Bulgaria is a funny country it seems to have an almost equal number of expatriates happy ordisaffected with life in Bulgaria. 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. If youre moving to Bulgaria, currently living in Sofia or just curious about living abroad, leave you questions for Allison below in the comments. You must register your residence in Bulgaria if you are planning to stay for over 90 days, within three months of arrival and either in the Migration Directorate in Sofia or in the nearest regional directorate. 1-Living in Bulgaria will be an adventure, doesn't matter what kind of person you are and what you want out of life. Just like Varna, Burgas has its own Sea Garden. The city is also rich in all types of necessary institutions and amenities to make your stay comfortable and stress-free. 1 Euro. I decided to come back in February of 2018 and have been living here since making it about two and a half years now. You can draw the money out once the paperwork is done, we were informed. Normally men and women in a family work and a lot of Bulgarians dont have mortgages. Kiss were supposed to play their final show in 2021, but pandemic delays to the lengthy final . Regardless of age, you cant really say youve been to Varna if you havent visited Cubo the most popular beach bar in the city. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages cost on average 65% less, and clothing costs are 75% less than the European Union average. Its the cheapest and fastest way to securely transfer money overseas. If you have any questions about our guides or the country discussed feel free to contact us or leave a comment below and we'll get back to you. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask the neighbours. 2-Bulgarias population is reducing fast. The Old Town is like an outdoor museum, full of old churches, mansions, and souvenir shops. and there are also few flights that connect both cities in less than an hour. 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. 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 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. 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. They do not abide by any rules and enjoy a protected criminal lifestyle by virtue of being a minority . Renting a good two-bedroom apartment in a nice neighbourhood of Sofia will cost you around 700 - 800 BGN (Bulgarian Lev), about 300 - 340. Bulgarias appeal was on the rise prior to and immediately following EU accession, and this resulted in a small wave of immigration particularly from the UK and Ireland. On the other hand, when it comes to Bulgarian public schools, they are completely free to attend and textbooks are provided for free for students in certain grades. There are also a number of amazing places to visit near Veliko Tarnovo, like Arbanassi, Elena, and Gabrovo. Please provide your insight of the impacts from Gypsy population in these different towns that youve mentioned for living. 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. 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. Its very cheap, super reliable and very widespread. Living in Bulgaria - Pros & Cons Positive aspects of expat life in Bulgaria 1. Youll find plenty of horse-and-cart villages alongside the potholes in what is the EUs poorest member state. It offers a vibrant and relaxing atmosphere simultaneously and has something for everyone. The city centre is small enough that no car is required if you live downtown: taxis are cheap and there are plenty of trams. 8 Best reasons to retire to Bulgaria! Its located near natural lakes. This means we may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking certain links at no extra cost to you. Our previous 1-bedroom apartment in the center had been 350 euro a month, and when my husband lived in a studio, he had a gorgeous one for just 220 euro a month. Veliko Tarnovo a historically rich and truly beautiful city, 5. Family of four estimated monthly costs: $2,423 (4,494 ) Single person estimated monthly costs: $992 (1,841 ) Bulgaria is the 4th cheapest country in Eastern Europe (8 out of 11) Cost of living in Bulgaria is cheaper than in 80% of countries in the World (63 out of 79) Summers in Varna are hot but breezy and winters are not very snowy, especially in recent years. Being aware of them before you relocate can make a huge difference to your overall experience. Life as an expat in Popovo is an extremely affordable experience and wont burn a hole in your pocket in any way. Good education 4. Please provide a breakdown of monthly costs for food, transportation, internet and average rent for each of the towns. You can ship your belongings to Bulgaria by sea, air or land; its close enough to drive your stuff over and pets yourself too. Now You Know Everything About Living in Bulgaria. You wont get far without at least elementary Bulgarian and you should familiarise yourself with the alphabet. Overall, Sofia is considered a safe city but nothing is ever certain. A monthly budget of 1,200 lv ($722/530) for a family or two will offer a perfect way of living, rent excluded. 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. Perhaps our report on the positive and negative aspects of living in Bulgaria will help and inspire you to move. The country's territory is approximately 42,855 square miles, making it the 16th largest country in Europe. And young Bulgarians are friendly and open, happy to chat with someone and always a bit curious why a foreigner is living in Bulgaria. 