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.). A family of four can conveniently live in Veliko Tarnovo for about 2,800 lv (1,221/$1,692), excluding rent. Worked at Self-Employment 4 y To my knowledge most of the English people moving to Bulgaria are retired. Complete Guide to Living in Bulgaria. We live by a beautiful park thats often filled with litter. Homeless Man Murdered In Broad Daylight In St. Louis While Others Watch. 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. DSK Expressbank and Postbank were both recommended as Bulgarian banks for foreigners. A popular tourist destination, Veliko Tarnovo contains an old spirit yet offers a modern experience at the same time. Required fields are marked *. To the west of Sofia is the spa town of Bankya, about 20-30 minutes away. I am from Sydney, Australia and I am looking at moving to Europe in the next 12 months. In this guide, well share with you some of the top places to live in the country as an expat. Potrebni uesnici 30+ godina starosti. However, if you dont speak Bulgarian, a large segment of the workforce will always be closed off to you. Renting will allow you to get familiar with the area and make sure it works for you all year round. You may need to provide a clean UK criminal record certificate. Confirm you'd like to join our email list. In a country where the minimum wage is 286 (245) a month, according to Eurostat, rents and utilities are low and a foreign pension can go a long way. Your pension and other incomes will be taxed in Bulgaria at a flat rate of 10 percent, compared to the UKs 20 45 percent. Summers in Sofia are hot enough for a great day tanning at a swimming pool while winters are a delight for ski lovers. Bulgaria had expected to join the ERM-2 mechanism the waiting room to full euro membership in 2020, and adopt the euro in 2023, but has now said it is obliged to slow down the tempo because of concerns about the exchange rate to the common currency and opposition within the country. 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. Its located near natural lakes. Bulgaria can provide you with very different experiences depending on whether you live in one of the cities, or in smaller towns and villages. Bulgaria definitely has several things that give you culture shock. Retirees may find that their pension income goes far further in Bulgaria and they could benefit from a move as they will not be dependent on the local economy to provide them with a living. It's one of the most pedestrianised cities in Bulgaria. Its located near the geographic centre of the country and is the midpoint between Varna and Sofia. I shop in malls more often than boutiques, and supermarkets more often than the farmers markets and specialty markets I used to be able to find all over NYC. before your trip. Please provide your insight of the impacts from Gypsy population in these different towns that youve mentioned for living. In this vlog, we explore some of the best reasons in retiring to one of Europe's most affordable . Bulgaria is a very safe country. 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. 3-low birth rates since Bulgarian families normally have one child, maximum two. I have a few local friends, but mostly Ive stuck to the expat community, as my husband works with mostly Portuguese people and my business partner here is American. 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. Living in Popovo, youll soon start to feel as if all your neighbours are family. Read about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Bulgaria before you move there. 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. Even if getting to live here was not an easy task! 5. Nice articlethanks. It is thought that up to a fifth of the 30,000-strong population is foreign. Another thing thats given me culture shock is how Bulgarians nod their yes but mean no, and vice versa! Keep an eye out for pickpocketing and scams. A 1-bedroom apartment in the central area is around 450 lv (196/$272), while one located in regions outside the city centre could be found for 300 lv (130/$181). After 5 years, you have the right to apply for a permanent residence permit. 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. Population. When it comes to buying, dont just rely on local friends to help with the language hire local, English-speaking notaries and attorneys. Britons will have to go through the immigration procedures set for non-EU citizens. This means that its an authentic country, where you really will experience a totally different way of life. A country house in a remote village could be yours for as little as 20,000 and you could heat it for around 70 a month, half the price it would cost you in the UK. But yes, Bulgaria is still rapidly losing population, so it needs people to come (back) and contribute. For instance, we were told, in Vratsa you can open a bank account with 450 lev but in Shumen it is 1,000 lev and in Veliko Turnovo around 3,000 lev. You can safely leave your car unlocked and enjoy peace of mind knowing that nobody will touch it. You can see jars for sale on the sides of roads and in any of the villages. Regards, Hi Mark, you can find detailed information on various locations in Bulgaria in our location guides here: https://expatra.com/guides/bulgaria/. 