25 Mar 2026
Representatives of the Municipality of Stara Zagora took part in the latest edition of Bulgaria Wants You in London, an initiative focused on careers and life in Bulgaria. The event brought together Bulgarians living and working in the United Kingdom, alongside representatives of Bulgarian businesses and institutions, to encourage their return and introduce them to career opportunities in Bulgaria.
More than 20 leading companies participated, offering opportunities for dialogue, inspiring examples and concrete job vacancies. The event supported Bulgarians considering a return by showcasing what living and building a career in Bulgaria can offer. Following the official opening by H.E. Tihomir Stoychev, Ambassador of Bulgaria to the United Kingdom, participants heard the personal stories of successful Bulgarians who had chosen to return home. Speakers included serial entrepreneur Velizar Velichkov; singer, songwriter and producer Maria Ilieva; Aleksandar Karolev, Executive Director at J.P. Morgan in the United Kingdom; and other prominent figures who had chosen to return and pursue their careers in Bulgaria. Their experiences offered an encouraging example to Bulgarians abroad, demonstrating that success is possible at home and can sometimes be even more meaningful there.
More than 1,000 Bulgarians attended, most of whom had graduated in the United Kingdom and were already working there. They actively explored opportunities to return and considered which city might suit them best. Visitors were particularly interested in job opportunities, average salaries in Stara Zagora, the city’s level of development, and the advantages and opportunities it offers.
During the event, experts from the Municipality of Stara Zagora’s Department of Investments, Energy Efficiency and Green Transition and Department of Tourism introduced visitors to a selection of current vacancies in the city and the surrounding region. They presented the advantages of choosing Stara Zagora as a place to return to and settle. Alongside employment opportunities, discussions covered the city’s average gross salary, the availability of schools and kindergartens, its rich cultural and historical heritage, and its tourism attractions.
The team also presented career development opportunities, conditions for starting a business, and the support provided by local government to investors. Particular attention was given to Stara Zagora’s quality of life, including modern infrastructure, educational institutions and a vibrant calendar of cultural events.
Bulgaria Wants You continues to serve as an important platform connecting Bulgarian communities abroad with opportunities at home. Through its participation, the Municipality of Stara Zagora reaffirmed its commitment to actively attracting young people, professionals and investors, presenting the city as a highly attractive destination for growth and a fresh start for Bulgarians returning from abroad.
As part of these efforts, the Invest Stara Zagora team developed WorkIn Stara Zagora, a similar event supporting employers and jobseekers in the region, which it has organised for several years. The event will take place on 3 and 4 April 2026 at the Stara Zagora State Opera.
