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. Its bizarre to see someone repeatedly shaking their head but actually agreeing with you, and it can definitely cause some confusion with locals. Being aware of them before you relocate can make a huge difference to your overall experience. Be wary of the Gypsy population who have become ever more brazen and emboldened by cozy minorities protection by EU human rights activism. But to settle well you must truly integrate into the community and learning the language properly is a must. If you're planning on moving to Bansko, you can take a look at apartments on this Facebook page. There is no risk of theft or any type of crime in Popovo as the locals pretty much know each other and theres a sense of trust and connection. We get so many emails about this subject and it has taken a lot of research to get to the bottom of this question. I live on the western side of Sofia, halfway between Lyulin (the largest communist block area) and the center. Thats for a 40 hour week. As a result, the expat community in the Bulgarian capital is well-developed and you can always find help and advice or make friends. 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. The city centre is small enough that no car is required if you live downtown: taxis are cheap and there are plenty of trams. Plovdivs Old Town is bound to steal your heart at a first glance. Living in Bulgaria - Pros & Cons Positive aspects of expat life in Bulgaria 1. She likes to travel and goes on weekend trips across the country as often as possible. Fruit and vegetables are for sale everywhere and are the most delicious. Bulgarias cost of living is low only for those who earn above the average in the country. Overall, Varna is a city that its hard not to fall in love with. International students in Bulgaria share their worries before moving abroad to Bulgaria and what life now looks like. While Bulgaria is developing slowly after rising up from its darker days of communism, the country still has a way to go in terms of being progressive. A. The city is full of life and has a lot to offer for students, working professionals, and retirees alike. Spend any time checking forums and youll find fairly even numbers of British expats extolling Bulgarias virtues or hauling it over the coals. You must put a minimum amount into the account for it to be opened, which differs depending on the area. To benefit from the cost of living your income should be above the Bulgarian average Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages cost on average 65% less, and clothing costs are 75% less than the European Union average. Housing in Bulgaria. The most popular ones include Balchik, Kavarna, Shabla, Kamen Bryag, Cape Kaliakra, and Durankulak. Im doing my due diligence in order to come to a sound decision. The rate of homeownership in Bulgaria is high, at close to 90 percent, with many Bulgarians inheriting land and even a second home. There are a lot of natural honey producers here. We started Robe Trotting to share our experiences. Em Shadows. 11- Bulgarians are a very proud nation. 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. We were so lucky to visit Plovdiv while there was a cultural festival on. This means that its an authentic country, where you really will experience a totally different way of life. Being the poorest and maybe the most corrupted EU member country takes some comfort away. Many things are cheaper, such as food, alcohol, clothes and eating out in restaurants and you can live a wealthy lifestyle . Best places to live in Bulgaria 1. 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. Bulgarian state-run schools often operate with outdated equipment and old material bases. When you have held a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria for 5 years, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship (in Bulgarian). Popovo is a lovely, small town in North-Eastern Bulgaria, surrounded by forests and magnificent nature. The ski resort of Bansko (and nearby spa village Banya) has obvious charms. 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. Expats choose to live in Varna for many reasons, however, the main one is the wonderful golden sands of Varnas coastline. It was a nightmare though, and my lawyers were really awful at helping me navigate it, so possibly I could have had a better experience with a different lawyer. All the international coffee and fast food chains are here, Starbucks, KFC, Subway, McDonalds, etc, cost of living in Bulgariais 42.72%lowerthan inthe United States. Its comfortably positioned in the eastern part of the Danube plain, in whats considered one of Bulgarias most fertile lands Dobrudja. 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. Ive mentioned Cyrillic quite a bit, and it can definitely lead to some funny misunderstandings like seeing HOBO written everywhere and only later realizing that it means novo or new. 14- There is still poverty in Bulgaria. It has also steadily been climbing in the last 5 years. It's not easy, but if you love Bulgaria, moving here and being active is the best thing you can do. Your email address will not be published. So if your income comes from outside of the country and is of western standards then you can live in Bulgaria like a king. As retiring here is more of a settlement, expats who have made the move tend to scatter more widely into local communities around the country. Summers in Varna are hot but breezy and winters are not very snowy, especially in recent years. Britons will have to go through the immigration procedures set for non-EU citizens. Varna is popular for its seagull population, keep in mind that theyre quite intrusive. Unsurprisingly, well start from Sofia Bulgarias capital. When people describe villages in Bulgaria, they describe horse and cart type of villages. Suzanne Locke is a lifestyle, expat and personal finance writer based in Surrey, England. The other reason for the decisions these people have made is the cost of living in Bulgaria. I decided to come back in February of 2018 and have been living here since making it about two and a half years now. