Finally, Bulgarians can be very friendly and welcoming, and they can adjust well to having foreign residents within their community. Unlike other retirement hotspots in Europe, Bulgaria does not have obvious expat enclaves. She runs her own digital content consultancy, Locke Digital. Healthcare in Bulgaria is universal and financed by compulsory health insurance contributions. Its what I was doing before I came to Bulgaria, but now, I have more focus and purpose being based in one place. Bansko one of Bulgarias top ski destinations, How To Access Best Quality Affordable Healthcare When You Move Abroad, Visit our homepage for a comprehensive range of. The percentage of homeownership in Bulgaria is very high, but if you're moving to the country for the first time as an expat, it's probably best to start with renting.If you start renting, you can test out different cities and see which one you prefer, then once you start to settle down, you can think about making a more permanent investment. Its mostly residential and for families, and I like it for living, but its nowhere interesting to go out in. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I like that I know the ins and outs of the best sights, restaurants, and things to do in Sofia, but I struggle with a lot of day-to-day interactions, like figuring out an issue with paying bills or handling paperwork at the migration office. Punishment includes imprisonment from 1 to 4 years, a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 leva . Read More Stories on Our Expat Life Page Get New Posts and More Straight to Your Inbox With the Robe Trotting Newsletter. The downside is that Varna is one of the more expensive cities in the country, however, it is still a lot cheaper than other European destinations. Cost of living in Sofia is the best part of being based here! (Dreamstime/TNS) HO In this guide, we are bringing you both the positive and negative aspects of living in Bulgaria as an expat. Bulgaria Golden Citizenship program 2018 (Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment). A former journalist at Sky News and editor-in-chief for Yahoo, her work has appeared in various publications including Red Bull, The National newspaper in the United Arab Emirates and Expatra. Follow us on Instagram. before your trip. If you earn a foreign income or pension, the cost of living is incredibly affordable and property prices have settled from their wild peaks. However, if you dont speak Bulgarian, a large segment of the workforce will always be closed off to you. There are multiple groups on Facebook that can help you. Renting will allow you to get familiar with the area and make sure it works for you all year round. On the other hand, many have fallen in love with Bulgarias old-world charm and tradition, some likening it to 1950s Britain. You may need to take a translator and/ or lawyer with you if you dont speak Bulgarian, although one person told us that the teller at the branch in Sofia they went to spoke good English. 8 Best reasons to retire to Bulgaria! Many of the expat city-dwellers are workers, and the city boasts a thriving start-up scene. 4-Bulgaria is a very beautiful country. If you are considering relocating with children, you can choose to educate your children locally in Bulgaria, or they can attend an international school if you live in or close to Sofia where theres plenty of choice in terms of school and curriculum. Of course, there are also a ton of options to choose from when it comes to dining out in a fancy and highly rated restaurant. The daytime temperatures vary from 0-5C in the winter and 25-30C in the summer months. So, make sure you are willing to live in that kind of environment if you are considering a rustic existence in Bulgaria, any way you wont be alone there are many expats that choose those regions and enjoy the positive side of a simpler life, there are regions close to Veliko Tarnovo, Dobrich, and Elhovo just to mention a few, with relatively big expats communities. If youre moving to Bulgaria, currently living in Sofia or just curious about living abroad, leave you questions for Allison below in the comments. Especially if you are educated and hard-working. We get so many emails about this subject and it has taken a lot of research to get to the bottom of this question. Enjoy your trip and good luck with the relocation. Plovdiv is a good place to live for all ages. The average salary after taxes in Bulgaria is $852, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.2 months. I first came to Sofia, Bulgaria in August of 2017. Bulgaria Schengen Visa, all you need to know! However, despite the flaws, living in Sofia has a lot of benefits. You can draw the money out once the paperwork is done, we were informed. Flat tax rates 2. Private international schools like the Ango-Americal School of Sofia offer a range of extracurricular activities, student clubs, and events for students to attend. There is also a tax-free allowance of 4,050 (3,460) per year. While there is a lot that Bulgaria has to improve