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From UK to Bulgaria: Weighing the pros and cons for a family move

Last activity 19 December 2023 by mickeyhart

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dlow66

Hi All,


Just joined. Presently living in UK but a bit worried about the socio-economic outlook and looking for a country to live, that might be on the way up. Somewhat embarrassed about this, but UK looks to falling off a cliff and there's little home-based appetite for a return to any sort of recognisable standards.


Have read a lot of very positive posts about Bulgaria and the house prices on Rightmove look very competitive. We have two children (14 and 18 yrs old)  so can't be making any impulsive decisions.


On here essentially, to benefit from the wisdom of others.


Best, M

janemulberry

@dlow66

One of the first things to consider for non-EU citizens looking to move is to the requirements for the D visa, the first step to getting residency in Bulgaria. Post-Brexit, Brits can stay 90 days in 180 without a visa, but to stay longer requires a D visa which have quite strict requirements. Many here either moved pre-Brexit and are under a completely different set of rules, or are moving on a pensioner visa.


There are other British families who joined the forum recently who've made the move since Brexit or are considering it, so starting a thread discussing specific issues for families might get you some useful information.

Bhavna

Hello everyone and welcome on board @dlow66 !


Please note that I have created a new thread from your post on the Bulgaria forum so that you may better discuss with members.


Feel free to read the Living in Bulgaria guide for expats for all first-hand infos.


All the best

Bhavna

philip Mckay

Hi

Your a brave one!  Iv been planning for the last 44 years an finally on the journey..  unless your going to live close to Sofia or Varna so you can use the international private schools  your kids look to be at a critical  ages. 

The language is difficult and made more difficult by the cirilic alphabet .. you got to get a grip of the alphabet 1st.. young kids got time but teens mmm not so sure. Could put them way behind in there. Studies.  International schools are the best option for them .

The rest is all good but don't expat. Keep your interest earning money in UK

JimJ

We have British friends with a teenage daughter and a 6-year-old; they've both taken to the language and school system very quickly and easily. The alphabet is easy enough to learn - both the printed and written versions - and after that it's plain sailing when you're immersed in the school system.  Private schools are probably a waste of money, in my view, but it depends if you're thinking of tertiary education in the UK. Universities are free here and the quality of education offered is good, but the "airy-fairy" subjects that many UK unis offer aren't popular.

mickeyhart

What JimJ said. Hit the nail on the head.

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