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask the neighbours. Guys often wear skinny jeans and black Armani T-shirts, while girls go for equally tight pants and skirts with some sort of a designer tank top, be it Mango, Trussardi or Motivi. In Bulgaria they can afford a pretty affluent life. The city is also rich in all types of necessary institutions and amenities to make your stay comfortable and stress-free. We promise not spam your inbox 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. 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. Once you have been resident in Bulgaria for five years, you canapply for Bulgarian citizenship. A few large cities are among the most attractive places to live in for international individuals as they provide a modern and new-age experience. Its located on the banks of the Maritsa river in the Thrace region, southeast of Sofia. If youre considering retiring to Bulgaria, you really should start language lessons. That is one of the biggest reasons not to move to California." 4. Looking good always trumps feeling comfortable here. Once you have your certificate of residence, you need to apply for a Bulgarian ID card or lichna karta. Kiss were supposed to play their final show in 2021, but pandemic delays to the lengthy final . Coffees are much cheaper here than in the rest of Europe. 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. With its relatively mild climate, Bulgaria is pleasant all year round. A monthly budget of 1,200 lv ($722/530) for a family or two will offer a perfect way of living, rent excluded. 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. Bulgaria is becoming ever more popular with expats for whom the cheaper cost of living and a good healthy lifestyle are a priority. To be considered financially independent, your monthly income should at least be equal to the national minimum wage per month. 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. Nationalminimum wageinBulgariaremained fixed at 260.8 per month. 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 EU country, standard EU rules apply to removals; do note you may need to list serial numbers and brands for all electrical appliances. This is a great blog! Its a city of central location and is extremely close to Varna and Balchik. We strongly recommend renting a property in Bulgaria first, before you buy. For instance, students are mostly located in Student Town (Studentski Grad) or the central parts of the city, while retirees and families would probably prefer a more relaxing and calm place like Pancharevo, Bistritsa, or Boyana. You may need to renounce your UK citizenship, depending on your. 5. Private international schools like the Ango-Americal School of Sofia offer a range of extracurricular activities, student clubs, and events for students to attend. 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. "I hate living in California because I have to drive everywhere and then look for parking and also pay for it. A good read and a balance of things to consider, Your email address will not be published. Its very useful to consider the pros and cons of living in Bulgaria before you move, but you need to spend an extended time exploring before you commit to your relocation. The law is strict when it comes to drink-driving, with almost zero tolerance (0.05 percent blood-alcohol limit) and you could face losing your licence and even jail time. Bulgaria has been chosen by a number of expatswho wanted to get home or Internet-based businesses off the ground for the specific reason that their tax burden would be low. A lot of expats who have chosen to live in Varna prefer the outskirts or calmer neighbourhoods like Trakata or Vinitsa, where there are both cosy and luxurious houses with large backyards. The country's territory is approximately 42,855 square miles, making it the 16th largest country in Europe. Required fields are marked *. It was so much easier in New York. Learn more about life in Bulgaria and a. If youre moving to Bulgaria, currently living in Sofia or just curious about living abroad, leave you questions for Allison below in the comments. Depending on your lifestyle, you can live as basically or as liberally as you choose here. New pieces of beautiful street art adorn the walls unexpectedly, discovered on your daily walks. You can safely leave your car unlocked and enjoy peace of mind knowing that nobody will touch it. I'll further discuss whether Bulgaria is attractive for expats or not. The area around ulitsa Tsar Simeon also has great nightlife, and thats where I go out. Thats a surprisingly big number for a country of just seven million inhabitants smaller than the city of London. Its definitely a big difference from where Im from I spent 17 years living in California (San Francisco to be precise) and 9 in New York City but for now, its home! Bulgaria is a funny country it seems to have an almost equal number of expatriates happy ordisaffected with life in Bulgaria. You also need to check the validity of your driver license in Bulgaria before start driving, paying bribes to the police is a practice that slowly disappearing (this is my own experience since I have got few tickets on the road, but never been asked for money). Dobrich is popular for its relatively balanced weather and amazing spring and autumn seasons. The largest community is in the capital, Sofia. Popovo - the place where anyone can feel at home 7. We avoid military conflicts, crime is low, we don't actively engage in heated political debates, public protests are rare (but avoid them if they do break out), and religions coexist happily on the whole. One of the factors behind the outsourcing success. To put it simply, Plovdiv doesnt disappoint in any way. 1-Living in Bulgaria will be an adventure , doesn't matter what kind of person you are and what you want out of life. Its a perfect location for expats who are fond of a green way of living and are looking forward to having the opportunity to move into a spacious house with a garden, where they can grow their own food and crops. Normally men and women in a family work and a lot of Bulgarians dont have mortgages. 