upon in many aspects of social justice, catcalling is luckily not a major issue, at least for me as a cishet white woman who can blend in easily here. After 5 years, you have the right to apply for a permanent residence permit. My building is new construction across the street from old communist blocks, so theres a bit of contrast in my neighborhood. Find out more about us HERE. I stayed for a month when I was still traveling around the world full-time. I hope it helped Jean, Allison did a great job sharing her experiences about life in Bulgaria . Expats choose to live in Varna for many reasons, however, the main one is the wonderful golden sands of Varnas coastline. Bulgaria can provide you with very different experiences depending on whether you live in one of the cities, or in smaller towns and villages. Its positioned on a high hill over the Yantra River and is home to an old town and a modern city centre. Emilie is a public relations expert based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Do you have any insight as to recruiters/headhunters or employment agencies there who specialize in this sort of thing? The coolest neighborhoods in the city are the area around Lions Bridge (Lavov Most) near where the Kvartal festival is held, the neighborhood of Oborishte, and the neighborhood of Lozonets. The country is one of Europes oldest and offers a perfect balance of historical treasures and a modern, digitized approach to living. 5- Another thing that makes Bulgaria famous its the nice sandy beaches, and the warm water temperature of the Black Sea in the summer season, the beaches can vary from lively and sports-facilitated beach stripes to calm and beautiful campsites. You will need to present proof of your income or pension and that you have a bank account in Bulgaria. If you don't want to be surprised by this different way of socially behaving, it might be best to read up on Bulgarian culture. You can also explore the Archaeological Museum, the Sea Casino, the Zoo, and visit the Sand Fest in Burgas during the summer. Popovo the place where anyone can feel at home, 7. The environment is extremely laid back and youll notice that everyone speaks English. Complete Guide to Living in Bulgaria. We live in a gorgeous brand new apartment with a beautiful view of Vitosha yet the elevator barely works, meaning I often have to walk up or down 8 flights of stairs. Authentic culture 5. Your email address will not be published. As a result of moving to Bulgaria a few years ago, she has a lot to share about what life is like in the country. To benefit from the cost of living your income should be above the Bulgarian average, The Best Places To Live In Bulgaria For Expats, Visit our homepage for a comprehensive range of, Bulgaria Culture, Etiquette and Business Practices at. There has always been a bit of friendly competition between Varna and Burgas locals when it comes to which city is better. Late EastEnders actor Leslie Grantham had to learn Bulgarian to star in Bulgarian TV series The English Neighbour in 2010, about a retired British chemist who sets up home in the fictional village of Plodorodno. Get to grips, too, with some Bulgarian etiquette: dont point your index finger, dont ever slap someone on the back, and remember that you nod no and shake your head for yes. Dont be fooled by the common misconception that Bansko is simply a ski resort and thats it. I joke that its bizarre that my circle in Sofia is an American, a Zimbabwean, and a Brazilian, but thats the reality! "In some ways I feel like a local, but in most ways I still feel like an outsider.". It features links to official resources containing major Brexit information. Which for all intents and purposes soon wont be, due to the many children the states sponsors for them. We live by a beautiful park thats often filled with litter. its Just delicious, and national classic Bulgarian breakfast is coffee and a cigarette, joke, the traditional breakfast is at banitza filled with Bulgarian white cheese. Low cost of living 3. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. There are a lot of natural honey producers here. Emilie, thank you for you Intro. Mobile phone packages are cheap for 25 leva you get unlimited calls to all networks with some GB internet. Plovdiv is a great place to live in for both locals and expats. The city is full of life and has a lot to offer for students, working professionals, and retirees alike. The language barrier dealing with anything bureaucratic or institutional is frustrating, and the infrastructure is a little dated and needs a lot of love. If you have not worked in Bulgaria, you should claim your UK State Pension by contacting theInternational Pension Centre. One of the greatest things about living in Sofia is that if youre working as an expat and earning in another currency, like I do as an American working mostly with American companies, you can really splurge on a lot of daily activities. The scenery is just beautiful. However, it has not lived up to the bubble hype, with massive