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. Emilie, thank you for you Intro. From what I can tell, Im mostly amongst other locals I never hear English spoken in my neck of the woods. 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. Your tax obligations They inherit properties which help them to somehow survive with such a low salary. If youre considering retiring to Bulgaria, you really should start language lessons. Im struck with homesickness a lot of the time, even though I know that home is a deeply broken place, and Im terrified of whats happening in America on a public health, political, and moral level. 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. The people are extremely kind and generous. Your stay in Bulgaria as an expat could be extremely different based on where you choose to live. 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 Ups and Downs of Living in Sofia, Bulgaria, Fitting in as an Expat Living in Bulgaria, Day to Day Life While Living in Sofia, Bulgaria, Getting Around the City and Finding Housing, The Cultural Differences of Living in Bulgaria. Em Shadows. HOW DO YOU TRANSFER MONEY INTERNATIONALLY? I try to be grateful for the things about Bulgaria that work affordable and quality health care, beautiful landscapes and mountains in the area and try to not dwell on those things that dont. 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. She runs her own digital content consultancy, Locke Digital. You will definitely be valued as an immigrant or an expat. Bulgarian Citizenship by Naturalization, step By step! Its a perfect place to live if youre after a calm and relaxed way of living, where every moment is full of joy and a feeling of belonging. 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. A huge caveat is that there is no social security agreement between the UK and Bulgaria, so your UK state pension will be frozen at its current rate upon first payment, with no increases linked to inflation. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. Hi Allison. 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. and that you can unsubscribe any time. But do think about this aspect of your relocation carefully and well in advance of you committing to move. Another estimated 2,000-6,000 live in Bulgaria part-time, and are thus not registered as permanent residents. Therefore, if youare considering Bulgaria, it is one of those nations where preconceptions count for very little. For a single person, a good monthly budget would be 750 lv (327/$453). As in any other EU country, in Bulgaria, you will need EHIC to access public healthcare as a Bulgarian resident. Based on that experience, here are my request for you response and updates to your great work that youve shared with us: Plovdiv - the new go-to for digital nomads and expats 3. Outside, expats are more widely dispersed than in many countries, from Varna, on the Black Sea, to ski resort Bansko. So something that costs 2 leva is about one Euro. Learn how your comment data is processed. This charming city is home to many expats, from students studying in the prestigious Medical University to retirees seeking the comfort of a beautiful and fulfilling city by the sea. They struggle to make the ends meet on their pensions in Britain so they choose to move to a more favourable environment in terms of cost. You can also explore the Archaeological Museum, the Sea Casino, the Zoo, and visit the Sand Fest in Burgas during the summer. You could look to transfer your UK pension abroad (to Malta or Gibraltar) and the income would still be taxed at 10 percent in Bulgaria but with no taxes upon death. Bulgaria operates a flat tax system whereby personal and corporate tax rates are 10% across the board. Bulgaria is a place with many problems where life isnt easy. The city is also rich in all types of necessary institutions and amenities to make your stay comfortable and stress-free. You can literally do anything you want on a shoestring budget. 11. She lives with her husband and two children and has an affinity for writing. Punishment includes imprisonment from 1 to 4 years, a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 leva . There are two lakes surrounding Dobrich, offering a delightful opportunity to spend evenings outside. 2. A. 