Living in Bulgaria: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Bulgaria.
If you wish to live, work or study in a European Union country, why not turn towards Bulgaria? Located in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria is a democratic Republic which welcomes European Union nationals with open arms.
Being at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, the country attracts expatriates in large numbers by providing them with several professional opportunities. Welcome to Bulgaria!
Over the years, Bulgaria has been attracting expatriates in large numbers. Its education and culture wealth are two main reasons which have motivated their choices. In fact, located in South-East Europe, it has been highly influenced by the region's cultural heritage. Moreover, Bulgaria is a high demand destination when it comes to career prospects, thanks to its developed economy. The country provides more employment opportunities than anywhere else in Europe.
Moreover, travel formalities for European nationals are quite simple. So if you intend to move there, you are definitely likely to enjoy its environment and openings.
Geography and demography
Stretching over some 110, 8 km², the Republic of Bulgaria occupies the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered by Romania, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia and Serbia. The country is a member of the European Union since 2007. To date, its population consists of more than 7 million inhabitants, with a majority of Bulgarians, along with other important ethnic groups, namely 9% of Turks and 5% of Gypsies respectively.
Sofia is Bulgaria's capital city with more than 1.2 million inhabitants. Plovdiv and Varna are two of its major cities, mainly in terms of their demography and economic activities. Sofia is also known to be Bulgaria's academic center as it hosts the country's most prestigious university, St. Clement of Ohrid.
Plovdiv, for its part, is the second university center and the second biggest city after Sofia. It is also known as the European Cultural capital city. Finally, Varna is the largest Bulgarian city on the Black Sea coast. It is very popular with tourists, as well as with students.
Languages
Bulgarian nationals speak Bulgarian, which is a South Slavic language. It is the country's official language and spoken as well in neighboring countries such as Ukraine, Moldova, Macedonia, Romania, Greece, Turkey and in a part of Serbia.
The Bulgarian language is written in Cyrillic. However, graphics and pronunciation differ somewhat from Russian.
Economy
Despite being part of the European Union, the country's official currency is still the Bulgarian lev. Nowadays, Bulgaria is a developed country with an economy which is primarily based on the private sector. Energy, mining, light industry and tourism are its main sources of income and economic activity.
Indeed, Bulgaria has a powerful energy network, one of the most important European networks. Moreover, the industrial field consists of the production of copper, zinc, steel, coal, large-scale tobacco, etc. As regards the heaving industry, it involved fuel refinement, car production and repair, automotive and communication equipment, electronics and military equipment, etc.
Note that there are many employment opportunities in the public sector as in the private sector.
Climate
Bulgaria is a mountainous country. In the South, the Rhodopes mountain range forms a geographical and climatic barrier with Greece. However, in spring and summer, temperatures are regulated between the fresh mountain air and the warm Aegean Sea breeze.
The rest of the country experiences a continental climate with hot and dry summers and cold and snowy winters with many mountain snowfalls, up to May. As regards the tourism season, especially on the Black Sea coast, it starts as from June to end by September with an average temperature of 27°C on land and 23°C at sea.
Useful links:
Official Tourism Website of Bulgaria bulgariatravel.org
European Union Official Portal europa.eu
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Formalities
Find out more on visas, passports and entry requirements to travel to Bulgaria.
Traveling to Bulgaria
If you intend to travel to Bulgaria, whether for a long or short-term stay, here is a summary of formalities you have to fill in.
Visas
All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Bulgaria.
Work
Dive into the Bulgaria labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Bulgaria.
Work in Bulgaria
Find, in this article, an overview of the Bulgarian labor market and tips to help you find a job if ...
Setting up a business in Bulgaria
Are you looking forward to set up a business in Bulgaria? Here is an overview of conditions to be ...
Jobs in Bulgaria
Discover professional opportunities in Bulgaria and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Bulgaria. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Bulgaria.
Health care
Understanding the healthcare system in Bulgaria: public and private health system, health insurance...
Bank
Navigate the banking system in Bulgaria: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.
Tax
All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Bulgaria.
Taxes in Bulgaria
Do you have to pay taxes in Bulgaria? How to proceed and what are the conditions attached? Find out in this article.
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Bulgaria.
Transports in Bulgaria
To travel around in Bulgaria, you can choose among different means of transport. Find out about these in this article.
Driving
Essential information on driving requirements in Bulgaria, driver's license exchange and international permits.
Driving in Bulgaria
Looking forward to drive during your stay in Bulgaria? Find out how to proceed in this article.
Removal
Moving to Bulgaria? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.
Traveling to Bulgaria with your pet
Would you like your pet to accompany you during your trip to Bulgaria? Find out how to proceed in ...
Moving to Bulgaria
Relocation will be an important part of your expatriation project to Bulgaria. Here are some ...
Free quotes for your move
Get the best offers to easily organize your relocation to Bulgaria.
Communications
Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Bulgaria.
Phones and Internet in Bulgaria
Wondering how to make phone calls and access to Internet in Bulgaria? Find out in this article.
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Bulgaria.
Leisure in Bulgaria
Wondering how to keep yourself busy after work and during week-ends? Here is an overview of leisure activities available in the country.
Everyday life
Eager to discover what life in Bulgaria looks like? Here's a taste.
Lifestyle in Bulgaria
If you are planning to move to Bulgaria, it is best to be aware of its inhabitants' lifestyle beforehand. Here is an overview.
Key facts
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