over-development, which has led to more tourism diversification into golf greens, climbing centres and spa hotels. Dont let the shivers get to you! If you are resident in Bulgaria, you should exchange your UK licence for a Bulgarian driving licence at your nearest traffic police department within six months, after first registering with Bulgarian authorities. We started Robe Trotting to share our experiences. From what I can tell, Im mostly amongst other locals I never hear English spoken in my neck of the woods. They do not abide by any rules and enjoy a protected criminal lifestyle by virtue of being a minority . Save money on international transfers with Wise (formerly TransferWise). When you have held a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria for 5 years, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship (in Bulgarian). But there are also smaller towns that can give you that feeling of the perfect home you are looking for abroad. For anyone looking to reduce the amount of tax they pay on their income or business profits, therefore, Bulgaria is definitely attractive! However, like any other place on earth, Bulgaria has its drawbacks. "I hate living in California because I have to drive everywhere and then look for parking and also pay for it. I hope this story helps, good luck with your move! Driving a car around the city centre may be difficult as parking is an issue. People from Bulgaria can dance! The freelancer visa is nearly impossible to get, not least because it starts with speaking B1-level Bulgarian (which is hard to do unless you already live here.). We strongly recommend renting a property in Bulgaria first, before you buy. 1-Living in Bulgaria will be an adventure , doesn't matter what kind of person you are and what you want out of life. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Driving around can be a challenge for you if you come for a Western European country, there are a mix of rainy weather, low maintenance, short-term repairments, and corruption, make Bulgarian roads one of the most dangerous in the EU. Its completely natural to see deers, boards, rabbits, hares, and squirrels moving through the villages. Required fields are marked *. In some ways I feel like a local, but in most ways I still feel like an outsider. As a result, the expat community in the Bulgarian capital is well-developed and you can always find help and advice or make friends. Depending on your lifestyle, you can live as basically or as liberally as you choose here. Bulgaria operates a flat tax system whereby personal and corporate tax rates are 10% across the board. It will require more work to settle down than, say, Spain, but that work could pay off with a whole new lifestyle. From our contacts and from forums, the answer is yes: you can still open a Bulgarian bank account as a non-resident (although one Bulgarian, who had helped a non-resident Greek contact open an account recently, told us it was a challenging task). The city centre is small enough that no car is required if you live downtown: taxis are cheap and there are plenty of trams. Especially during summer, Varna is a top destination, even for Bulgarians. In addition, most central areas are now part of the Blue Zone, meaning that parking is not free. You can visit its magnificent mountains, take a trip to the seaside where the cities never sleep or explore its authentic and traditional old villages. 11- Bulgarians are a very proud nation. American rock legends Kiss will hang it up, at least in the live sense, at the end of a fifty-year career when they play their final two shows on December 1 and 2 at New York City's Madison Square Garden. There were a lot of tears and several meltdowns along the way, but eventually we registered our company in Bulgaria. 14- There is still poverty in Bulgaria. Haskovo is an extremely safe town to live in and you dont need to worry that youll be mugged, robbed, pickpocketed, or that your house will be broken into. A lot of people here work for very low salaries especially outside of Sofia. Infrastructure (particularly roads and sidewalks) is bad, improvements to it are slow and slipshod, and these things which you overlook when you first move somewhere can grate on the nerves after a handful of years. Refurbishments are to be expected if you buy, but a common warning on forums is to get local advice and recommendations when it comes to builders and never to pay everything upfront. There are eight municipalities in Dobrich and they all deserve consideration. You dont need any type of transport to get around the town as you can reach any point by walking. Spend any time checking forums and youll find fairly even numbers of British expats extolling Bulgarias virtues or hauling it over the coals. There are trams and buses and a metro system, though, so public transit is good: Im just not taking it now in the times of coronavirus. Other Black Sea resorts include Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, St Constantine and Helena. In fact, Bulgaria, in general, is well-known