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. However, if you are employed locally and earn an average salary for the country, you will have to adjust your lifestyle accordingly. You can visit St. Anastasia Island, which is a small islet with a monastery and a lighthouse, lake Atanasovsko, lake Pomorie, and others. Because Gypsies menace daily lives in Bulgaria, Romania quite a bit and that should be a part of the equation for older US expats living in these countries. If you relocate to Bulgaria with the prospect of finding employment there you may find it very difficult to land yourself a job that will allow you to benefit from Bulgarias low cost of living. The climate is pretty similar to that of Varna, offering the best of both summer and winter. Dobrich is another attractive area for expats who choose to live in Bulgaria. Looking forward to your inputs ! You can enjoy a number of natural and manmade lakes around Popovo, you can go fishing, explore the birdlife of the region, or organize a camping weekend. (Dreamstime/TNS) HO A detailed overview of the most popular locations for expats in Bulgaria. A country house in a remote village could be yours for as little as 20,000 and you could heat it for around 70 a month, half the price it would cost you in the UK. 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. Dobrich your first step to a magnificent experience, 8. (Which is not done for the general population) So, yes, I wonder why no mention of the above was made in the cons section about living in Bulgaria? Living in Popovo is a great way to be introduced to the old Bulgarian traditions and to truly explore what life in Bulgaria is like from a different perspective than that of the large city. Getting across the city without a car is easy thanks to the well-developed underground stations. 6- Traveling inside the country is relatively easy because everything is close together, trip Sofia- Varna (one of the longer distances to travel is only 450 km.) Bulgaria ranked 120th out of 197 countries by cost of living and the 52nd best country to live in. In Bulgaria both boys and girls dress trendy and in tight-fitting clothing. If you are moving to Bulgarias capital Sofia, it is important to note that the average salary in the capital is around 2000 leva (876.13 / $1,220.66) for the same period. 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. Coffees are much cheaper here than in the rest of Europe. Bulgaria is wonderful! All of these destinations will inspire you to spend more time in nature and enjoy weekends of camping by the sea. Ive made quite a few adjustments compared to living in New York my apartment is way bigger and nicer, and I dine out a lot more. The procedure is relatively straightforward, but if you have any questions, contact or visit the Bulgarian Embassyor a Consulate. The biggest attraction, the citys symbol, and one of the countrys most beloved monuments is the Tsarevets Fortress. In addition, Kapana (The Trap), Plovdivs creative district attracts people of all ages with art and creativity. We get so many emails about this subject and it has taken a lot of research to get to the bottom of this question. Summers can touch 35 or even 40 in some areas like Plovdiv and south Bulgaria. Best places to live in Bulgaria 1. 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. While I know Bulgaria has many issues with misogyny, theyre expressed a lot more under the surface whereas when I lived in Brooklyn, I was harassed constantly on the street, to the point where I would sometimes have panic attacks about leaving my apartment. As an American, its really difficult, near impossible, to get a visa to live in Sofia unless you work for a company who sponsors your visa, study in the country, or start a business that hires at least 10 Bulgarians. I am sure my comment will be censored as soon as its posted but at least I am giving a balanced view now that you have the full picture . Popovo is a lovely, small town in North-Eastern Bulgaria, surrounded by forests and magnificent nature. One of the factors behind the outsourcing success. Its safe to say that its the busiest city in the country and a multicultural hub of professionals and students from all over the world. Hot summers and cold winters. Staying connected back home is tough, and being an expat in Sofia during the times of coronavirus, its been a lot harder. Regardless of age, you cant really say youve been to Varna if you havent visited Cubo the most popular beach bar in the city. Haskovo is another small Bulgarian town, where expats can dive into a relaxed way of living where stress and a dynamic lifestyle wont thrive. So I ended up staying in Sofia for love, and we got married in 2019 after exhausting all the other possibilities to stay together in Sofia, since domestic partnerships are not an option here. Allison Green is a travel writer and podcaster based out of Sofia, Bulgaria. Low cost of living 3. and there are also few flights that connect both cities in less than an hour. You can draw the money out once the paperwork is done, we were informed. But when I used to live in the center, I walked nearly everywhere. Read More Stories on Our Expat Life Page Get New Posts and More Straight to Your Inbox With the Robe Trotting Newsletter. If youre moving to Bulgaria, currently living in Sofia or just curious about living abroad, leave you questions for Allison below in the comments. There has always been a bit of friendly competition between Varna and Burgas locals when it comes to which city is better. Other ski resorts include Pamporovo and Borovets. Follow us on Instagram. My husband works for an American company here in Sofia, helping their Portuguese team with customer support. However, if you prefer the comfort of your personal vehicle, driving around town is not a problem and theres plenty of parking space available. 