Moving to Bulgaria

Moving to Bulgaria offers expats a unique opportunity to explore the oldest country in Europe, founded in 681 CE, with its rich natural diversity and storied history. The country's breathtaking countryside features mountains, plains, rivers, lakes, stunning hot springs and an extensive coastline along the Black Sea.

Living in Bulgaria as an expat

Bulgaria's property market is a significant attraction for expats from Western Europe. Many expats look to purchase holiday homes on the Black Sea coast or invest in property due to Bulgaria's affordable cost of living, picturesque countryside and proximity to the rest of Europe.

In terms of jobs for expats in Bulgaria, there is a particularly high demand for English teachers. Other thriving industries include agriculture, tourism, IT and construction, but salaries in Bulgaria tend to be low compared to other EU states. 

Transport in Bulgaria, although extensive, is limited to buses and trains. While those moving to the capital, Sofia, or other major cities in Bulgaria may be able to get by without a car, expats relocating to a coastal town or rural area will find having their own car essential.

The quality of healthcare in Bulgaria is a mixed bag. Medical staff are generally highly trained, but many expats find public healthcare facilities aren't up to Western European or North American standards. Private hospitals are of a much higher standard, and Bulgaria is fast becoming a popular destination for medical tourism because the cost of top-quality facilities is comparatively low. 

Although the use of English is growing throughout the country, expats will find it beneficial to hire a dedicated relocation specialist to assist in navigating Bulgaria's complicated bureaucratic procedures. Those planning to settle in Bulgaria should also consider taking a language course.

Cost of living in Bulgaria

The cost of living in Bulgaria is low, and as a result, it is popular for foreign investment in property and business. Housing and international school fees will be the most significant expenses for expats living in Bulgaria, with other everyday costs being extremely affordable. While salaries aren't as high as in other countries in the EU, the cost of living is low enough for people to enjoy a high standard of living. 

Expat families and children

Although the quality of public education in Bulgaria is of a high standard, the language of instruction is Bulgarian. Many expats therefore opt to send their children to one of the several international schools in the country. While the fees at these schools tend to be high, children are taught a familiar curriculum in their home language, easing the relocation process a great deal.

Skiing and water sports are popular pastimes for the whole family in Bulgaria. Expats more interested in shopping and nightlife will need to head to Sofia, as entertainment facilities elsewhere tend to be somewhat minimal.

Climate in Bulgaria

While the climate along the coastline of the Black Sea is Mediterranean, the rest of Bulgaria has a continental climate typical of Central Europe. With warm summers and cold, snowy winters, expats can really experience the best of both seasons in Bulgaria. While thunderstorms are common in the warmer months, the colder seasons are populated with clear but crisp sunny days. 

Ultimately, expats moving to Bulgaria will need to be open minded and have a sense of adventure. Bulgaria's infrastructure has improved markedly over recent years, but expats should be prepared to leave their comfort zone and initially give up a few luxuries in return for a bright future in a country filled with potential.

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Fast facts

Population: Just under 7 million

Capital city: Sofia

Other major cities: Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas and Ruse

Neighbouring countries: Greece, Turkey, Romania, Macedonia and Serbia

Geography: Bulgaria has a widely varied topography, including the Balkan Mountains in the east, the Danubian and Thracian Plains, and a long stretch of coastline along the Black Sea. 

Political system: Parliamentary democracy

Major religions: Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Sunni Islam

Main languages: Bulgarian, Turkish and Roma

Money: The Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is divided into 100 stotinki.

Tipping: Tips of 10 percent of the bill are customary in restaurants. Hotel porters and taxi drivers expect visitors to round up the bill for good service. With non-metered taxis, expats needn't add a tip to the fare agreed upon beforehand.

Time: GMT+2. Daylight saving is observed from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October.

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Plug types C and F are used in Bulgaria. Plug type C has two round pins, and plug type F has two round pins with earth clips on the top and bottom.

Internet domain: .bg

International dialling code: +359

Emergency contacts: 112

Transport and driving: Driving is on the right-hand side road. Drivers from EU countries can use their national licences, while drivers from non-EU countries can't use their licences for longer than a year. Bulgaria has a low-cost rail system and a relatively fast bus system.