How to Make a Living in Bulgaria
Published on Thursday, November 13th, 2008
The one thing holding back some would-be expatriates is the thought of how they’re going to make a living once they move abroad. In a country such as Bulgaria this concern is intensified, because it doesn’t have the level of international placements that a country such as France or Germany can support for example.
So, in this guide to how to make a living in Bulgaria, we’ll cover the options and angles that would-be expatriates can consider. Naturally your options are improved if you speak Bulgarian, but don’t panic if you can’t because the door to entry and employment is not closed to you.
From speaking to expats who have already made the move, to looking at the types of jobs currently being marketed in Bulgaria, we’ve drawn up a pretty comprehensive overview of how you can go and live in Bulgaria and make a living.
When Bulgaria shook off the shackles of communism by 1990 the country suffered somewhat from the bumpy start that it had economically speaking, and many Bulgarians left the nation and others moved to the main towns and cities to find work. This all had a dramatic impact on rural life in Bulgaria that still remains to this day. Namely, Bulgarians still see it as a requirement to head to the main towns to make any money and so living in rural Bulgaria and making a life is that which only a few manage.
It’s so easy to get caught up in hype isn’t it? When the Bulgarian property market first became a popular topic of conversation in the media at least three to four years prior to the nation’s EU entry, a frenzy of interest was whipped up because all of a sudden, here was this stunningly beautiful, lesser explored, highly affordable nation practically on our doorstep, and thanks to potential EU entry it was getting money spent on infrastructure and becoming more attractive all the time.
In the summer season Bulgaria is a stunning country to live in, to visit, to explore and enjoy. In the winter, unless you’re tucked up in the Kempinski Hotel in Bansko for example, it can be pretty grim living in Bulgaria according to award winning journalist Isak Gozes from the Bulgarian daily newspaper the Standart.
Expatriates who find themselves living in Bulgaria generally soon discover that wine is taken quite seriously here. Whilst many do not look past France, Spain or Italy when it comes to incredible wine-producing regions in Europe, Bulgaria’s prominence is well noted. The country’s wines in fact, have earned multiple accolades on the worldwide scene and its flavours are rich and diverse.
Living in Bulgaria and enjoying its breathtaking countryside, picturesque cities and incredible sea and mountainside resorts is a dream come true for many. With housing prices still at a fraction of the cost of buying in the UK, expatriates of all ages are making their way to Bulgaria.
Bulgaria’s beautiful cities, incredible beaches and breathtaking mountains are doing more than increasing tourism to this region. They are also calling to retirees and expats, enticing many to make this country their full-time home. Considering the influx of expats to this country, it’s not surprising that questions about everyday living in Bulgaria crop up a lot. From where to shop to how to get married, the important questions are those that matter to many would be expats.
Whether it’s the bustling city life found in Sofia or enjoyed in Varna or the quaint resort feel of Bansko that appeals to you, Bulgaria has a lot of different lifestyles to offer expatriates who move here. Whilst buying property in Bulgaria is sometimes a bit of a challenge, setting up a household isn’t as difficult especially if you prefer to live in or near one of the larger towns or cities.
So, you’ve decided to throw caution to the wind and take up a very good property deal in Bulgaria, you cannot wait to pack up and move - but what can you expect to see and do and experience when you arrive in your new home country? If the capital of Bulgaria Sofia is your destination you’re in for quite a cultural experience amidst the hustle and bustle of one of Europe’s oldest and most populace cities.
