Investing in Bulgaria in 2026
Europe & Central Asia
62
Score
Moderate Investment Destination
Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios
Bulgaria earns an investment score of 62/100, placing it in the moderate category for global investors. Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (68/100) and financial strength (64/100), with overall GDP of $103.1B and per-capita output of $15,020. Growth is running at 2.0% with 3.0% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is contained at 3.8%. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around IT & Outsourcing (sector score 72/100, currently growing), which represents 6.8% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 122% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Bulgaria is with the global economy.
How Bulgaria's investment score has evolved over time
IT & Outsourcing
6.8% of GDP, growing
Tourism
11.5% of GDP, growing
Manufacturing
14.2% of GDP, stable
Agriculture
3.8% of GDP, stable
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Bulgaria a safe country to invest in?
Bulgaria carries a moderate risk rating with an overall investment score of 62/100. Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios. Sub-scores: economic health 60/100, political stability 58/100, business climate 62/100, financial strength 64/100, growth potential 68/100.
What is Bulgaria's sovereign credit rating?
Bulgaria holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Bulgaria?
The top investment sectors in Bulgaria are IT & Outsourcing, Tourism, Manufacturing. IT & Outsourcing leads with a sector score of 72/100 and represents 6.8% of GDP. Its current trend is growing.
What is Bulgaria's GDP growth rate?
Bulgaria's most recent GDP growth was 2.0%, with total GDP of $103.1B and GDP per capita of $15,020. Inflation is running at 3.8% and the current account balance is 0.2% of GDP.
How does Bulgaria score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Bulgaria scores: political stability 0.2, rule of law -0.1, corruption control -0.2, and regulatory quality 0.5.
Can foreigners invest in Bulgaria?
Most industries in Bulgaria are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Bulgaria?
Foreign Direct Investment in Bulgaria runs at 3.0% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 122%. These figures show how integrated Bulgaria is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria's government debt stands at 23% of GDP. This is a relatively conservative debt load, supporting fiscal flexibility.