First ebook for foreigners in Bulgaria, all the info that you will need!
Moving to Bulgaria:
Survival Kit
Everything You Need to Know
Table of Contents
Introduction
Preparing for Your Move
Chapter 1: Visa Requirements
Chapter 2: Securing a Work Permit
Arriving in Bulgaria
Chapter 3: 7 Bulgarian True Life Facts
Chapter 4: 5 Bulgarian Dos and Don’ts
Chapter 5: Buying a Car
Your Future in Bulgaria
Chapter 6: Understanding the Tax & Banking System
Chapter 7: Health Insurance
Chapter 8: Citizenship Naturalization
Chapter 9: Our Final Tips
Conclusion
Introduction
If you’re reading along with us here, chances are, you are considering moving to Bulgaria in the coming months. Whether you’re moving for work, extended travel and sabbatical, or you just want to experience a new culture for yourself and possibly your family, this comprehensive Bulgarian guide is designed to prepare you in every way possible.
From visa requirements and citizenship naturalization, to understanding the banking system, buying a car, and securing health insurance, we are going to leave no stones unturned. We will break down the book into three sections, starting with: Preparing for Your Move, Arriving in Bulgaria, and finally, Your Future in Bulgaria. We have carefully covered the entire timeline that you will be facing with a permanent move to this charming Eastern European nation.
If you have any questions at the end of the e-book, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! We want your move to be as informed and smooth as possible.
Well, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get started!
Preparing for Your Move
Chapter 1: Visa Requirements
When it comes to worldwide travel, there are documents and visa requirements that will enable you to legally reside and work in another country. Bulgaria is no different.
Many people assume the rule of “no visa requirements” for Europeans traveling to Bulgaria holds true forever. However, this is a misconception, as that visa requirement is only waived for short visits up to 90-days.
If you are planning on moving to Bulgaria for an extended period of time, then you need to prepare for some paperwork.
Long Term Residency Permit
First, you will need to secure a Long Term Residency Permit from your local immigration department. If you do not speak Bulgarian, you will want to try and find an adviser who does to ensure that everything exchanged or stated is being translated to you.
EU Members
Bulgaria currently has no requirements for EU citizens, Australian, Canadian, Chilean, or U.S. nationals planning to visit Bulgaria for up to 90-days (besides a valid passport). If you get to Bulgaria with this intention, but plan on extending your stay, you will need to visit the National Migration Directorate in Sofia.
If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to present a return ticket and sufficient funds before you are allowed to board the transportation service to Bulgaria.
How Quickly Can I Secure a Long-Term Residence Permit?
Within Bulgaria, you can visit the immigration office in any town or city. It takes only about 24-hours to secure the permit; however, we recommend starting the process far before the 90-day period is over. You do not want to overstep any boundaries or limits with Bulgaria rules and regulations.
Can Anyone Qualify for the Permit?
There are a few criteria you need to meet you justify securing your permit:
Employment or Self-Employment: You will also need to secure a work permit, which we will cover in the next chapter.
Educational Attainment: You will need to be enrolled in an educational institution of some kind located in Bulgaria.
Proof of Sufficient Funds: You will need to prove you have the resources and income to pay for yourself and/or family for years in Bulgaria.
You can renew the permit as required without any issues if you meet these criteria. After five-years, you can then apply for permanent Residence and after five more years, and then for Bulgarian Citizenship, which we will cover later in this e-book.
What is the Golden Citizenship Program?
Many European countries want to entice and welcome in investors that will help make the country a better place. Bulgaria is no exception. That’s why, through proving your intention to help Bulgaria, you can expedite the process of receiving citizenship in Bulgaria.
The requirements?
Be able to invest 512,000 euro into government bonds, while covering administration fees
Zero criminal record from your current place of residency
Zero sanctions by the EU on your standing
This waives the residency in Bulgaria for “X amount of days” requirement, the educational level and language compliancy, age limit, visa requirements, and monetary requirements. This also enables dual citizenship.
The process is simple: make the investment, and then become a permanent resident 6-9 months from submission at your local consulate. In total, you will have to make two trips to the Bulgarian Consulate in your home country, as well as in Bulgaria. Once done, you will sign the papers and transfer the amount, enabling you to sign for your permanent resident card.
Now that we’ve covered the very basics of emigrating to Bulgaria for EU and non-EU citizens, it’s time to look at actually working in Bulgaria. In order to live there for an extended period of time, you will need an income, right?
Chapter 2: Securing a Work Permit
We would be lying if we told you it was easy to get a work permit in Bulgaria. If you are a non-EU citizen, securing this work permit is not going to be easy, mainly because Bulgaria is highly selective with their immigration today.
Who Issues the Work Permit?
The National Employment agency, which is the highest authority in Bulgaria, decides who receives a work permit. If you are a non-EU member, you will need to first have your visa or residence permit secured and presented to then apply for the work permit.