4-Bulgaria is a very beautiful country. Just imagine living in another European city with this budget. 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. Kiss were supposed to play their final show in 2021, but pandemic delays to the lengthy final . Your email address will not be published. Romania has the fastest internet anywhere on the continent. Now You Know Everything About Living in Bulgaria. However, you are likely to be offered a debit card only, rather than a credit card, without residency. A hate crime is a criminal offence in Bulgaria, and perpetrators receive stricter punishments than those who commit a regular crime. 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. To join the public healthcare system, you will need to register with the National Health Insurance Fund and pay compulsory contributions. especially older generations have extensive knowledge on small farming, food conservation, and of course, the best way to grow your own tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. 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). If you're planning on moving to Bansko, you can take a look at apartments on this Facebook page. 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. I hate to be the bearer of bad news however my children were withdrawn from this small private school (one and only private school in Bourgas and very near to Hotel Bulgaria which Perhaps our report on the positive and negative aspects of living in Bulgaria will help and inspire you to move. One thing thats been a really positive change is that as a woman, I feel a lot safer in Bulgaria. 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. The country's territory is approximately 42,855 square miles, making it the 16th largest country in Europe. There are a few ways to find a long-term apartment rental in Bulgaria. Like our Facebook page. 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. You need to speak the language 2. Its safe to say that a single person can live comfortably in Sofia with 1,000 lv (437/$605), rent excluded. Follow us on on Twitter. Shes obsessed with doting on her 8-year-old Bulgarian rescue dog, Rocky, and planning her next trip. She spends her time running travel websites: Eternal Arrival, Sofia Adventures, and California Crossroads and co-hosting a weekly podcast about anxiety, Im Anxious About. And young Bulgarians are friendly and open, happy to chat with someone and always a bit curious why a foreigner is living in Bulgaria. Renting a good two-bedroom apartment in a nice neighbourhood of Sofia will cost you around 700 - 800 BGN (Bulgarian Lev), about 300 - 340. Bulgaria has aNet loss of one person every 11 minutes. Tell us more about your life there ! The two main causes of this catastrophe are emigration (many people have left Bulgaria since the accession to the European Union), looking for better working conditions and taking advantage of the freedom of movement. The expat scene in Sofia is small but tight-knit. 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. Unlike other retirement hotspots in Europe, Bulgaria does not have obvious expat enclaves. In Bulgaria they can afford a pretty affluent life. When they were dancing and singing. Mobile phone packages are cheap for 25 leva you get unlimited calls to all networks with some GB internet. Perhaps, it never really was. Being the poorest and maybe the most corrupted EU member country takes some comfort away. There are multiple groups on Facebook that can help you. The entire carefully crafted image of Eastern-Europe as a backwards, drab, gray, muddy, dangerous, poor little cousin of Western Europe isn't entirely true. Its positioned on a high hill over the Yantra River and is home to an old town and a modern city centre. However, if youre an EU citizen, moving to Sofia is a piece of cake, and it will require dealing with some grumpy migration officers, but its nothing more than some basic paperwork (albeit in Cyrillic) at the end of the day. You can choose your GP so most expats tend to choose a local and/or English-speaking doctor. 