A diverse blend of ancient cultures, heritage and religions, Bulgaria has played an important role at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Once a powerful country, Bulgaria suffered at the hands of the Ottoman Empire but maintained its ability to contribute extensively to art, literature, music and architecture.
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Bulgaria Today
An agricultural society steeped in tradition, Bulgarians are known for their open and friendly demeanour and their extreme hospitality.
Since the end of communist control, Bulgaria has made enormous strides towards becoming a modern industrialised society. It joined the EU in 2007 and has shown a commitment to economic reforms and responsible fiscal planning. As such, it is increasingly attracting the attention of new foreign business and investments.
Bulgarian Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Family and Relationships – Family is an integral part of Bulgarian culture which strongly influences how people behave and live their daily lives. Loyalty and commitment to family members, both nuclear and extended, is essential. An extremely high importance is placed on relationships, so when doing business in Bulgaria take the time to get to know your counterparts.
Religion – The majority of Bulgarians are members of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Though their religion was suppressed under communism, it has always played an important role in shaping the way they live. Births, deaths and marriages are all celebrated according to Bulgarian Orthodox traditions.
Cultural Heritage – Bulgarians are extremely proud of their rich cultural heritage. Though Bulgaria strives to create a more modern society, Bulgarians place a high importance on tradition and their cultural heritage. This is evident in everyday life in the form of festivities and traditional holidays and in the formality of business culture.
Hospitality – Bulgarians are known for their hospitality. Despite the political and economic situations which often prevented Bulgarians from being able to provide for themselves, they will do everything in their power to ensure that others are provided for. Visiting and hosting friends and family is an important part of Bulgarian culture through which relationships are built and cultivated.
Doing Business in Bulgaria
Bulgaria was under communist control from the early 1940s until the late 1980s. The post-war communist era transformed what was traditionally a society dominated by agriculture into an industrial focused nation state. The move from a communist controlled society to a democratic one brought with it years of political and economic unrest.
Today Bulgaria is a relatively open and modern society but is faced with the enormous challenge of taking effective action against corruption and organised crime. However, Bulgaria has a favourable investment regime including low, flat corporate income taxes, but in order to be successful doing business in Bulgaria, one must first understand Bulgarian business culture and etiquette.
Part 1 – Working in Bulgaria: Working practices in Bulgaria
Structure and hierarchy in Bulgarian companies
Working relationships in Bulgaria
Part 2 – Doing Business in Bulgaria: Business practices in Bulgaria
Bulgarian Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO dress conservatively and formally as Bulgarian business culture respects and appreciates formality.
DO ask what language business will be conducted in. While Bulgarians usually have a good command of English, it might be necessary to bring an interpreter.
DO expect business dealings to take a long time. An extensive system of rules and regulations results in a very bureaucratic society. Patience and good relationships are essential for successful business ventures in Bulgaria.
DON’T expect to be able to do business with Bulgarians during the months of July and August. However, it is not uncommon to find Bulgarians working in the evenings and at weekends any other time of the year.
DON’T underestimate the directness of Bulgarians. Despite their reserved reputation, communication in business situations is more direct and succinct.
DON’T be afraid to use humour to ‘break the ice’ but be careful not to direct it at anyone in particular.
Bulgarian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. It is a popular custom to celebrate a name day as well as a person’s birthday.
2. When toasting, it is customary to say ‘Naz Drave’ (good health) to the whole group.
3. Bulgarians nod their head up and down to say no.
4. Maintaining eye contact shows interest and respect while too much physical contact should be avoided.
5. Once you have developed a relationship with your Bulgarian business counterparts it is okay to continue communication solely by virtual means.
Bulgarian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True.
2. False. While toasting to good health is customary in Bulgaria, it is important to not only say it to the group, but to each person while making eye contact.
3. True.
4. True.
5. False. Virtual communication with Bulgarians is acceptable only if necessary. It is essential to make frequent visits to them in person to maintain the level of trust and understanding the relationship is founded on.
Bulgaria Today
An agricultural society steeped in tradition, Bulgarians are known for their open and friendly demeanour and their extreme hospitality.
Since the end of communist control, Bulgaria has made enormous strides towards becoming a modern industrialised society. It joined the EU in 2007 and has shown a commitment to economic reforms and responsible fiscal planning. As such, it is increasingly attracting the attention of new foreign business and investments.
Bulgarian Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Family and Relationships – Family is an integral part of Bulgarian culture which strongly influences how people behave and live their daily lives. Loyalty and commitment to family members, both nuclear and extended, is essential. An extremely high importance is placed on relationships, so when doing business in Bulgaria take the time to get to know your counterparts.
Religion – The majority of Bulgarians are members of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Though their religion was suppressed under communism, it has always played an important role in shaping the way they live. Births, deaths and marriages are all celebrated according to Bulgarian Orthodox traditions.
Cultural Heritage – Bulgarians are extremely proud of their rich cultural heritage. Though Bulgaria strives to create a more modern society, Bulgarians place a high importance on tradition and their cultural heritage. This is evident in everyday life in the form of festivities and traditional holidays and in the formality of business culture.
Hospitality – Bulgarians are known for their hospitality. Despite the political and economic situations which often prevented Bulgarians from being able to provide for themselves, they will do everything in their power to ensure that others are provided for. Visiting and hosting friends and family is an important part of Bulgarian culture through which relationships are built and cultivated.
Doing Business in Bulgaria
Bulgaria was under communist control from the early 1940s until the late 1980s. The post-war communist era transformed what was traditionally a society dominated by agriculture into an industrial focused nation state. The move from a communist controlled society to a democratic one brought with it years of political and economic unrest.
Today Bulgaria is a relatively open and modern society but is faced with the enormous challenge of taking effective action against corruption and organised crime. However, Bulgaria has a favourable investment regime including low, flat corporate income taxes, but in order to be successful doing business in Bulgaria, one must first understand Bulgarian business culture and etiquette.
Part 1 – Working in Bulgaria: Working practices in Bulgaria
Structure and hierarchy in Bulgarian companies
Working relationships in Bulgaria
Part 2 – Doing Business in Bulgaria: Business practices in Bulgaria
Bulgarian Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO dress conservatively and formally as Bulgarian business culture respects and appreciates formality.
DO ask what language business will be conducted in. While Bulgarians usually have a good command of English, it might be necessary to bring an interpreter.
DO expect business dealings to take a long time. An extensive system of rules and regulations results in a very bureaucratic society. Patience and good relationships are essential for successful business ventures in Bulgaria.
DON’T expect to be able to do business with Bulgarians during the months of July and August. However, it is not uncommon to find Bulgarians working in the evenings and at weekends any other time of the year.
DON’T underestimate the directness of Bulgarians. Despite their reserved reputation, communication in business situations is more direct and succinct.
DON’T be afraid to use humour to ‘break the ice’ but be careful not to direct it at anyone in particular.
Bulgarian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. It is a popular custom to celebrate a name day as well as a person’s birthday.
2. When toasting, it is customary to say ‘Naz Drave’ (good health) to the whole group.
3. Bulgarians nod their head up and down to say no.
4. Maintaining eye contact shows interest and respect while too much physical contact should be avoided.
5. Once you have developed a relationship with your Bulgarian business counterparts it is okay to continue communication solely by virtual means.
Bulgarian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True.
2. False. While toasting to good health is customary in Bulgaria, it is important to not only say it to the group, but to each person while making eye contact.
3. True.
4. True.
5. False. Virtual communication with Bulgarians is acceptable only if necessary. It is essential to make frequent visits to them in person to maintain the level of trust and understanding the relationship is founded on.