for its blazing Internet that allows you to easily communicate online whenever you want to. As the country is becoming more popular with expats, they discover other locations as well. Read more in our full article, The Pros And Cons Of Living In Bulgaria. Being the largest city and seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, Varna hosts thousands of tourists every year. Just like Varna, Burgas has its own Sea Garden. Living in Bulgaria was a good fit because I needed a place to stay that was cheap, outside of the Schengen zone, yet located in Europe as I had upcoming projects in the area. The Sea Garden is a destination where both locals and expats love to spend their days, surrounded by nature and calm vibes. better place to live than two-thirds of the world, All You Need To Know About Medical Insurance for Foreigners in Bulgaria. To retire in Bulgaria, you'll need to apply for a Type D visa and a long-term residence permit, renewable every year. Burgas a cultural hub on the coast of the Black Sea, 6. If youre considering retiring to Bulgaria, you really should start language lessons. As one of Europes cheapest countries, there is so much to experience and explore, so much history to dig into, and so much beauty to see. To join the public healthcare system, you will need to register with the National Health Insurance Fund and pay compulsory contributions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. How to get Bulgarian Registration Plates For Your Car? Outside, expats are more widely dispersed than in many countries, from Varna, on the Black Sea, to ski resort Bansko. Bulgaria (especially Sofia) has become incredibly interesting to me recently. Popovo may not be a large city but it also has delicious food to offer in a few quality restaurants. as slaves, as in the Blacks in America in the 16-18 Century. All you need to know about moving to and living in Bulgaria as an expat: the cost, the best areas, the pros and cons and much more. Living in Bulgaria! Read about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Bulgaria before you move there. Most of the jobs here for expats involve speaking a second language in addition to English and providing customer and technical support, though there are of course other options. Thats for a 40 hour week. Having said all of the above, however, it is possible to contrast each and every positive with a negativeand it seems it may well be down to a matter of personal opinion as to whether Bulgaria is a good place to live or not! After divorcing, and having become familiar with the country and made friends, he himself moved to Bulgaria and bought an apartment, only returning to the UK shortly before his death in 2018. If you are the kind of person who takes a considered approach to relocation, who has spent time getting to know Bulgaria before moving permanently, you have good chances to adjust well to what is an undoubtedly very beautiful country. Yet in the city center, theres a literal yellow brick road, fairytale-like cathedrals and churches, and beautiful architecture that wouldnt be out of place in Moscow. Kiss were supposed to play their final show in 2021, but pandemic delays to the lengthy final . Burgas - a cultural hub on the coast of the Black Sea 6. Thank you so much for this article, I was thinking of retiring to Portugal but now, I have changed my mind and am planning a trip to Bulgaria next year in 2022. The men tend to physically look after themselves well, that makes it a good place to look for your better half and get married if you still dont. You can literally do anything you want on a shoestring budget. Lifestyle and the cost of living in Bulgaria, Settling in Bulgaria: formalities and paperwork, Best Places To Live In Bulgaria As An Expat, etiquette guide on the Bulgarian Embassy of London site, How A British Family Bought & Renovated A House In Bulgaria, Expatras guide to international removals, The Pros & Cons Of Expat Life In Bulgaria, List of Regional Migration Directorate offices, Bulgaria visas and residency for US citizens , Living in Bulgaria after Brexit (for UK citizens) . The other reason for the decisions these people have made is the cost of living in Bulgaria. Confirm you'd like to join our email list. The cost of living in Bulgaria is $739, which is 1.32 times less expensive than the world average. 