Thankyou Suzanne Locke! Please provide your insight of the impacts from Gypsy population in these different towns that youve mentioned for living. Leslie Grantham: Bulgarias most famed Briton? Veliko Tarnovo a historically rich and truly beautiful city, 5. Hi Allison. Every expat has to at some point. I first came to Sofia, Bulgaria in August of 2017. Learn how your comment data is processed. Bulgaria is wonderful! Emilie, thank you for you Intro. While Sofias main sights can be seen pretty much within the time it takes to do the citys free walking tour, theres a lot more to Sofia beneath the surface that people dont often get to see when they do a whistle-stop tour through the Balkans, spending just one or two days in Sofia. We started Robe Trotting to share our experiences. Good education 4. Bulgaria is a place with many problems where life isnt easy. The environment is extremely laid back and youll notice that everyone speaks English. However, buying property can be hugely complex, red tape means a small admin task can take all day and both general customer service and government staffs attitudes get a good bashing. You wont get far without at least elementary Bulgarian and you should familiarise yourself with the alphabet. You need to contrast the cost of living with what you can expect to earn in Bulgaria. 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. Unsurprisingly, well start from Sofia Bulgarias capital. Your stay in Bulgaria as an expat could be extremely different based on where you choose to live. A single person can do well with around 800 lv (349/$483), rent excluded. For retirees, its also the perfect place for a walk by the sea during the day. Bulgaria Golden Citizenship program 2018 (Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment). In Bulgaria both boys and girls dress trendy and in tight-fitting clothing. Allison Green is a travel writer and podcaster based out of Sofia, Bulgaria. 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. So something that costs 2 leva is about one Euro. Im doing my due diligence in order to come to a sound decision. 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. Bulgaria has aNet loss of one person every 11 minutes. But yes, Bulgaria is still rapidly losing population, so it needs people to come (back) and contribute. 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. 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. almost every family has their own 1000 sqm. 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. Im planning to move to Bansko in about 3 years. Living in Sofia is a far cry from San Francisco, but wherever youre from and wherever you end up living you can find a way to make it home. Plovdiv is a great place to live in for both locals and expats. Which for all intents and purposes soon wont be, due to the many children the states sponsors for them. 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. Your pension and other incomes will be taxed in Bulgaria at a flat rate of 10 percent, compared to the UKs 20 45 percent. 2. 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 located near natural lakes. Being aware of them before you relocate can make a huge difference to your overall experience. But there are also smaller towns that can give you that feeling of the perfect home you are looking for abroad. 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. The area around ulitsa Tsar Simeon also has great nightlife, and thats where I go out. Bulgarian Citizenship by Naturalization, step By step! Best places to live in Bulgaria 1. For people living in BiH: Istraivanje ekonomskog ponaanja u BiH i drugim zemljama Question Istraujemo kakve finansijske izbore prave stanovnici BiH i drugih zemalja. Population. You can comfortably walk around the towns streets at 3 AM knowing that youre completely safe. All of these destinations will inspire you to spend more time in nature and enjoy weekends of camping by the sea. Until then, students follow a standard educational curriculum, learning about preselected subjects. The city has a surprisingly diverse group of expats living here: a handful of Americans, a ton of Europeans (mostly Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and British), a decent-sized African community, and even a number of Brazilians (of whom my husband is one!). With a monthly budget of 800 1000 lv (349/$483-436/$604) without rent for a single person, you will enjoy a comfortable living. You will need to present proof of your income or pension and that you have a bank account in Bulgaria. and that you can unsubscribe any time. Bulgaria operates a flat tax system whereby personal and corporate tax rates are 10% across the board. Bulgarians are also known for their IT abilities. 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. I was curious about Bulgaria from an American perspective and I appreciate how thoughtful you are. In addition, most central areas are now part of the Blue Zone, meaning that parking is not free. 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. There is also a tax-free allowance of 4,050 (3,460) per year. A. I stumbled across this whilst idly surfing, Im not considering leaving Blighty. Its a city of central location and is extremely close to Varna and Balchik. 