At a glance
- Total time
- Visit before you decide
- Official fees
- Lower living costs
- Where
- Anywhere in Bulgaria
- Bulgarian needed?
- Very helpful outside Sofia
Bulgaria isn’t for everyone, and the best way to decide is with your eyes open. Here is an honest list from expats who live here.
The good
- Cost of living. Rent, food and eating out cost far less than in Western Europe, especially outside Sofia.
- Low taxes. A 10% flat income tax and 10% corporate tax.
- Nature. Mountains, ski resorts, the Black Sea coast and hundreds of mineral springs, often within a few hours’ drive.
- Fast internet and a growing remote-work scene.
- Food and culture. Fresh produce, good wine, long summers and warm hospitality.
- In the EU, Schengen and the eurozone, which makes travel and money simpler.
The hard parts
- Bureaucracy. Offices still run on paper, queues and stamps, and most of it happens in Bulgarian.
- Language. Outside Sofia and the resorts, fewer people speak English. The Cyrillic alphabet takes a little effort.
- Lower salaries if you work for a Bulgarian employer.
- Healthcare varies a lot. Private clinics are good; the public system can mean long waits.
- Air quality and old buildings. Winter smog in some cities, and many blocks are poorly insulated.
- Roads and driving can be stressful.
Who tends to love it
- Remote workers and freelancers earning from abroad.
- Retirees looking for sun and lower costs.
- Families who want space, nature and a slower pace.
- People married to Bulgarians, with family support on hand.
Which city suits you
| City | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Sofia | Jobs, international schools, culture, the most English | Traffic, winter smog, higher rents |
| Plovdiv | A relaxed pace, an old town and a lively arts scene | Hot summers, fewer English-speaking jobs |
| Varna | Sea, beaches and a big-city feel | Busy in summer, quieter in winter |
| Burgas | Clean, calm seaside living | Fewer international jobs |
| Bansko | Skiing, mountains and remote workers | Very quiet outside the seasons |
Things that surprise newcomers
- Nodding means no and shaking your head means yes. Most people in cities know foreigners do the opposite, but it still causes confusion.
- Name days can matter as much as birthdays. See our customs guide.
- Cash is still common in villages and at markets, even though cards work almost everywhere in cities.
- Paperwork often needs a stamp, a printed copy and sometimes a notary.
- Hospitality. Neighbours may bring you food, and a visit can turn into a long meal.
Questions to ask yourself
- How will I earn money: a job here, remote work, a pension or savings?
- Do I have the right to live here, or do I need a visa? See our 90/180-day rule guide.
- Am I ready to learn some Bulgarian? See our survival Bulgarian guide.
- What will I do for healthcare? See our health insurance guide.
- Do I want city life, the sea or the mountains?
Safety is rarely the problem people expect. See our safety guide.
Try before you commit
Spend a few weeks here, ideally in winter, before you sign a long lease or buy. Read our city guides, our cost of living guide, and look at our events to see what life is like through the year.
Based on the experiences of expats living in Bulgaria. Everyone’s experience is different.