Immigration to Bulgaria - Tips and Advice

Working in Bulgaria | Real estate in Bulgaria | Health services in Bulgaria | Studies and education in Bulgaria | Transportation in Bulgaria | Finance and taxation in Bulgaria | Lichna - residency certificate in Bulgaria | Relocation to Bulgaria - tips and advice

• Ensure the validity of your passports and driving licenses for yourself and your family members who are moving with you to Bulgaria.
• Do not underestimate the importance of the lichna karta (Bulgarian ID card). We recommend that you take the lichna karta very seriously as it is an extremely important document and you must act thoroughly and decisively to obtain it.
• The bureaucracy in Bulgaria is very slow and it is enough for one document to be missing or submitted incorrectly and your entire relocation process will be delayed until the missing document is completed. Do not try to reinvent the wheel - do yourself a favor and ONLY use the services of professional relocation consulting and support companies in Bulgaria. Even if you do not choose us, contact those who have already been through the process and are able to guide you, accompany you and assist you in your process.
• Bulgaria is an attractive destination for real estate investment especially for foreign investors, mainly due to the relatively low price of real estate and the growing tourism industry in the country. However, there are some risks associated with investing in real estate in Bulgaria, such as the potential for scams or actual scams, fluctuations in real estate prices, and currency exchange risks. It is highly recommended to take appropriate measures to ensure that the property you are interested in is legitimate and that you are working with a reputable real estate agent or developer.
• It is recommended to learn Bulgarian (at least basic Bulgarian) before moving to live in Bulgaria. English is not widely spoken in the countryside in Bulgaria (as well as other European languages) and therefore it is recommended to learn the language, or to receive professional assistance and guidance from locals.
• Get to know the culture and social characteristics of Bulgaria. Bulgarians can be very friendly and good friends who generally enjoy spending time with foreigners. They may seem serious at first impression, so just be yourself, be friendly and you can see how friendly Bulgarians are after you get to know them.
• The cost of living in Bulgaria is lower than in most European countries, but you will still need financial reserves before relocating to Bulgaria and during the first few months of living in the country.
• We recommend that you research the Bulgarian financial and tax system in depth so that you can manage your finances properly. Please note that a maximum of 10,000 euros in cash can be brought into Bulgaria. A higher amount must be declared upon entering the country, as failure to declare it may lead to serious problems, including the possibility of the money being confiscated.
• Plan your expenses for at least the first three months of your stay in Bulgaria so that you can prepare enough financial resources in advance and focus on adapting to the country in your first few months there.
• Prepare in advance all the documents required: to obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria, to study in Bulgaria, to work in Bulgaria, and receive medical services. It is recommended to leave a power of attorney with someone you trust at home so that they can carry out actions on your behalf that you will not be able to carry out after you arrive in Bulgaria.
• Relocating with children? We recommend being open with your children and telling them that you are looking into the possibility of moving to Bulgaria. Invite them to join us for a personal online consultation to dispel their fears and make them an important and central part of the process.
• Preparing for the relocation process to Bulgaria: before your physical relocation, do include to your daily routine mental preparation to deal with bureaucratic, financial, language and cultural barriers, distance from family, basic day-to-day management (especially if there is a need for vegan / gluten-free / kosher, etc.).
• Healthcare: expats, like any other person in Bulgaria, have access to both the public and private Bulgarian healthcare systems. Make sure to arrange comprehensive health insurance for yourself and your family before moving to Bulgaria. Bring a supply of any prescribed medication for at least 6 months. Remember to also bring medical records of any pre-existing conditions, surgeries, etc.
• Employment: If your relocation to Bulgaria is not done through your employer, you will need to find employment in Bulgaria for yourself and possibly your spouse. There may be several industries or companies in Bulgaria that have business connections with companies or clients from around the world and will be looking for employees who can communicate in their native language. We can help you search and find a job using local search resources and through networking opportunities, where we can introduce you to potential employers and professional contacts in Bulgaria.
• Preparation: The more organized your arrival in Bulgaria is, the easier and faster your relocation process will be. The sooner we start working together, we will help you prepare the necessary documents in advance, help you know what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.