), make Bulgaria a prime destination. With R&D centers from companies in the USA, the UK, and the EU driving growth, the country is solidifying its position as a global tech player.

Stable market, niche talent opportunities

Bulgaria’s IT market is stabilizing, with renewed growth since 2024 and competitive wage levels across key tech domains. The most sought-after profiles in 2025 were cloud computing, machine learning, AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and Salesforce engineers – a lineup that reflects Bulgaria's shift from cost-efficient generalist outsourcing toward higher-complexity, specialized delivery.

Strong STEM education & Multilingual workforce

Bulgaria’s emphasis on STEM education ensures a steady pipeline of highly skilled IT professionals. With over 2,000 graduates in tech-related fields annually and a workforce fluent in English, German, and other European languages, Bulgaria is well-equipped for global collaboration.

Flexible domain

Flexible work options, including remote and hybrid models, are now essential, with top talent prioritizing work-from-home opportunities and adaptable hours. Companies with rigid office policies face higher turnover, making it crucial to offer a supportive, flexible environment and clear career advancement to attract and retain the best talent.

BG
Yoana Bahchevanova_HeadOffice

“Bulgaria’s IT market continues to grow, with strong demand for professionals in AI, cybersecurity, and machine learning. While salaries for most IT roles remain stable, niche positions like Salesforce Engineers have seen slight increases. Junior software engineers and QA professionals face downward pressure due to market saturation. In contrast, mid- and senior-level cybersecurity salaries are expected to rise. The market for DevOps and cloud engineers remains competitive, with senior roles holding steady and entry-level salaries declining slightly.”

Yoana Bahchevanova
Head of Talent Acquisition, Bulgaria

Salaries overview

If you’re wondering about salary trends in Bulgaria, here’s the scoop.

Software Engineers

Salaries have remained largely stable, with a slight increase for niche roles such as Salesforce Engineers. Junior-level salaries have seen some downward pressure due to market saturation.

Data/ML/AI Engineers

Due to high demand and the rapid growth of Data/ML and AI, salaries in these fields remain high and continue to rise. This is because strong expertise requires a broad skill set and deep knowledge of various modern technologies.

Cybersecurity Engineers

Salaries for mid-level and senior cybersecurity professionals are predicted to grow in 2025 due to high demand for experts in this role.

QA Engineers

While experienced QA professionals’ salaries remain steady, entry-level salaries have been slightly impacted by an influx of junior candidates in the market.

DevOps & Cloud Engineers

Senior salaries have held firm, but entry-level roles are becoming more competitive, with slight decreases due to high supply in the market.

IT Salary Guide_2026_Mockup_2_BG

 

2026 CEE Tech Salary Guide

Want to dive deeper into IT salaries in Bulgaria?

Get the data that reflects what companies genuinely spend — not just take-home pay. Download the 2026 CEE Tech Salary Guide and access to:

  • Total employer cost benchmarks – Full Cost to Company figures for 10 tech roles across Junior, Mid, Senior, and Expert levels in Bulgaria, Poland, and Ukraine, covering Software Engineers, ML/AI Engineers, DevOps, Cybersecurity, and more.

  • Role-by-role market context – Understand which roles saw salary growth in 2026, where rates declined, and how Bulgaria compares to Poland, Ukraine, and Western European markets.

  • Hiring cost comparisons – See exactly how much you save hiring in CEE versus Germany, the UK, or the US, with figures that hold up in budget conversations.
IT Salary Guide_2026_Mockup_2_BG

 2026 CEE Tech Salary Guide 

Want to dive deeper into IT salaries in Bulgaria?

Get the data that reflects what companies genuinely spend — not just take-home pay. Download the 2026 CEE Tech Salary Guide and access to:

  • Total employer cost benchmarks – Full Cost to Company figures for 10 tech roles across Junior, Mid, Senior, and Expert levels in Bulgaria, Poland, and Ukraine, covering Software Engineers, ML/AI Engineers, DevOps, Cybersecurity, and more.
  • Role-by-role market context – Understand which roles saw salary growth in 2026, where rates declined, and how Bulgaria compares to Poland, Ukraine, and Western European markets.
  • Hiring cost comparisons – See exactly how much you save hiring in CEE versus Germany, the UK, or the US, with figures that hold up in budget conversations.