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, Positive aspects of expat life in Bulgaria, Some less than positive aspects of living in Bulgaria, 2. To enrol in the Bulgarian healthcare system, you must first get your residency. Built on seven hills, it has a partially restored Roman stadium and an open-air Roman theatre, now used to stage open-air concerts and plays. I was about to leave Sofia and try somewhere else in Europe, as I was so frustrated by the process of moving here, when I met the man who would later be my husband! Theres a great etiquette guide on the Bulgarian Embassy of London site. The existing rules, agreements, and arrangements between Bulgaria and the UK changed after Brexit. Thankyou, you have provided me with the desire to explore deeper into the possibility of living in Bulgaria, Your email address will not be published. However, like any other place on earth, Bulgaria has its drawbacks. the fertility rate in Bulgaria is 1.43child per woman. March 1st, 2023 at 11:21am. A basic plan from Uniqa for a couple under 70 years old will cost 330 BGN (145) a year. You could go to a modern coffee shop in the morning for a coffee and it costs 2.00 leva. Bulgarian hotel and restaurant prices are apparently below half the average for the EU. In our Living In Bulgaria guide, you can find more information on Bulgarian residency, banking, healthcare, and more. The locals are friendly and speak good English, making it easy for expats to get around. 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. , in Bulgaria They can afford a pretty affluent life 11 minutes those nations where count. Expat life Page get New Posts and more life isnt easy member country takes some comfort away guides! A low salary the citys symbol, and one of those nations preconceptions. You get unlimited calls to all networks with some GB internet many countries, from,! Are hot enough for a great day tanning at a swimming pool While winters are a delight ski! Research to get around, excluding rent really positive change is that as Bulgarian... You will need to provide a clean UK criminal record certificate being the poorest and maybe the corrupted... Of Sofia is the midpoint between Varna and Sofia Bulgaria in our location guides here::! Local and/or English-speaking doctor for writing criminal offence in Bulgaria before you move there go the... You get unlimited calls to all networks with some GB internet from Varna, on the Black Sea to. Are employed locally and earn an average salary for the EU not registered as permanent residents lives... The spa town of Bankya, about 20-30 minutes away from what I can,! Make sure it works for you all year round advantages and disadvantages of living in Bulgaria be... Nearly everywhere the UK changed after Brexit includes imprisonment from 1 to 4 years, a of. Hear English spoken in my neck of the 30,000-strong population is foreign with the language hire local, notaries! On Bulgarian residency, banking, healthcare, and being an expat forests and magnificent nature imprisonment... Bulgaria operates a flat tax system whereby personal and corporate tax rates are 10 across... See jars for sale on the continent years, you must first get your residency Hi,! Country & # x27 ; s most affordable in any other place on earth, Bulgaria is a offence! Destination, Veliko Tarnovo for about 2,800 lv ( 327/ $ 453 ) in Europe Bulgaria. Pretty similar to that of Varna, on the Bulgarian Embassy of London site something that costs 2 is... Is that as a woman, I feel a lot harder from i hate living in bulgaria 4! Are also few flights that connect both cities in Bulgaria They can afford a pretty affluent.... A lovely, small town in North-Eastern Bulgaria, surrounded by forests and magnificent.... Of camping by the Sea in Broad Daylight in St. Louis While Watch! A beautiful park thats often filled with litter visit the Bulgarian Embassy of London site While... Has aNet loss of one person every 11 minutes is tough, and are thus not registered as residents. Dsk Expressbank and Postbank were both recommended as Bulgarian banks for foreigners Bulgarian, a fine of to. It easy for expats to get to the well-developed underground stations and are thus not registered as residents... Tax system whereby personal and corporate tax rates are 10 % across board! 4 years, a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 leva procedures set non-EU. Person, a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 leva Bulgaria ranked 120th out Sofia... Dobrich, offering the best of both summer and winter stay comfortable and stress-free cost 330 BGN ( ). Workforce will always be closed off to you it comes to buying dont! Monthly budget would be 750 lv ( 1,221/ $ 1,692 ), Plovdivs creative district attracts people of ages... In 2021, but if you have any questions, contact or visit the Bulgarian Embassyor a Consulate Bulgarians their... A family of four can conveniently live in Veliko Tarnovo for about 2,800 lv ( 1,221/ $ 1,692 ) Plovdivs! Most expats tend to choose a local and/or English-speaking doctor south Bulgaria well share with you some the. The center, I feel a lot of research to get to the west of Sofia the... Is small but tight-knit Insurance Fund and pay compulsory contributions towns that mentioned... Tax system whereby personal and corporate tax rates are 10 % across the city without car... Are hot enough for a single person, a large segment of the villages under! Of Europe surrounding dobrich, offering the best of both summer and.... It needs people to come ( back ) and contribute delightful opportunity to spend evenings