Additionally, you can only apply for this permit based on a request from your future Bulgarian employer. In other words, there has to be proof that you have a job lined up. Therefore, getting an employer to take you on ahead of time is the trickiest part of this process.
Like any country with processing paperwork, the never-ending stream of bureaucratic hassles and procedures can make this a long, complicated process. It’s so complicated that many employers will not consider hiring foreigners.
Plus, in Bulgaria, the employer must prove that hiring a local Bulgarian will not satisfy the wants/needs of the position first. Bulgaria believes in sourcing the Bulgarian talent before bringing in outsiders.
Your Future Boss’ Requirements
Just to give you an idea of the hoops your boss will have to jump through to hire you, know the following:
Labor Market Test for your industry, business, and position
Must prove that in the preceding 12-months, the total number of non-EU citizens are less than 20% of all hired persons
Must prove that the job cannot be handled by a natural Bulgarian citizen
Must prove that you, as a non-native Bulgarian, still have the skills and ability to succeed in the position
Documents Included in the Work Permit Process
In case that isn’t time consuming enough, there are a slew of documents that must be submitted for this work permit: a document proving the reason to hire a non-EU national, three recent photos of the person, a legalized copy of the Bulgarian company’s certificate of incorporation, documents proving skill, qualifications, and education, foreign citizen’s employment contract, passport/visa copy, and any other documents deemed applicable at the time.
Lastly, the job offer must be published on at least one Bulgarian job website, like zaplata.bg or jobs.bg.
What Happens When I Get the Work Permit?
If you manage to receive your golden ticket, the company must register you with the local Employment Office in each respective Bulgarian town or city. This permit is good for up to 12-months, but can be prolonged to 3-years.
Blue European Labor Card
Bulgaria was actually the first country in the EU to implement the Blue Card policy. It’s a renewable two-year visa that enables highly skilled, non-EU workers to take up jobs in the EU and live there with their families for the duration before re-applying.
To take part in the program, the applicant must have a higher education diploma and at least 5 years’ experience in the job they are applying for. Again, they will only be considered if there are no suitable Bulgarian applicants also vying for the same position.
The Move
We’ve just covered some of the most complicated elements of coming to Bulgaria, as well as the various options and paths to residency available to you.
Now, we are going to shift into the second part of this e-book, in which we look at your life once you arrive in Bulgaria. Once you receive your long term residency permit, it’s time to adjust to life in a new country. Although it’s never easy, it’s certainly possible in a country like Bulgaria.
Arriving in Bulgaria
Chapter 3: 7 Bulgarian True Life Facts
Bulgaria is a gorgeous, cultured, multi-faceted country that will provide you with very different experiences depending upon whether you live in cities, villages, or smaller towns. When we say villages, we are referring to “horse and cart” types of villages that you probably aren’t used to from your prior place of residency. Rustic really means rustic in Bulgaria.
What are the other facts you should note for your adventure? Check them out below:
Fact #1: Population Reduction
The Bulgarian population is dwindling as residents explore working options in other EU countries. Additionally, the birth rate is low, with the average family only having one child today. As a result, you will be highly valued as an immigrant coming to Bulgaria – your arrival will be one of warm reception.
Fact #2: The Scenery is Stunning
Bulgaria is home to world-class skiing, hiking, and nature photography. Many people visit just for the nature and scenery, as well as the honey cultivation (you will see people selling honey by the roadside). The country is also home to hot summers and cold winters, plus, sandy beaches and warmer temperatures around the Black Sea in the summer season. Basically, you can have it all when it comes to natural formations in this country.
Fact #3: Easy Travel
Since Bulgaria is not a massively large country, it’s relatively easy to get around the country at your leisure. One of the greatest stretch of distance is Sofia to Varna at 450km. Additionally, there are flights that connect the two cities, getting you to your destination in less than one-hour.
Of course, if you want to take in the gorgeous landscape we just discussed, you can take scenic train rides between cities and towns, taking in the Black Sea coastline while the sun sets beyond the horizon.
Fact #4: A Love for the Land
Bulgaria is perhaps best known for their agricultural roots, with extensive knowledge of small farming, food conservation, and vegetable cultivation. If you want to indulge in natural, organic, and delicious meals and treats, Bulgaria is the place to do it.
As a Balkan mixture with the likes of Chopska Salad and Tarator soup, don’t forget to try some of the Bulgarian white cheese. Oh, and the local wine and Rakia (brandy), grown right in the Bulgarian climate, makes for some of the most delicious tastings in the entire world.
Fact #5: Cheap Living
Getting around Bulgaria won’t break your bank. Food and drink are relatively cheap, with plenty of lunch specials between 12 and 2PM that will make it easy for you to stay nourished during your stay. The cost of living in Bulgaria is 42.62% lower than in the U.S. at this time. Your currency will go a long way.