Why Bulgaria should be your next destination for tech talent

The market is expected to continue its growth at a moderate pace, with a slight increase in open positions, particularly in the high-demand fields like cybersecurity, AI, and data science. With a highly skilled workforce, a thriving tech ecosystem, and a favorable business environment, Bulgaria presents a prime opportunity for companies seeking top-tier talent at competitive rates. Now is the time to invest in Bulgaria and tap into its growing tech pool for your next project.

Meet our Bulgaria team

Kristina Brankova

Country Manager, Bulgaria

Kristina brings over 15 years of HR leadership experience, with more than six years at the company, where she has been instrumental in driving people strategies, operational efficiency, and business growth.

As Country Manager, Kristina combines her expertise in talent management, organizational development, and client relations to foster a high-performing, people-centric culture. She works closely with key clients to understand their needs, strengthen partnerships, and ensure service excellence.

Dedicated to aligning local market strategies with global objectives, she focuses on sustainable growth, employee engagement, and delivering long-term value to both clients and the organization.

Polina Hristova

Head of People & Culture, Bulgaria

Polina brings over a decade of experience in HR within the IT services sector. Having been with the company for 13 years, she has steadily taken on roles of increasing responsibility. Currently, as the Head of People & Culture for Bulgaria, Polina leads a team of skilled operations and people specialists.

She is passionate about creating value for both employees and customers, with a strong focus on driving engagement, operational efficiency, and excellence. Polina's expertise lies in cultivating a thriving work environment that aligns with business goals while prioritizing employee satisfaction and development.

Outside of work, Polina enjoys connecting with nature, traveling, and discovering new activities.

Yoana Bahchevanova

Head of Talent Acquisition, Bulgaria

Yoana is a seasoned HR leader with over 13 years of experience in Talent Acquisition, including more than 6 years as Head of Talent Acquisition (TA) for Pwrteams Bulgaria.

In this role she is responsible for designing and implementing effective hiring strategies, delivering high-quality recruitment services, and organizing and leading various events and initiatives to promote Pwrteams as one of the best employers in Bulgaria.

She has contributed to the establishment and growth of Bulgarian engineering teams for several cutting-edge UK, US, and German companies, such as Ocado Technology, Accenture Strategy, Funding Circle UK, Which UK, and Deutsche Börse, with some teams built from scratch and scaled to over 100 engineers.

Yoana is always eager to meet new people from different tech communities and user groups, as well as to explore innovative ways of thinking and acting in the HR field.

Tatyana Marinova

Head of Employer Branding and Communications

As the Head of Employer Branding and Communications at Nortal, Tatyana brings over 15 years of experience and a passion for fostering meaningful connections. Since joining the company in 2010, her career has encompassed technical recruitment, marketing, employer branding, business development, client account management, and corporate social responsibility, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on driving organizational success.

In this role, Tatyana collaborates with her team to build a strong, recognizable employer brand for both Nortal and its clients, supporting the talent acquisition function. On the communications front, she and her team ensure consistency in internal and external messaging, fostering alignment and clarity across the organization.

Beyond the workplace, Tatyana is committed to continuous learning and personal growth. Volunteering plays an integral role in her life, allowing her to give back to the community while broadening her perspective. With a proven track record in leadership and a passion for technology, she is dedicated to contributing to Pwrteams' growth and making a meaningful impact in every project she undertakes.

Elena Hristova

Facilities Мanager

For nearly six years, Elena has been a part of the team as Facilities Manager, ensuring that the Sofia office operates efficiently and remains a comfortable, functional space for everyone.