15- Bulgaria has some fastest internet speed in the world, you get great value for money. Bulgaria is eminent for its ability to successfully prepare students thoroughly in studies like maths, history, arts, languages and literature, biology, chemistry, and others. You may need to provide a clean UK criminal record certificate. Its great that I can walk around Sofia wearing the clothing I feel comfortable in and not have to worry so much about men harassing me on the streets. Nearby destinations to visit for a calm and relaxing experience include Ravadinovo and its castle, Nessebar, Sozopol, and more. A family of four can conveniently live in Veliko Tarnovo for about 2,800 lv (1,221/$1,692), excluding rent. Popovo is a lovely, small town in North-Eastern Bulgaria, surrounded by forests and magnificent nature. The summers could get pretty heated and dry while winters are a great excuse to hit the slopes and go skiing in nearby ski resorts. March 1st, 2023 at 11:21am. Looking good always trumps feeling comfortable here. During the cold season, you can go skiing in popular ski resorts like Borovets, which is an hour and a half drive from the city. Staying connected back home is tough, and being an expat in Sofia during the times of coronavirus, its been a lot harder. Bulgaria is becoming ever more popular with expats for whom the cheaper cost of living and a good healthy lifestyle are a priority. It has also steadily been climbing in the last 5 years. There are two lakes surrounding Dobrich, offering a delightful opportunity to spend evenings outside. They tend to be the ones who have a solid income in place, and who are willing to learn the local language and completely adapt. Enjoy the therapeutic mineral springs in Haskovo and the picturesque Kenana a magical oak forest that offers a large park, restaurants, tennis grounds, and recreational houses. The 9 Best Places To Live In Bulgaria As An Expat, Living In Bulgaria: Essential Expat Guide 2023, The British Expats Who Bought A Ruin In Bulgaria, 7 Reasons To Consider Living In Plovdiv, Bulgaria, The Ins And Outs Of Living In Sofia, Bulgaria As An Expat, An Essential Guide To Living in Varna, Bulgaria As An Expat, 2. Naturally enough a low cost of living is a massive draw. When it comes to buying, dont just rely on local friends to help with the language hire local, English-speaking notaries and attorneys. 10- We can set aside a paragraph about local wine and Rakia (kind of Brandy), the climate allows grow grapes for homemade wine preparation, and fruits especially plums and apricots for Rakia, many people have their own small distillery at home, but lately, the government is trying to cut down moonshine production, not sure it is working anyway. In Bulgaria, you should expect to pay personal income tax and homeowners tax, as well as vehicle tax and a fee for rubbish collection. Bansko is a great destination for expats looking to enjoy a bit of hiking, skiing, cycling, and nature in general. Sofia - a capital full of wonders 2. Bulgarian is a difficult language, made more difficult by the fact that it uses the Cyrillic alphabet. You can go on a hunt for natural beauty in the Pirin National Park, take advantage of the thermal baths, and discover a new way of living. In this guide, well share with you some of the top places to live in the country as an expat. Shes obsessed with doting on her 8-year-old Bulgarian rescue dog, Rocky, and planning her next trip. Theres so much to do in the city and nearby! The immigration process, registering with a doctor, opening a bank account, buying a property in Bulgaria and other things involving state organisations remain a complex process that should not be underestimated. 3-low birth rates since Bulgarian families normally have one child, maximum two. Unsurprisingly, well start from Sofia Bulgarias capital. There are also a number of bus lines you can take to get to most regions. Heavy snow in winter, driving a little zanier than you are used to in the UK and potholes mean you will probably want a four-wheel-drive vehicle and will drive on the right side of the road. Other beneficial activities include language learning in a multicultural environment with modern and advanced methods and a rich pool of young, enthusiastic, and dedicated Bulgarian and foreign teachers. This means we may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking certain links at no extra cost to you. Varna is popular for its seagull population, keep in mind that theyre quite intrusive. but there arent perfect countries, you can feel miserable in a rich country and vice-versa, the important is to accept the things how they are, dont waste energy in what can be changed, and when you see a possibility to make the improvements, do it one at the time. I run several travel blogs, including one focused on Bulgaria and the Balkans, and I make a living for myself that way and by occasionally taking on freelance writing projects or other sponsored work. 6 Times Cheaper than Old-school Bank Transfers, >>>USE THIS LINK FOR A FREE TRANSFER (up to 500 GBP/680 USD)<<<. Bulgarians are also known for their IT abilities. Bulgaria definitely has several things that give you culture shock. I rent an apartment for about 450 euro a month with my husband. Its big, spacious, and brand new with gorgeous views, though the price is definitely on the high end for the city we just were struggling to find a landlord who would let us have a dog, and we ended up having to go with a pricier apartment as a result of it. Features links to official resources containing major Brexit information oldest and offers a perfect of! Widely dispersed than in many countries, from Varna, Burgas has its drawbacks months. 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