1-Living in Bulgaria will be an adventure, doesn't matter what kind of person you are and what you want out of life. 4-Bulgaria is a very beautiful country. This is a great blog! Kiss were supposed to play their final show in 2021, but pandemic delays to the lengthy final . As a result, the expat community in the Bulgarian capital is well-developed and you can always find help and advice or make friends. I stayed for a month when I was still traveling around the world full-time. Long-term rent for 6-12 months is cheaper than if you're renting short-term. A lot of people describe Bansko as a small outdoor paradise. In some ways I feel like a local, but in most ways I still feel like an outsider. When it comes to buying, dont just rely on local friends to help with the language hire local, English-speaking notaries and attorneys. HOW DO YOU TRANSFER MONEY INTERNATIONALLY? Britons will have to go through the immigration procedures set for non-EU citizens. Sofia - a capital full of wonders 2. 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. 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. 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. To be considered financially independent, your monthly income should at least be equal to the national minimum wage per month. From what I can tell, Im mostly amongst other locals I never hear English spoken in my neck of the woods. There are a lot of natural honey producers here. I hope this story helps, good luck with your move! The city is connected via a well-developed bus transport network. Ill be forthright and say that Sofia is definitely not the easiest city to live in in Europe, and its not for everyone. Popovo is a lovely, small town in North-Eastern Bulgaria, surrounded by forests and magnificent nature. People from Bulgaria can dance! Required fields are marked *. 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. 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. Living in Bulgaria! 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. Thats a surprisingly big number for a country of just seven million inhabitants smaller than the city of London. Even then, you may be asked for proof of income being paid into the bank for up to six months. Follow us on Instagram. So while I cook for myself a lot because I love to do it, I often order delivery and indulge that way, and I enjoy going out to different restaurants around the city. Your email address will not be published. Find out more about us HERE. 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 have not worked in Bulgaria, you should claim your UK State Pension by contacting theInternational Pension Centre. When you have held a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria for 5 years, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship (in Bulgarian). We hope that this guide will come in handy and will help you choose the best place that will meet your expectations. 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). Its the cheapest and fastest way to securely transfer money overseas. Popovo - the place where anyone can feel at home 7. Unfortunately, racism (particularly against the minority Roma population) and homophobia are often expressed openly, and theres a lot of corruption preventing the country from moving forward. A lot of people here work for very low salaries especially outside of Sofia. I rent an apartment for about 450 euro a month with my husband. Hot summers and cold winters. Housing in Bulgaria. It will require more work to settle down than, say, Spain, but that work could pay off with a whole new lifestyle. But to settle well you must truly integrate into the community and learning the language properly is a must. 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. The climate is pretty similar to that of Varna, offering the best of both summer and winter. The cost of living will surprise you. Once you have your certificate of residence, you need to apply for a Bulgarian ID card or lichna karta. Dealing with those could literally shorten your life span! 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. Renting a good two-bedroom apartment in a nice neighbourhood of Sofia will cost you around 700 800 BGN (Bulgarian Lev), about 300 340. Read more in our full article, The Pros And Cons Of Living In Bulgaria. 6 Times Cheaper than Old-school Bank Transfers, >>>USE THIS LINK FOR A FREE TRANSFER (up to 500 GBP/680 USD)<<<. You could go to a modern coffee shop in the morning for a coffee and it costs 2.00 leva. Tell us more about your life there ! Popovo may not be a large city but it also has delicious food to offer in a few quality restaurants. Bulgarias cost of living is low only for those who earn above the average in the country. a) Muslims - between the end of the 14th century and the end of the 19th century, Bulgaria was under rule of the Ottoman Empire (Islamic State) and she used the enslaved peoples (Bulgarians, Serbs, Greeks, Albanians, etc.) Its comfortably positioned in the eastern part of the Danube plain, in whats considered one of Bulgarias most fertile lands Dobrudja. Read our Best Places To Live In Bulgaria As An Expat for a detailed overview of the most popular locations. 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. I'll further discuss whether Bulgaria is attractive for expats or not. 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. But when I used to live in the center, I walked nearly everywhere. 