She takes care of the office maintenance, furniture management and repairs, while also leading custom projects to adapt the workspace to meet evolving needs. Elena is responsible for equipping newcomers and current employees with the tools they need, handling equipment provisioning, servicing, and replacement requests with precision and care. Beyond her core responsibilities, Elena actively supports team events, training sessions, and other office activities.

Outside of work, Elena is passionate about visual and performing arts and traveling to explore new cultures.

We’re here to help you navigate Bulgaria’s dynamic IT landscape. From identifying top talent and understanding local salary trends to assessing the competitive market and aligning with Bulgaria’s work culture, we provide the insights you need. With our expertise, you can make strategic decisions that drive success and growth for your business.

280+

Employees in Bulgaria

140+

Technologies our teams work with

56

Client Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Our office in Bulgaria

Our Sofia office is located in a prime area, easily accessible by public transport, next to the city's largest park, and within a thriving business district. It also offers easy access to the mountains. With a stunning terrace offering a great atmosphere for relaxation and creativity, we provide modern workspaces equipped with top-tier amenities to enhance your team's performance

Tailored to your team’s needs

Our office in Sofia is more than just a workspace - it's where your team's success begins. With flexible areas ranging from open collaboration zones to private offices, we customize the environment to fit your team’s specific needs.

Maximize productivity and creativity

Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and comfortable amenities designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and productivity. We understand that a well-designed workspace plays a crucial role in motivating teams, so we've created an environment where your team can feel at home while achieving their best work.

Comprehensive IT support

We also provide comprehensive IT support and top-of-the-line hardware, ensuring that your team has everything they need to succeed. From procurement and installation to ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting, our IT support services are always on hand to keep things running smoothly, minimizing downtime and ensuring productivity.

Staff augmentation in Bulgaria done right

See top three reasons why companies choose us.

01

Completly risk-free start

We make starting with staff augmentation a breeze. No time and volume commitments, no start or exit fees, and absolutely no lock-ins. We're dedicated to ensuring your experience is as risk-free as possible. ​

We are fully transparent and ready to assist you anytime. If things don’t go as planned, you can walk away with no exit fees.​​

02

95.7% employee retention

We are very good at building motivated cross-border teams. It’s not just words; it’s also numbers. The teams we’ve built have an attrition rate of 4.3% p.a., while 96% of our candidates pass the trial period.

​We put a lot of emphasis on cultural match-making, which is one of the reasons why our clients stay with us for more than 5 years on average​.

03

Transparency​ of cooperation

We don't gain from pushing the priciest talent. Instead, our monthly fee prioritizes the longevity and growth of our partnership. By focusing on delivering top-quality talent and service, we ensure that your success is ours.​

Everything we do to support you at the very beginning, we continue doing throughout our entire partnership. ​​

Staff augmentation in Bulgaria done right

See top three reasons why companies choose us.

01

Completly risk-free start

We make starting with staff augmentation a breeze. No time and volume commitments, no start or exit fees, and absolutely no lock-ins. We're dedicated to ensuring your experience is as risk-free as possible. ​

We are fully transparent and ready to assist you anytime. If things don’t go as planned, you can walk away with no exit fees.​​

02

95.7% employee retention

We are very good at building motivated cross-border teams. It’s not just words; it’s also numbers. The teams we’ve built have an attrition rate of 4.3% p.a. while 96% of our candidates pass the trial period.

​We put a lot of emphasis on cultural match-making, which is one of the reasons why our clients stay with us for more than 5 years on average​.

03

Transparency​ of cooperation

We don't gain from pushing the priciest talent. Instead, our monthly fee prioritizes the longevity and growth of our partnership. By focusing on delivering top-quality talent and service, we ensure that your success is ours.​

Everything we do to support you at the very beginning, we continue doing throughout our entire partnership. ​​

Why Bulgaria talent & Nortal?

When you work with us, you're not just tapping into Bulgaria's top tech talent – you're gaining a partner with in-depth knowledge of the local market who will simplify the staff augmentation process and ensure your success.

