Skip to main content
🇧🇬
CVBulgaria

How to Write a Resume in Bulgaria

Up to 2 pagesPhoto: Expected / commonPersonal details required
Download TemplateBuild My CV

Bulgarian CVs are written in Bulgarian for domestic employers and in English for multinational companies and technology firms. A professional photo is common for domestic applications. Sofia's technology sector expects English-language CVs with specific tech stack details and portfolio links. German language skills add significant value given Germany's strong manufacturing investment presence in Bulgaria.

Last reviewed: May 2026

How to Write a CV in Bulgaria: Format & Guide 2026

Bulgaria is one of the European Union's fastest-growing IT and business process outsourcing destinations, with Sofia developing into a recognized technology hub attracting investment from global companies. Alongside this modern sector, traditional industries in manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism continue to employ a large portion of the workforce. Understanding what Bulgarian employers in each sector expect ensures your CV lands in the right pile.

The Bulgarian CV Format

The document is called a CV (Curriculum Vitae) or автобиография (avtobiografiya) in Bulgarian. Standard length is one to two pages for most professional roles. The CV may be written in Bulgarian for domestic employers and traditional businesses, or in English for multinational companies, technology firms, and international organizations operating in Sofia and other cities.

Many professionals in the technology sector maintain English CVs exclusively. For government roles and traditional Bulgarian businesses, a Bulgarian-language CV is expected.

Personal Information

Bulgarian CVs include moderately detailed personal information:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Address (city, and neighborhood for Sofia applications)
  • Phone number (mobile)
  • Professional email address
  • LinkedIn profile (recommended for IT, management, and corporate roles)
  • Citizenship (for non-Bulgarian nationals)

Marital status is traditionally included on Bulgarian CVs but is becoming less common in modern company applications. Do not include your EGN (civil identification number) in the CV.

Professional Photo

A professional photo is common on Bulgarian CVs for traditional private sector and government applications. Use a recent, formal photograph with a neutral background. Technology companies and international firms typically do not require a photo.

Education

Bulgaria's higher education institutions recognized by employers include:

  • Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski": The most prestigious national university
  • Technical University Sofia: Leading engineering and technology programs
  • University of National and World Economy (UNWE): Business, economics, and finance
  • Medical University Sofia: Healthcare and medical professionals
  • New Bulgarian University: Strong in law, IT, and humanities

Degrees from other EU universities are well recognized. UK, US, and German degrees are highly valued. Note that Bulgarian Cyrillic script is used on national diplomas; for international applications, the Latin transliteration or English version of the institution name is appropriate.

Sofia's Technology Sector

Sofia has established itself as a cost-effective European technology hub, with companies including VMware, Cargill, SAP, Coca-Cola HBC, and numerous gaming studios having large development offices. For technology roles:

  • List programming languages, frameworks, and tools specifically and with demonstrated project context
  • Include GitHub profile, portfolio links, or specific product/platform contributions
  • Highlight remote collaboration tools and international team experience
  • English proficiency at C1 or C2 is effectively required for most tech roles

Work Experience

Reverse chronological order is standard. For each role include:

  • Employer name and industry (note if international parent company)
  • Job title
  • Employment dates
  • City
  • Three to five bullet points on responsibilities and outcomes

Bulgaria's labor market spans manufacturing (Liebherr, Montupet, and the automotive supply chain), logistics, food processing, financial services (DSK Bank, UniCredit Bulbank, Postbank), and tourism (Black Sea coast, Bansko ski resort, Sofia city tourism).

Languages

Bulgarian is the official language. For professional advancement, the most important additional languages are:

  • English: Required for technology, finance, and international company roles
  • German: Valuable given significant German investment in Bulgarian manufacturing
  • Russian: Historically common, still practically useful in some business contexts
  • Romanian and Turkish: Useful for border-region commerce and regional business

Common CV Mistakes in Bulgaria

  • Using a Bulgarian-language CV for an international tech company that expects English
  • No LinkedIn profile for roles where international recruiters specifically check it
  • Omitting specific technologies and listing only general categories like "programming"
  • No professional photo on a domestic CV where it is expected
?Frequently Asked Questions

Should I write my Bulgarian CV in English or Bulgarian?

It depends on your target employer. For technology companies, multinationals, shared service centers, and BPO operations in Sofia, English is expected. For traditional Bulgarian businesses, manufacturing, government, and smaller domestic companies, Bulgarian is more appropriate. Many professionals maintain both versions.

How strong is the IT job market in Bulgaria?

Very strong. Sofia is one of Central and Eastern Europe's most established technology outsourcing destinations. Companies pay EU-competitive salaries for software engineers, data scientists, and DevOps professionals. The combination of relatively lower cost of living and strong technical education has made Bulgaria attractive to Western European and North American technology companies looking for European development capacity.

Is a photo required on a Bulgarian CV?

For domestic private sector and government roles, a professional photo is common and generally expected. For technology companies, international firms, and positions where online applications go through ATS platforms, a photo is not typically required and should be omitted unless the job posting specifically requests one.

How important is English certification in Bulgaria?

For technology and international company roles, demonstrating English through a certification (Cambridge IELTS, TOEFL, or Oxford Test) adds credibility. However, most Bulgarian tech professionals demonstrate their English through actual work experience in English-language environments. Note any formal certifications held but also provide context through work experience described in English.

What personal details should I include on a Bulgarian CV?

Full name, date of birth, city, phone, and email are standard. Marital status is increasingly optional. Do not include your EGN (civil ID number) in any application document as this is sensitive personal information.

Bulgaria CV Layout

Standard section order used by employers and recruiters in Bulgaria.

Template preview · europass format

Personal InfoProfileExperienceEducationSkills

Sections in order

  1. 1Professional Photo
  2. 2Personal Information
  3. 3Profile / Summary
  4. 4Work Experience
  5. 5Education
  6. 6Skills
  7. 7Languages
  8. 8Certifications
Download TemplateBuild My CV