Introduction to Remote Work in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, some individuals have found that their monthly net income is significantly higher than their German salary. Kristina Borisova, a 41-year-old who returned to Bulgaria in 2025 after eight years in Germany, is one such example. She continues to work remotely for a German company in the energy sector and has seen a substantial increase in her net income due to lower taxes and social security contributions in Bulgaria.
The Financial Benefits of Remote Work
Borisova’s company, based in East Germany, pays her a normal German salary, but she doesn’t pay rent in Pomorie because she lives with her parents. After deducting all expenses, she still has just over 700 euros left, which is a significant amount in a country like Bulgaria, where the average monthly salary is around 1,300 euros. The financial benefit is great, but the best thing for Borisova is being close to her family.
Remote Work Offers a Major Income Boost
Radimir Bitsov, who also returned to Bulgaria after eight years in Berlin, has seen a similar increase in his net income. He works remotely for a small German IT company and has a higher net income of around 20% more after returning to Bulgaria. This trend is becoming more common, with more and more young and well-educated Bulgarians leaving Germany and working from home.
The Trend of Returning to Bulgaria
According to Konstantin Ruskov, a Munich-based lawyer, there are no official statistics on how many Bulgarians return home to work remotely for German companies. However, data from the Federal Statistical Office shows that for the first time in a long time, more Bulgarians left Germany than moved there. The negative migration balance was minus 11,000 people, and around 432,000 Bulgarians currently live in Germany.
How German Employers Benefit
Ruskov explains that relocating employees also has benefits for German companies, as it reduces their additional wage costs because the employees are insured through the Bulgarian and not the German system. There are also no investment costs for German companies because they are not based in Bulgaria. Such long-distance employment is excellently regulated within the EU, and registration is easy and inexpensive.
Return to Germany?
However, the cost of living in Bulgaria has risen, and the value of German salaries has fallen slightly. Prices in Bulgaria, particularly in Sofia, have risen sharply in recent years. Some things, such as clothing and food, are even more expensive in Bulgaria than in Germany. Despite this, many Bulgarians who have returned to their homeland do not plan to leave again, but some are concerned about the political situation in the country and may consider returning to Germany if it worsens.
Concerns About the Future
The political situation in Bulgaria is a concern for many, with the government resigning in December following mass protests sparked by a proposed tax increase in the 2026 draft budget. If the tax burden and social security contributions increase in Bulgaria without providing better services and infrastructure, this will lead to a significant decline in the quality of life. Ruskov is also concerned about political developments in Bulgaria, which has held seven parliamentary elections since 2020. If the situation does not improve, Bulgaria could again see its highly qualified, high earners leave.
