Popovo people?

Hi Dawn! Our house is in a different region, but we first started looking in that area years ago and almost bought a house nearby (it fell through because the seller had issues). Voditsa seemed to be very well regarded with a nice population of expats. I hope it works out well for you.

@janemulberry

Hi Jane and thank you for replying. I have just been overcome by panic. I am now wondering if I am being ridiculous. Retired, alone, with ittle money to spare and two dogs to consider, when I can only stay 90 days at a time. Plus it seems so many are having trouble getting bank accounts, I am scared of paying the deposit! Xx

Hey Dawn,

Although I don't live in Bulgaria, I've been an Expat for many years in many countries and on my own even without speaking the local language. The worst thing to do is panic. Don't worry yourself, it's does no one's health any good. I would not say you're being ridiculous, you're only human and it's natural to be worried facing the unknown.

I'm so glad that you've found the site where you can ask your questions. There are many members here that can ease your anxiety.

@dawncham123

See my reply to your other post. But bank accounts are doable, with a bit of effort. And D visa/residence pretty easy if you're already retired.

It's a big move for sure, Dawn, and it is scary! Bulgaria seems very like Marmite, people either love it or hate it. Have you spent much time there on visits?

We're obviously in the "love it" group, but are (unintentionally) easing in to full-time living there  gently! After visiting Bulgaria multiple times since 2013, I bought a house on pay monthly two days before the Brexit deadline. But due to Covid and hubby being seriously ill, I missed the deadline to apply under the pre-Brexit rules. So for now, we're only able to visit, till I reach pension age and can get that all-important D visa.

As Gwyn said, if you're getting a retirement pension, even if not yet OAP aged, as long as the pension is more than the Bulgarian minimum wage (currently something like 540 GBP a month), you qualify to apply for a long-stay visa.

There are plenty of challenges, like dealing with bureaucracy, opening bank accounts (it must be possible, but might take some shopping around different banks, ideally with a Bulgarian-speaking helper), learning the language. Most village houses are in worse condition than a Brit would expect. But there's so much good there, too. Room to move. A slower pace of life in the villages. Friendly people. Be sure to get to know your Bulgarian neighbours as well as the Brits in the village (I believe Voditsa has a sizable expat community). Ours speak no English at all, but are incredibly welcoming and helpful.

Despite having visited Bulgaria multiple times, I'd never been to the region our house is in. I bought it in a rush on ebay just to beat the deadline. Before travelling there for the first time (on my own, hubby stayed in the UK to look after the herd of rescue cats we'd adopted in a moment of madness), I was seriously scared. The first night in the house, I cried, because it needed so much more work than I thought. I was ready to tell the seller I'd changed my mind and would forfeit my deposit if they'd release me from the contract. But now I love the place and can't wait to get back there! The house still needs loads of work, but it feels like my place.

I guess my point is, being scared doesn't necessarily mean you're doing the wrong thing! It's normal to be scared at taking such a big step. But if you have concerns about the village or the house or the whole Bulgarian thing, don't let the seller make you feel pressured into buying now. Most houses don't sell all that fast (an exception is Bulgaria Direct's ebay listings - they do sell fast, usually within days, but sometimes reappear after buyers back out). Chances are the house will wait for you if you decide to visit Bulgaria to have a look at it before committing to buy.

Hi Dawn. We are not far from Popovo. Never been to your village though.

I also read your other post. I think you should think carefully about your options. You said that you need to go back and forth every 90 days? Are you not planning to apply D visa and residency? Retirement visa is very easy and no hassle. Travelling with two dogs will also be a bit of a problem, costs to fly together by plane, or you plane and them by courier.

Another thing is, without transport, food shopping will be limited in Popovo, only a small T-market. The closest Lidl or Kaufland will be in Veliko Tarnovo, Razgrad or Targovishte, which is around 30-45 minutes away. It really depends what lifestyle you are after.

@janemulberry

Only just seen this Jane. Thank you. It helps. Doing it all alone is the scary part. No one to discuss it with. Tragic that you just missed the deadline. I have spent time in BG but not since 2013. I have no qualms aside from all the stuff I need to tie up in the UK first. My dogs are a big complication too. Xx

@tutisservis

Hi and thanks. I will be 66 in June and do hope to be able to live there full time if I can get the retirement visa. The dogs in the meantime are my biggest hurdle.

@SimCityAT

Thank you. Having no home and two dogs is my main concern. If I can get a retirement visa it will all be good, but in the meantime ..... helllllllp! 

@tutisservis

I am after a quiet, basic and cheap lifestyle. Nothing fancy. Just dogs and DIY.

@dawncham123

June is not far away. You will get the retirement visa - easy, don’t worry at all. You can try to gather the documents from now, but Acro is only valid for 6 months, so that can wait. Bank account is going to be more tricky.

There are some people who transit animals from UK to BG, you can find recommendations on Facebook, (I see that you are already active in some local Facebook groups

@dawncham123

I suspect you're worrying too much about the dog issue. It's not really a big deal to move a pet from the UK to the EU. Especially as you mentioned 2 dogs, not 10. :-) Personally, I would just drive with my car full of stuff, and the dogs. Flying is possible, but pet flights are usually very pricey.

https://www.pbspettravel.co.uk/destinat … to-europe/

If and when we will drive over with our dog. We will be applying for the D retirement visa too. She travels easily as we done thousand across France last year. I wish you luck. We are visiting without her in a couple of weeks to see what we think.