Local culture in Bulgaria

Adapting to local culture in Bulgaria can be an interesting and challenging experience for expats as they immerse themselves in the country’s history and varied cultural background. The impact of the post-socialist era, marked by a period of instability, has contributed to Bulgarian culture.

Bulgarian culture is one of reverence for nature, strong family bonds, and a collectivist approach to social life. Bulgarian society often prioritises communal interests over individual desires, and great importance is placed on group harmony.

For expats from wealthier countries, it’ll take a while to adapt to Bulgaria’s sometimes underdeveloped infrastructure. Progress is being made, but Bulgaria’s bureaucratic system has a history of issues with inefficiency and corruption. Nonetheless, many expats learn to manage these challenges, allowing them to enjoy Bulgaria’s breathtaking countryside and welcoming people, along with its affordable lifestyle.

Communication in Bulgaria

Bulgarians tend to be formal and polite during first meetings. Greetings are regularly initiated with a handshake, while close friends might kiss each other on the cheek.

Bulgarians are known to be direct and may express their views vividly. Bulgarians also convey much meaning in their hand gestures and facial expressions. Expats may experience some initial confusion, as head shaking in Bulgaria may convey the opposite meaning of what expats might expect. In Bulgaria, nodding the head indicates ‘no’, while shaking the head indicates ‘yes’.

Language barrier in Bulgaria

Although English is increasingly spoken, especially by Bulgaria’s younger generations, only about one in three Bulgarians has a workable knowledge of English. Some Bulgarians can speak Russian, German, or other European languages, although Russian knowledge has declined significantly since 2012. German is now considered the second most useful language for children to learn after English.

Knowing some Bulgarian will be helpful to expats, as many bus drivers, police officers, and government officials don’t speak English.

Bureaucracy and corruption in Bulgaria

Bulgaria continues to take active steps to combat corruption in the public sector. The country is following EU recommendations, and it has implemented an upgraded digital case management system. Nevertheless, corruption remains a persistent problem in Bulgaria, with cases of civil servants requesting bribes or doctors expecting extra payments for improved care.

The country’s administrative system can be challenging for expats, given its convoluted and inefficient bureaucracy and the differing policies implemented across regions. This is especially difficult for those immigrating to Bulgaria or opening a business, as extensive paperwork is required.