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. 1. 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. Most restaurants have lunch specials generally between 12 2 pm and you can have the special for about 56 leva. Best places to live in Bulgaria 1. You can either join Facebook groups or look on Airbnb. So what is it like to live in Bulgaria and how do you go about moving and settling down there? As a result, the expat community in the Bulgarian capital is well-developed and you can always find help and advice or make friends. You will have to renounce UK citizenship if you apply for Bulgarian citizenship after Brexit. Ive visited Sofia (last August 2020) and will be going there once again in April 2021. Dobrich your first step to a magnificent experience, 8. Bulgarias cost of living is low only for those who earn above the average in the country. You need to contrast the cost of living with what you can expect to earn in Bulgaria. 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. Your tax obligations Which for all intents and purposes soon wont be, due to the many children the states sponsors for them. Read More Stories on Our Expat Life Page Get New Posts and More Straight to Your Inbox With the Robe Trotting Newsletter. Bulgarian is a difficult language, made more difficult by the fact that it uses the Cyrillic alphabet. You can safely leave your car unlocked and enjoy peace of mind knowing that nobody will touch it. Dont let the shivers get to you! 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. 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. Burgas - a cultural hub on the coast of the Black Sea 6. Save money on international transfers with Wise (formerly TransferWise). To enrol in the Bulgarian healthcare system, you must first get your residency. But do think about this aspect of your relocation carefully and well in advance of you committing to move. She lives with her husband and two children and has an affinity for writing. 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. This is a great blog! Hi Allison. Confirm you'd like to join our email list. 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. Its also worth noting that there is an evident segmentation of elite and non-elite schools in the state-run school system, which can create certain communication problems with peers from other schools. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Bulgaria uses the lev (plural: leva), which is pegged to the Euro at roughly 2:1. 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. before your trip. 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. Em Shadows. Housing in Bulgaria. That is one of the biggest reasons not to move to California." 4. Bulgarias second city and Europes 2019 capital of culture. The LIMA app can help you with traffic and road conditions. Plovdivs Old Town is bound to steal your heart at a first glance. Finally, Bulgarians can be very friendly and welcoming, and they can adjust well to having foreign residents within their community. I hope this story helps, good luck with your move! 9- Food and drink are very cheap and convenient if you arent from the fancy type. Life is Not Like the Movies Everyone thinks of California as a hippie paradise with no stress and a serene culture. It may take up to 14 days for your application to be approved, after which you may still have to return to the branch to actually open the account. Bansko is a great destination for expats looking to enjoy a bit of hiking, skiing, cycling, and nature in general. The cost of living in Bulgaria is 48.12% lower than in the United Kingdom. Your email address will not be published. The city didn't resonate with me immediately, but after a few weeks of staying in Sofia, I slowly began to fall in love with all that it had to offer. It attracts a lot of retired expats thanks to its calm vibes and relaxing environment. In my neighborhood, cars park wherever they want to; you always have to look down or risk twisting your ankle on some busted piece of sidewalk. 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 could go to a modern coffee shop in the morning for a coffee and it costs 2.00 leva. 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. Popovo may not be a large city but it also has delicious food to offer in a few quality restaurants. The existing rules, agreements, and arrangements between Bulgaria and the UK changed after Brexit. Other ski resorts include Pamporovo and Borovets. In Bulgaria they can afford a pretty affluent life. 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. Bulgaria is a great place to live if youre not sensitive and particularly good if you have an income from outside of Bulgaria, for example, a pension, or work for a foreigner company, definitely is a nice place to start a family and better place to live than two-thirds of the world. Authentic culture 5. 14- There is still poverty in Bulgaria. For retirees, its also the perfect place for a walk by the sea during the day. The ski resort of Bansko (and nearby spa village Banya) has obvious charms. 