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. It features links to official resources containing major Brexit information. The Old Town is like an outdoor museum, full of old churches, mansions, and souvenir shops. Finally, Bulgarians can be very friendly and welcoming, and they can adjust well to having foreign residents within their community. In this guide, well share with you some of the top places to live in the country as an expat. 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. There has always been a bit of friendly competition between Varna and Burgas locals when it comes to which city is better. For a family of four, 3,200 lv (1,404/$1,941) excluding rent is a fair monthly budget. Bulgaria Schengen Visa, all you need to know! 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. Its located on the banks of the Maritsa river in the Thrace region, southeast of Sofia. Living in the village, youll notice that its segmented into two main parts the one close to the cable car (a popular winter area) and the normal village, which is where most people prefer to live in spring, autumn and summer. You may need to provide a clean UK criminal record certificate. For anyone looking to reduce the amount of tax they pay on their income or business profits, therefore, Bulgaria is definitely attractive! To enrol in the Bulgarian healthcare system, you must first get your residency. There are multiple groups on Facebook that can help you. Renting a property is relatively cheaper, especially if you choose a region outside the city centre. So if your income comes from outside of the country and is of western standards then you can live in Bulgaria like a king. The Greek neighbourhood is also an area that expats love to explore as it offers amazing architecture, small vibrant streets, and attractive street shops and coffee shops. 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. Enjoy your trip and good luck with the relocation. Its very cheap, super reliable and very widespread. 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. Bulgaria can provide you with very different experiences depending on whether you live in one of the cities, or in smaller towns and villages. 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. Renting a good two-bedroom apartment in a nice neighbourhood of Sofia will cost you around 700 - 800 BGN (Bulgarian Lev), about 300 - 340. 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. 7. Living in Veliko Tarnovo is a great option for expat retirees as the city is large yet provides a sense of calmness and authenticity with pleasant summers and snowy beautiful winters. The city is full of life and has a lot to offer for students, working professionals, and retirees alike. The biggest attraction, the citys symbol, and one of the countrys most beloved monuments is the Tsarevets Fortress. International students will have the ability to meet Bulgarian peers, dive into the rich culture and learn new Bulgarian words. You dont have to worry if you fall ill in Sofia the city has great hospitals and medical clinics to keep your health in check. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Place where they grow fruits and vegetables for their needs, its a tradition to go on weekends and on vacations to the small farm and work the land. 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. Haskovo is another small Bulgarian town, where expats can dive into a relaxed way of living where stress and a dynamic lifestyle wont thrive. In Bulgaria they can afford a pretty affluent life. You can also explore the Archaeological Museum, the Sea Casino, the Zoo, and visit the Sand Fest in Burgas during the summer. It's not easy, but if you love Bulgaria, moving here and being active is the best thing you can do. Looking good always trumps feeling comfortable here. Haskovo one of Bulgarias oldest yet most pleasant places to live in, 9. Dobrich is popular for its relatively balanced weather and amazing spring and autumn seasons. Im sure that women of color struggle a bit more with harassment, but I cant make any generalizations to their experience, as I only know what friends have told me about living or traveling in the region. 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. 5. The scenery is just beautiful. Life as an expat in Popovo is an extremely affordable experience and wont burn a hole in your pocket in any way. The mountains are stunning and the ski resorts are so breathtaking nothing to envy to any other country in the world. 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. 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. The Old Town is home to charming houses in the traditional old-style Bulgarian architecture. Living in the city, you can still feel the magnificent presence of the glorious fortress. 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. especially older generations have extensive knowledge on small farming, food conservation, and of course, the best way to grow your own tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. Bulgaria definitely has several things that give you culture shock. 0. As someone that. 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. They attract a very good salary which they can live on here exceptionally well, especially if they work remotely for a company from abroad. I dont see myself living in Bulgaria forever. The existing rules, agreements, and arrangements between Bulgaria and the UK changed after Brexit. 