Bulgaria is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for expats and digital nomads. This diverse country offers many advantages: from a rich culture and low cost of living to a welcoming lifestyle and beautiful nature. In this blog, we cover everything you need to know about living and working in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria has become increasingly attractive in recent years to people looking to change their lives. This is due to the combination of low cost of living, a favorable tax climate, and the relatively easy settlement process for EU citizens. In addition, the country offers a temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Most people who move there move to the capital Sofia, where much of the employment is, or choose the tranquility of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, with cities such as Varna and Burgas.
Many sectors in Bulgaria, such as IT, customer service, tourism and finance, offer attractive opportunities for expats. English is widespread in the business sector, making it easy for foreigners to find work and adapt to the work culture.
Bulgaria has a rich culture, shaped by ancient traditions and influences from the Balkans, the Ottoman Empire and the Slavic world. Music, dance and folklore are important aspects of everyday life. One example is the traditional Bulgarian dance “horo,” which is danced at festivals and village feasts.
Bulgaria also has a strong sense of family and community, which is reflected in the way people come together and interact. Hospitality is a core value; visitors are often welcomed with open arms. Religious life, primarily Orthodox Christian, also plays a role in Bulgarian culture and daily life.
A major advantage of living in Bulgaria is the low cost of living. Compared to Western Europe, the cost of housing, groceries, transportation and eating out is significantly lower. For a good lifestyle in Sofia, you can expect about €700 – €1,200 per month for a single person, depending on where you live and your lifestyle. Outside Sofia, costs are even lower.
Bulgarian food offers a flavorful combination of Turkish, Greek and Slavic cuisine. Well-known dishes include banitsa (a savory puff pastry snack with cheese), shopska salad (made of tomato, cucumber, onion and Bulgarian cheese) and kebapche (grilled meat sticks). Bulgarians value fresh, seasonal ingredients, which is clearly reflected in the dishes. Local drinks, such as the fruity rakia, are often served during meals.
Café culture is also popular here, and cozy places can be found throughout the country where you can have a cup of coffee on the cheap.
For EU citizens, moving to Bulgaria is quite easy, as Bulgaria is a member of the European Union. If you want to stay longer than three months, you must register with Bulgarian authorities. For non-EU citizens, the procedures are more extensive, usually requiring a work permit or other visa.
To find accommodation in Bulgaria, you can consult several websites. Popular sites are:
The cost of accommodation varies considerably, depending on the city and neighborhood. In Sofia, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €400 to €600 per month, while outside the capital this cost can drop to €200 to €400. When buying your own house, prices in Sofia are currently around €1,000 to €1,500 per square meter, and outside Sofia prices are often half or even less.
Bulgaria is known for its attractive tax rates. The country has one of the lowest income tax rates in the EU, with a flat rate of 10% for both individuals and businesses. This attracts many self-employed people and entrepreneurs.
Social security contributions must also be paid, with the employer bearing much of the burden.
EU citizens can travel to Bulgaria without a visa and stay for up to three months without registration. If you want to stay longer, you must register with the Bulgarian immigration service and apply for a residence card. Non-EU citizens usually need a work permit or residence permit, depending on their situation. This process can take a bit longer and requires documents such as a work contract and sometimes a health certificate.
The salary level in Bulgaria is lower than in many Western European countries, but this is largely offset by the lower cost of living. The average monthly salary in Bulgaria is about €900 to €1,200 gross (depending on sector and location). These amounts may be lower in smaller cities or rural areas, where the average salary is closer to €700 to €1,000 gross.
Opening a bank account in Bulgaria is easy for EU citizens and can be done at any major bank. Popular banks include UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank and Raiffeisenbank. To open an account, you usually only need a passport, and sometimes proof of address or employment. Banks offer checking and savings accounts with favorable terms, and online banking is also well established in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria offers numerous advantages for those looking to emigrate: low costs, a rich culture and a tax-friendly climate. Whether you are looking for work, a quiet place to live or a vibrant city like Sofia, the country has something for everyone. Moving to Bulgaria as an EU citizen is fairly easy, and with the right preparation you can quickly find a nice home there.
View our job opportunities in Bulgaria HERE