01 Access to Bulgaria’s tech talent pool
02 Tailored advisory for the Bulgarian market
03 Legal and compliance expertise in Bulagria
04 HR and Payroll Administration
05 Strengthening your employer brand
06 Investing in team building

Bulgaria is home to over 111,500 skilled software engineers, with a strong focus on QA engineering, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Our deep connections within Bulgaria's growing tech ecosystem, particularly in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna, provide you with access to some of the best tech talent in Europe. Whether you're seeking expertise in cybersecurity, AI, or DevOps, Bulgaria's tech professionals are equipped to meet your specific needs.

With years of experience, we understand Bulgaria’s unique labor market dynamics. Our consultants offer valuable insights into local salary trends, the competitive landscape, and the cultural nuances of working with Bulgarian tech talent. This ensures your hiring strategy aligns with your business goals, enabling you to onboard top talent with confidence.

Navigating Bulgaria’s labor laws is essential for smooth operations. We ensure full compliance with local regulations, reducing legal risks as you manage your remote or cross-border teams. From contracts to tax considerations, Nortal offers the expertise you need to keep your business compliant and running without disruptions.

Managing payroll in Bulgaria is hassle-free with Nortal. We handle all aspects of payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance with local regulations. You can focus on growing your business while we take care of the administrative complexities of managing your team’s compensation and benefits.

In Bulgaria, attracting the best tech talent requires more than offering competitive pay. We work to establish your company as an employer of choice by drawing on our extensive local network and understanding of the Bulgarian job market. By showcasing your company’s values, culture, and career growth opportunities, we help you create a distinctive appeal that attracts top-tier professionals in Bulgaria’s tech scene.

Cultivating a culture of teamwork and creativity is key to success in Bulgaria's tech industry. Our custom-designed development programs ensure your team stays at the cutting edge of emerging trends. In addition, we organize engaging team-building activities such as hackathons and collaborative events that encourage innovation, strengthen interpersonal connections, and boost overall motivation among your employees.

The power of modern tech.

Discover how teams built by us drive innovation across industries.

We empower businesses to stay ahead with over 800+ tech experts, software developers, full-stack pros, and AI and data specialists. Our people are more than just experts. They’re pioneers who bring cutting-edge solutions to life, ensuring you stay at the forefront of technology.

Software Development

Our top-tier software developers shape the tech landscape, one line of code at a time. Augmented tech teams built by us turn vision into reality.

Data Science, Engineering, AI

Learn how our data experts transform data into actionable insights. From advanced analytics to AI-powered decision-making, we help you unlock the full potential of your data.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about our dedicated teams services, collaboration options, costs, trial periods, and more. We cover all the essentials to help you understand how we work and ensure a smooth partnership experience with us.

Whose payroll will the team member be on?

Do you offer both short-term and long-term collaboration?

What is your pricing structure?

Is there a trial period?​

How long does it take to hire a new candidate?

Do you charge ​any onboarding fees?​

How easy is it to scale down the team?

Can I get a reference from previous clients?​

Why nearshoring with Nortal in Bulgaria works

Bulgaria is a truly beneficial nearshoring destination for IT talent, and with Nortal, it’s seamless. 

  • Cultural & geographical proximity: Bulgaria’s location and shared work ethic with Western Europe allow for smooth communication and seamless collaboration.
  • Top IT talent: Over 100,000 skilled IT professionals, specializing in high-demand fields like AI, cybersecurity, and software development.
  • Stable & resilient tech ecosystem: Steady growth in the IT sector that provides businesses with a reliable and adaptable workforce.
  • Cost-effective expertise: High-quality IT talent at competitive rates, providing great value for businesses looking to maximize their budget.
  • Proven track record: A strong track record of delivering successful projects to global clients, ensuring dependable results.
  • Seamless onboarding & dedicated talent: Smooth onboarding and focuses on long-term talent retention for consistent project success.