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 can see jars for sale on the sides of roads and in any of the villages. 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. Follow us on Instagram. Bulgaria (especially Sofia) has become incredibly interesting to me recently. I will be the first to admit that a lot of my struggle here is because I havent acclimated here nearly as much as I should have: I still dont speak much of the language, and I struggle to find new and creative ways to put the 500-odd words of Bulgarian I speak into new configurations without having to ever conjugate a verb. Read more in our full article, The Pros And Cons Of Living In Bulgaria. We dont need to be so negative about Bulgaria, there are things getting better every day, and you can see this all arround, were Internet mobile internet and WIFI is a major success story. A lot of educated Bulgarians work in the IT and outsourcing sector which is huge here. Finally, Bulgarians can be very friendly and welcoming, and they can adjust well to having foreign residents within their community. 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. Well done Suzanne. 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. Updated 9/11/2022 About hate crimes A hate crime is a crime committed against someone because of their ethnic origin, nationality, race, religion, sexuality or political beliefs. Regardless of age, you cant really say youve been to Varna if you havent visited Cubo the most popular beach bar in the city. My husband works for an American company here in Sofia, helping their Portuguese team with customer support. A detailed overview of the most popular locations for expats in Bulgaria. If youre looking for a quieter pace of life, fresh produce and a beautiful beach-to-mountain backdrop at a lower cost than France or Switzerland, Bulgaria could be the ideal country for you. Renting a good two-bedroom apartment in a nice neighbourhood of Sofia will cost you around 700 - 800 BGN (Bulgarian Lev), about 300 - 340. Its just nice to know that you also have the alternative of witnessing food grow in front of your eyes. 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. 15- Bulgaria has some fastest internet speed in the world, you get great value for money. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Other ski resorts include Pamporovo and Borovets. Another thing thats given me culture shock is how Bulgarians nod their yes but mean no, and vice versa! When it comes to buying, dont just rely on local friends to help with the language hire local, English-speaking notaries and attorneys. Staying connected back home is tough, and being an expat in Sofia during the times of coronavirus, its been a lot harder. 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. Bulgaria is a very safe country. This country was established in 681 A.D. and has survived things you wouldnt imagine, they also are the inventors of the Bulgarian alphabet that through the centuries expand to most of the Slavic countries, they even have a day for celebrating the Bulgarianalphabet and culture, its on the 24th of May, you will see student take the streets with their parade. Theres so much to do in the city and nearby! The Sea Garden is a destination where both locals and expats love to spend their days, surrounded by nature and calm vibes. even analysis from Eurostat said that is possible that Bulgaria population could lose another million inhabitants by 2050 and be less than 6.000 000. Low cost of living 3. There are some amazing areas to live in Plovdiv. Sinemorets, Bulgaria. If you dont speak the language, the types of jobs you can get will be low paid jobs and you will have to work very hard to scrape a living together. However, if you are employed locally and earn an average salary for the country, you will have to adjust your lifestyle accordingly. The small town is a brilliant place to live in all year long. Moving to a new country is like entering a new world where different rules apply, and it takes a while before you can fully understand them.Not knowing the language and not having any close friends, it may be quite frustrating to handle even simple daily tasks, let alone sort out the basics - how to get a job, a place to live and a residence permit. Bulgarians are also known for their IT abilities. A lot of people describe Bansko as a small outdoor paradise. To join the public healthcare system, you will need to register with the National Health Insurance Fund and pay compulsory contributions. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. She runs her own digital content consultancy, Locke Digital. 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. Bulgaria is wonderful only if you dont come into contact with its red-tape bureaucracy and horrid government institutions. Our most popular evergreen guides are kept fresh and up-to-date by our in-house research team. Knowing the language or having a local friend who knows the ways is the best way to proceed. Veliko Tarnovo a historically rich and truly beautiful city, 5. The cost of living in Varna is similar to that of Sofia. To the west of Sofia is the spa town of Bankya, about 20-30 minutes away. Some links may be affiliate links. 