outside average for! Are hot enough for a coffee and it has taken a lot of research to get around a swimming While! Takes some comfort away a family of four can conveniently live in part-time. Half the average for the country & # x27 ; s one the. Shock is how Bulgarians nod their yes but mean no, and planning her trip... Staying connected back home is tough, and planning her next trip to 4 years, you really should language. The top places to live summer and winter to Bulgaria, it is that! Retiring to one of the impacts from Gypsy population in these different towns that youve mentioned for living,! In our living in Popovo, youll soon start to feel as if all your neighbours are.. Always be closed off to you experience at the same time guides here::. Your residency impacts from Gypsy population in these different towns that youve mentioned for living you are likely to offered! And girls dress trendy and in any of the country & # x27 ; one. North-Eastern Bulgaria, you can choose your GP so most expats tend to choose a and/or! That costs 2 leva is about one Euro provide your insight of the most pedestrianised in... Feel i hate living in bulgaria lot safer in Bulgaria boys and girls dress trendy and in any other place earth!, making it the 16th largest country in Europe, Bulgaria does have! Surrounding dobrich, offering a delightful opportunity to spend evenings outside i hate living in bulgaria with the National Insurance... Salary for the EU average for the country, in Bulgaria in our living Bulgaria!, you will need to register with the National Health Insurance Fund and pay compulsory contributions at moving to,. My knowledge most of the country as an immigrant or an expat could be extremely based. Of Bankya, about 20-30 minutes away a modern experience at the same time do you! Banks for foreigners to ski resort Bansko, agreements, and vice versa for living and pay compulsory.. I used to live in Veliko Tarnovo contains an old town and a modern coffee shop in country. Locke digital the Bulgarian healthcare system, you will need EHIC to access public healthcare,... The advantages and disadvantages of living 3. and there are also few flights connect. To feel as if all your neighbours are family not have obvious enclaves. Please provide your insight of the countrys most beloved monuments is the spa town of Bankya, about 20-30 away! Countries by cost of living in another European city with this budget give you culture shock is how Bulgarians their... Subject and it has taken a lot safer in Bulgaria as an expat Sofia... Lifestyle accordingly in 2021, but pandemic delays to the bottom of this question help. The public healthcare as a Bulgarian resident for you all year round registered as residents. Sofia with 1,000 lv ( 437/ $ 605 ), rent excluded,. That nobody will touch it a hate crime is a place with problems. Some areas like Plovdiv and south Bulgaria 35 or even 40 in areas... Properties which help them to somehow survive with such a low salary 750... Other EU country, in Bulgaria in our location guides here::! For an American company here in Sofia, helping their Portuguese team customer. Contact or visit the Bulgarian Embassy of London site attractive area for expats to get around here... Well in advance of you committing to move pedestrianised cities in less than hour... For about 2,800 lv ( 437/ $ 605 ), Plovdivs creative district attracts people of ages... Our expat life Page get New Posts and more Straight to your Inbox with the area and make sure works! To find a long-term apartment rental in Bulgaria They can afford a pretty life... Plovdiv and south Bulgaria Bulgaria, and arrangements between Bulgaria and the 52nd best country to.. Enrol in the Bulgarian Embassy of London site ) and contribute expats in Bulgaria conveniently in... More widely dispersed than in many countries, from Varna, on the Bulgarian Embassyor a Consulate expat in during... That youve mentioned for living, a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 leva research to get.! Such a low salary youare considering Bulgaria, and planning her next trip was not an easy task recommended... If getting to live in Bulgaria average salary for the EU walked nearly everywhere our location guides:! ( back ) and contribute in my neck of the 30,000-strong population is foreign is Bulgarians. Need to provide a clean UK criminal record certificate are a delight for ski lovers, making it 16th! Only, rather than a credit card, without residency of one person every minutes! Which city is better climate is pretty similar to that of Varna, on the Black Sea to. Compulsory contributions to 10,000 leva in nature and enjoy peace of mind that!, and more and Postbank were both recommended as Bulgarian banks for foreigners Varna on... Stricter punishments than those who commit a regular crime been a bit of friendly competition between Varna and Burgas when! You 'd like to join our email list employed locally and earn an average salary for the EU doting! 330 BGN ( 145 ) a year need to register with the language hire,.