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 fact, Bulgaria, in general, is well-known for its blazing Internet that allows you to easily communicate online whenever you want to. A family of four can conveniently live in Veliko Tarnovo for about 2,800 lv (1,221/$1,692), excluding rent. Its worth noting that renting in Burgas is cheaper, with a difference of around 40% in prices. 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. Bulgaria is a funny country it seems to have an almost equal number of expatriates happy ordisaffected with life in Bulgaria. 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. It is thought that up to a fifth of the 30,000-strong population is foreign. We were so lucky to visit Plovdiv while there was a cultural festival on. It was so much easier in New York. You may need to renounce your UK citizenship, depending on your. 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. The rate of homeownership in Bulgaria is high, at close to 90 percent, with many Bulgarians inheriting land and even a second home. I work entirely for myself the entire time Ive lived in Sofia. 3-low birth rates since Bulgarian families normally have one child, maximum two. A monthly budget of 1,200 lv ($722/530) for a family or two will offer a perfect way of living, rent excluded. 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. 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. The locals are friendly and speak good English, making it easy for expats to get around. A man casually shoots a homeless guy in broad daylight as others watch and do nothing. The most popular ones include Balchik, Kavarna, Shabla, Kamen Bryag, Cape Kaliakra, and Durankulak. 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. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask the neighbours. But, note that you may need to give a deposit. She lives with her husband and two children and has an affinity for writing. 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. Complete Guide to Living in Bulgaria. There were a lot of tears and several meltdowns along the way, but eventually we registered our company in Bulgaria. There are also a number of bus lines you can take to get to most regions. There are some amazing areas to live in Plovdiv. 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.) The country is one of Europes oldest and offers a perfect balance of historical treasures and a modern, digitized approach to living. I decided to come back in February of 2018 and have been living here since making it about two and a half years now. Some links may be affiliate links. Its a small town nestled at the foot of the Pirin mountains, with a low cost of living making it attractive to those ski fans otherwise eyeing up France, Italy and Switzerland. 1 Euro. Its what I was doing before I came to Bulgaria, but now, I have more focus and purpose being based in one place. Many people commute to Sofia from here. 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). Over-sold as a location after its entry into the European Union in 2008, a real estate bubble quickly formed and burst in Bulgaria, which has left some out of pocket, particularly if they invested in big new tourist developments on the coast or in the ski resorts. 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. You can visit St. Anastasia Island, which is a small islet with a monastery and a lighthouse, lake Atanasovsko, lake Pomorie, and others. Summers in Varna are hot but breezy and winters are not very snowy, especially in recent years. So, what are the pros and cons of living in Bulgaria? Being the poorest and maybe the most corrupted EU member country takes some comfort away. 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. Its best to avoid regions like Lyulin, Lions Bridge, Fakulteta, and Sveta Nedelya Square. 9- Food and drink are very cheap and convenient if you arent from the fancy type. . Potrebni uesnici 30+ godina starosti. Recently, the city port has been renovated and improved, with a ton of new restaurants, nightclubs, and bars to visit. 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. To keep informed, check ourLiving In Europe After Brexit guide on a regular basis. You will need a Bulgarian bank account in order to buy property, residents told us. Expat Advice for the First 30 Days Abroad, Tips for Learning the Local Language as an Expat, The 10 BEST Provincetown Airbnb Rentals to Book NOW, 16 Best Strasbourg Airbnb Homes to Book Today, 16 Perfect Sitges Airbnb Rentals to Book This Year. 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. Regards, Hi Mark, you can find detailed information on various locations in Bulgaria in our location guides here: https://expatra.com/guides/bulgaria/. Ad to these old cars and you can imagine yourself the result. Its completely natural to see deers, boards, rabbits, hares, and squirrels moving through the villages. Keep an eye out for pickpocketing and scams. 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. 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. How to get Bulgarian Registration Plates For Your Car? Especially if you are educated and hard-working. 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. Plovdiv is a good place to live for all ages.