4-Bulgaria is a very beautiful country. The Sea Garden is a destination where both locals and expats love to spend their days, surrounded by nature and calm vibes. Getting across the city without a car is easy thanks to the well-developed underground stations. Next up on the list is Plovdiv, Bulgarias second-largest city. Ad to these old cars and you can imagine yourself the result. A simply presented and informative read packed with tidbits of useful info that can be expanded upon elsewhere. Potrebni uesnici 30+ godina starosti. Sofia - a capital full of wonders 2. I'll further discuss whether Bulgaria is attractive for expats or not. The average salary after taxes in Bulgaria is $852, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.2 months. Nearby destinations to visit for a calm and relaxing experience include Ravadinovo and its castle, Nessebar, Sozopol, and more. 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. The climate is pretty similar to that of Varna, offering the best of both summer and winter. You may need to renounce your UK citizenship, depending on your. 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. Friendly locals Some less than positive aspects of living in Bulgaria 1. 6 Times Cheaper than Old-school Bank Transfers, >>>USE THIS LINK FOR A FREE TRANSFER (up to 500 GBP/680 USD)<<<. However, if you prefer the comfort of your personal vehicle, driving around town is not a problem and theres plenty of parking space available. 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. Burgas is another beautiful city on the Black Sea coast and the fourth biggest in the country. You will definitely be valued as an immigrant or an expat. the fertility rate in Bulgaria is 1.43child per woman. Emilie is a public relations expert based in Sofia, Bulgaria. My biggest concern is finding a job with an American company there. 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. 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. 11- Bulgarians are a very proud nation. 10 minuta, anonimno i nije dosadno! She likes to travel and goes on weekend trips across the country as often as possible. 12- Bulgarian people was described as outrageously beautiful. People from Bulgaria can dance! Veliko Tarnovo - a historically rich and truly beautiful city 5. A lot of educated Bulgarians work in the IT and outsourcing sector which is huge here. 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. 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. The UK has a double-taxation agreement with Bulgaria to ensure people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. With over 90 neighbourhoods, you can expect a different vibe in every city area. Plovdiv is considered Bulgarias cultural capital and carried the award for European Capital of Culture for 2019. Bulgaria definitely has several things that give you culture shock. Several thousand international expats live in the capital the cheapest city in Western Europe either in apartments in downtown areas such as Doctors Garden, or in suburbs such as Boyana, Dragalevtsi and Bistritsa. As someone that. Theres a youthfulness to the city that I find extremely inspiring, with young people constantly opening new businesses. 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. There is so much history that you can explore in Plovdiv, considering that its the 6th oldest city in the world and the oldest in Europe. Looking good always trumps feeling comfortable here. Bansko may be popular for its natural riches but an interesting fact is that it also offers some of the fastest Internet! Long-term rent for 6-12 months is cheaper than if you're renting short-term. It features links to official resources containing major Brexit information. 2. 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. A popular tourist destination, Veliko Tarnovo contains an old spirit yet offers a modern experience at the same time. Living in Bulgaria: A Quick Guide for U.S. Expats. 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. Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe, bordering Romania to the south, North Macedonia and Serbia to the east, Turkey and Greece to the north, and the Black Sea to the west. 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. 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. To retire in Bulgaria, you'll need to apply for a Type D visa and a long-term residence permit, renewable every year. Just be careful if youre taking a walk to the bar with food in your hands. In this guide, we are bringing you both the positive and negative aspects of living in Bulgaria as an expat. Driving a car around the city centre may be difficult as parking is an issue. Emilie, thank you for you Intro. We hope that this guide will come in handy and will help you choose the best place that will meet your expectations. City and Europes 2019 capital of culture for 2019 with tidbits of useful info that can be expanded elsewhere. Those who earn above the average salary after taxes in Bulgaria country & x27. Spirit yet offers a vibrant and relaxing atmosphere simultaneously and has an affinity writing. And a lot of retired expats thanks to the Euro at roughly 2:1 stay comfortable and stress-free or an., email, and arrangements between Bulgaria and the fourth biggest in the.... 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Will be going there once again in April 2021 family work and half... And drink are very cheap, super reliable and very widespread during the day positive aspects living. Country as often as possible Bulgaria will help and advice or make friends to its vibes!
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