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. The city is connected via a well-developed bus transport network. There has always been a bit of friendly competition between Varna and Burgas locals when it comes to which city is better. You dont need any type of transport to get around the town as you can reach any point by walking. 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. Registering my business in Bulgaria was a total headache. Today, I will be talking about the pros and cons of living in Bulgaria, specifically Sofia and Plovdiv. 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. Bulgariais 42.72%lowerthan inthe United States. 7- Agriculture is probably what defines Bulgarian roots best. 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. Long-term rent for 6-12 months is cheaper than if you're renting short-term. 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! 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. Living in Bulgaria means living amongst contrasts, and you have to be comfortable with a certain level of grittiness to be here. Cost of living in Sofia is the best part of being based here! Most restaurants have lunch specials generally between 12 2 pm and you can have the special for about 56 leva. 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. Especially if you are educated and hard-working. 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. The Old Town is home to charming houses in the traditional old-style Bulgarian architecture. 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. Bulgaria Golden Citizenship program 2018 (Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment). Bulgaria is a country withvery affordablehotels, restaurants and home appliances compared to the rest of the European Union. 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.). The daytime temperatures vary from 0-5C in the winter and 25-30C in the summer months. Follow us on on Twitter. Come April, we need to come up with a plan as to who will be moving (me to join him in Bulgaria or him moving back to California). 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. The majority of these long-term and permanent residents have settled in central Bulgaria near Veliko Tarnovo, a Bulgarian National Revival-era city with medieval churches and a fortress, which is currently awaiting UNESCO World Heritage . With a monthly budget of 800 1000 lv (349/$483-436/$604) without rent for a single person, you will enjoy a comfortable living. Burgas is another beautiful city on the Black Sea coast and the fourth biggest in the country. The city is vibrant and thrilling, with a range of different restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment venues, concert halls and theatres. There were a lot of tears and several meltdowns along the way, but eventually we registered our company in Bulgaria. :D Cijenimo lina uea, dijeljenje upitnika i upvotes. 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. Its where former medieval tsars lived and ruled. 3-low birth rates since Bulgarian families normally have one child, maximum two. Dont let the shivers get to you! Burgas - a cultural hub on the coast of the Black Sea 6. You know when everyone was smiling? Renting a property is relatively cheaper, especially if you choose a region outside the city centre. You can ship your belongings to Bulgaria by sea, air or land; its close enough to drive your stuff over and pets yourself too. Renting a property in Plovdiv is more affordable when compared to Sofia. Expats often choose Haskovo as a popular Bulgarian place to live in as it offers the comfort and cosiness of the small town but its also extremely close to Plovdiv, where you can quickly travel to. 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. Bulgaria implemented ODIHR's Training Against Hate Crime for Law Enforcement programme from 2012 until 2017.Bulgaria also took part in ODIHR's project on "Building a Comprehensive Criminal Justice Response to Hate Crime", helping to develop a joint training programme for police and prosecutors that was piloted in the country. What are the average living costs in Bulgaria? 1. Bulgarian rules require immigrants to demonstrate they can support themselves financially, although the Bulgarian prime minister has publicly welcomed British migrants. Haskovo one of Bulgarias oldest yet most pleasant places to live in, 9. Bulgaria is eminent for its ability to successfully prepare students thoroughly in studies like maths, history, arts, languages and literature, biology, chemistry, and others. They inherit properties which help them to somehow survive with such a low salary. Bulgaria is close to the UK a three-hour trip by plane and there are cheap flights to be had. 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. In Bulgaria, you should expect to pay personal income tax and homeowners tax, as well as vehicle tax and a fee for rubbish collection. Looking forward to your inputs ! before your trip. . I am from Sydney, Australia and I am looking at moving to Europe in the next 12 months. My building is new construction across the street from old communist blocks, so theres a bit of contrast in my neighborhood. However, despite the flaws, living in Sofia has a lot of benefits. Healthcare in Bulgaria is universal and financed by compulsory health insurance contributions. Bulgaria uses the lev (plural: leva), which is pegged to the Euro at roughly 2:1. Summers can touch 35 or even 40 in some areas like Plovdiv and south Bulgaria. Summers in Sofia are hot enough for a great day tanning at a swimming pool while winters are a delight for ski lovers. the fertility rate in Bulgaria is 1.43child per woman. Rent in Bulgaria on averageis 74.06% lower than in the UK. The mountains are stunning and the ski resorts are so breathtaking nothing to envy to any other country in the world. European Union anything, all you have held a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria are much cheaper than. 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