Book and Go
Latest features
Bulgaria: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Bulgaria
Business practices are generally formal, particularly at initial meetings. Appointments should be arranged beforehand and punctuality is expected. A handshake is the usual greeting, and professional titles and surnames are normally used.
Business cards are commonly exchanged at meetings, although there is no particular ritual surrounding them. English is widely used in international business, particularly in Sofia and among younger professionals, but an interpreter may be useful when dealing with smaller companies or government bodies outside the main cities.
Personal relationships and trust can be important in Bulgarian business, and initial meetings may be devoted partly to getting to know prospective partners. Decisions can take time where several levels of management are involved. Business lunches and dinners are common and may form an important part of developing a working relationship.
Business dress is generally conservative and smart. July and August are the main holiday period, when arranging meetings can be more difficult, particularly in August.
Bulgaria has an open, export-oriented economy closely integrated with the European Union, which accounts for the majority of its trade. Services make up the largest share of the economy, with important sectors including information technology and business services, tourism, transport and financial services. Manufacturing remains significant, particularly machinery, electrical equipment, automotive components, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and food processing.
Agriculture remains important in rural areas, producing cereals, oilseeds, fruit, vegetables, wine and tobacco. Bulgaria is also one of the world's leading producers of rose oil, traditionally centred on the Rose Valley around Kazanlak.
Since joining the EU in 2007, Bulgaria has benefited from access to the single market and substantial EU investment in infrastructure and regional development. The country adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, replacing the Bulgarian lev.
Machinery and electrical equipment; mineral products and fuels; metals and metal products; chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Machinery and transport equipment; crude oil and other fuels; electrical equipment; and vehicles.
Keeping in Touch in Bulgaria
Mobile coverage is extensive across Bulgaria, although reception can be weaker in remote and mountainous areas. The main mobile operators are A1, Yettel and Vivacom, all of which operate 4G and 5G networks.
Prepaid SIM cards are widely available from mobile phone shops and authorised retailers. Registration is required and travellers should present a passport or other accepted identity document when purchasing or activating a SIM card. EU roaming rules apply to visitors using SIM cards issued in the EU and EEA, subject to their provider's fair-use policy.
Internet access is widely available, with Wi-Fi provided by most hotels and many cafés, restaurants and other public venues. Fixed broadband is widespread in cities and towns, while 4G and 5G mobile data provide good coverage across much of the country.
You know where