All you need to know before you move!
This brief guide should cover the main issues you need to keep in mind when considering a move to Bulgaria.
Have you got your visa?
If you would like to visit Bulgaria and you come from the US or an EU member state, you can visit for up to 30 days with no visa requirement.
If you would like to make your visit to Bulgaria more permanent then you must secure yourself a Bulgarian visa. If you come from a non-EU member state or the US and you are considering visiting or moving the country, you too have to secure a visa before you travel.
Bulgarian visas can be obtained from your nearest Bulgarian embassy.
If you are relocating for work, study or to establish a new life for yourself in Bulgaria, this will have a reflection on the visa type you apply for - e.g., transit, tourist, business etc.
Following Bulgaria’s move away from Communism and the growing stability in the Balkan region tourism grew substantially. Those drawn to the stunning mountains and beautiful beaches, the exquisite cities and amazing history were not disappointed. In fact many of those tourists have now turned into expats and still more every year are considering moving to Bulgaria and setting up a permanent home there.
Settling in & getting used to the local economy!
You will quickly learn that the Bulgarian economy is a cash economy.
Credit cards can be used for the payment of standard services in most hotels, larger restaurants or for car rental etc., but when it comes to day to day living, get used to carrying wads of cash!
You will find cash point machines in the major towns and cities.
Generally speaking the cost of living in Bulgaria is low. You should expect your wads of cash to take you far further than if you were living in the US or one of the original EU member states.
In particular eating and drinking is very inexpensive with a decent meal costing an average of EUR 10. Beer can be bought for less than EUR 2 and a decent bottle of Bulgarian wine will set you back about EUR 5.
Petrol prices are far lower than the UK or Germany for example and general foodstuffs and most services are substantially cheaper across Bulgaria.
But phone calls, internet access costs and heating bills in Bulgaria can scare you!
Winters are cold in Bulgaria, and power cuts do occur. Consider these facts when moving to Bulgaria and let them influence you when considering your desired location for house hunting.
The main cities like Sofia are more expensive when it comes to real estate prices - either rental or purchase - but they may afford you a better standard of build - including insulation - and better shelter from power cuts.
Moving to Bulgaria you will be afforded a first world standard of living on a far smaller than first world budget - you CAN have it both ways. Bulgaria is a fascinating and beautiful country which is gradually falling into line with the EU member states in terms of fiscal, political and legal strategy.
