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@Justtdaveee

It's good that you're thinking ahead. But I suggest you focus on your studies and getting your BSc, rather than worrying about where/how to move after. :-)

More generally, I reckon that moving to poor / low-paying countries is typically a bad idea if you want to work. You're typically better off getting high-paying tech jobs in high-paying countries (such as UK or Germany or USA).

Bulgaria has many charms, and it's very inexpensive. But salaries are very low, even in tech.

If there are reasons why you can't stay in the UK after graduating, or your plan is to be a freelancer/independent, then a low cost base might be interesting. It's also potentially an easier option to get into the EU, if that's your objective.

The best tech entry into the EU is the Blue Card, for the highly qualified. This needs a higher salary offer (and some other requirements), but has some portability advantages. You'll note the Bulgarian salary threshold is under 20k euros... pretty low.

I can give you more guidance, if you think it would be helpful, but I'd appreciate some background as to why you're not looking at UK and considering EU / Bulgaria.

@gwynj

Thanks for your insight! I completely understand your point about salaries and job opportunities in high-paying countries. My main reason for considering Bulgaria is a mix of affordability and long-term strategy.聽

While I鈥檇 love to stay in the UK after my BSc, visa/work permit restrictions can be tough, and securing a high-paying job as a fresh graduate isn鈥檛 always guaranteed. Including the high cost of living. Bulgaria, on the other hand, offers a lower cost of living and a potential gateway into the EU job market.聽

I鈥檓 also exploring freelancing/remote work in data science and tech, where income isn鈥檛 tied to local salaries. If I can earn from international clients while living in an affordable country, that could be a solid balance.聽

I鈥檇 love to hear more about the Blue Card and whether Bulgaria is a good entry point into the EU for tech professionals. Any guidance you can share would be really helpful!

If you look on the EU website, you'll find a lot about the blue card scheme. To qualify, someone does need to offer above average talent, so as a new graduate, you need to think now about how you can make your CV really shine!

Unfortunately you may not find many forum members here with specific info on your question. Most of us here came to Bulgaria by different routes so it's unlikely to find an active forum member聽 working in the tech sector. Bulgaria is probably not going to be any easier to get a work permit in than the UK, and the freelancer visa is even tougher, as it requires Bulgarian language proficiency! But look at the options, you may find one that works for you. It will be challenging but not impossible.

You can find out more about the routes to residency in Bulgaria here:

I hope you find the option that is right for you. But it's important to recognise that though Bulgaria has a lot to offer, but it's definitely not an easier route into the EU!

@Justtdaveee

Bulgaria has no shortage of well-trained graduates in pretty much every technical sphere, so I wouldn't get your hopes up too high on finding a job here.聽 Salaries are still pretty low compared to what's on offer in many N/W European countries, and most graduates speak passable-to-good English; given the hassle involved in organising work visas for non-EU staff you'd need to have some serious specialised expertise for a company to even consider hiring you over a local candidate.

All in all, I'd say that you'd be better advised to look at a bigger country with an easier language to learn and a larger tech sector - and you'll find plenty of Bulgarians already working there! 馃榿

@Justtdaveee

Most countries are happy for you to spend your money getting an education with them, and have some way for you to stay in the country for work experience (short term). The UK has the Graduate Visa option, and this allows you to work for 2 years after completing your degree.

This might be a great way to go as you won't have a language/work permit issue, and you'll be able to interview locally. A lot can happen in 2 years, and job searching is much easier for grads with solid experience. And your employer is more likely to jump through the hoops to get you a longer term residence permit if you've already displayed your excellence.

The info is here:

@gwynj

Thanks a lot

@JimJ

Thanks a lot

@janemulberry

Thanks a lot

Hello, member.

I think your choise for Bulgaria is right from affordability, cost of living, business environment. I would vote for Plovdiv as the best option.

Also would not recommend any freelancer option, because they require Bulgarian language fluency and some professional experience, which must be proved with official documents.

I've met loads of young people from the UK and Ireland in Burgas training in university s to be GP s and other medical professions

@Kath948381

Most of the unis here (as in the UK) try to attract foreign students, especially with classes taught in English - it's a very useful additional income stream (all Bulgarian universities are permanently cash-strapped) and foreign students bring in considerably more money than local ones.聽 It's pretty easy for them to get onto the courses as well: you have to be a very mediocre applicant not to get accepted.

Dental students in the final years of their courses in Sofia regularly advertise for guinea pigs to practise on; being a cheapskate, I've used them for some minor courses of treatment in the past - they're okay for minor/simple stuff but, in my opinion, definitely to be avoided if you need anything more advanced/complicated.聽 They'll tell you about "close professorial supervision" but there has been none in evidence any time I've been a patient and the students (mostly female) have a very "carefree" approach to their prospective profession... 馃槑