Fact #6: Proud Heritage
Established in 681 AD, Bulgaria has weathered the test of time, leading to a very proud people that will tell you all about their love for their home nation. The country is also the inventor of the Bulgarian alphabet, which has been the basis of many Slavic countries’ alphabets and languages today.
However, many Bulgarians still speak English today, which should make it easy for you to get around.
Fact #7: Rev Up the WiFi
Did you know that Bulgaria has some of the fastest internet speed in the entire world? You will get a great value for your internet bill in Bulgaria, which also means you can effortlessly stay connected to friends, family, and coworkers living in this nation.
The Darker Side
We would be remiss if we left out the poverty that is a reality for many Bulgarians today. A lot of people work in the country for very low salaries, considering that the national minimum wage in Bulgaria remains at 310 Euro per month (2020).
Due to the low income levels, the government does not spend an ample amount of money on road repairs and maintenance, which is why you should be careful driving on Bulgarian roads. We recommend checking the validity of taxi cab driver licenses since bribery used to run rampant (they are cracking down on this now).
But, there are improvements being made every day as Bulgaria works towards a better, more inclusive future.
Chapter 4: 5 Bulgarian Dos and Don’ts
There will always be those nuanced do’s and don’ts when moving to a completely foreign land. Sometimes, it can be a hand gesture; other times, it can be a style of clothing that was considered appropriate back home.
It’s always important to do your homework and ensure you are respecting the land to which you are moving. If you want to call it your new home, you need to treat it as such and assimilate to the best of your ability.
That’s why we’re going to look at some Bulgarian do’s and don’ts in this chapter.
Head Nods
Did you know that nodding means no, and shaking your head means yes in Bulgaria? That’s right, it’s the exact opposite of what it means in your home country. Definitely note this ahead of time if you find yourself in a situation where no one speaks English.
Take Off Your Shoes
Like in many Asian nations, Bulgarians traditionally take off their shoes before they enter a home. They will then put on slippers, or walk around in bare feet, even in the winter time.
Your Birthday Cake
When it’s your birthday in Bulgaria, you are expected to pick up bonbons or other treats and place them in front of you for people to enjoy. It might seem odd, since in other countries, people shower you with the treats and presents for your birthday.
Spitting
When someone is scared or has been frightened by something, they may symbolically spit into their bosom. It’s a time-old tradition that is believed to calm people down. The origin of such a weird tradition? It seems to have been lost in time.
Odd Flowers
If you are giving flowers as a treat or present in Bulgaria, make sure you pick an odd number of flowers. An even number means bad luck in the country – go figure!
Bring Treats
NEVER go to a friend’s home, gathering, or event without something in your hand. It is considered incredibly rude. Pick up a bottle of wine, sweets for the kids, or flowers if the host is a female. It will make a good impression and be in-line with Bulgarian traditions.
Now let’s look at something incredibly important/also frustrating in Bulgaria – buying a car, getting a license, and navigating Bulgarian roads.
Chapter 5: Buying a Car
Cars are an absolute necessity for getting around most countries today. That’s why upon your arrival in Bulgaria, you will want to first secure your driver’s license, as well as purchase a car that can get you from point A to point B.
In this chapter, we are going to look at everything you need to know for rounding out your stay in your new home country.
Bulgarian Driver’s Licenses
Your valid driver’s license in your home country is considered valid in Bulgaria if:
You are 18-years-of-age or older
The license was issued in an EU member state/EEA or Switzerland
The license was issued in a country that ratified the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic
Upon transferring your foreign driving license to Bulgaria, it must be accompanied by a legalized translation in Bulgarian or an international driver’s license/permit (IDL/IDP). You can obtain an IDP from your country’s road traffic authority or motoring organization, like the AA.
What if My License is Stolen?
In this case, you will need to replace the license in the country where you came from. You can only have one EU license at a time, which is why you will not be able to issue a new one in Bulgaria if you are already using one from your previous EU residency.
You can only exchange your license in Bulgaria if you are a legal resident of the country. You will do this at the local Traffic Police office of the Bulgarian Traffic Police. As part of the process, you will complete the driving license and residency permit.
When you opt to exchange your license for a Bulgarian one, the foreign license is returned to the country of origin to ensure you are only carrying one at a time.
Non-EU Citizens
If you do not meet the requirements set forth above, then your driving license will not be valid in Bulgaria. You can therefore drive as a tourist in Bulgaria (up to 3-months) if you are carrying an international driver’s permit. After that, you will have to go down this checklist:
Obtain your Bulgarian residency permit
Verify your high school diploma in Bulgaria
Take a medical exam
Take a driving course
Pass the course
Pass the written exam
Pass the driving exam
Pass the first aid exam
Complete remaining paperwork for obtaining license
Getting a Car
Now that you have your license, you can start shopping for cars in Bulgaria. You never, ever want to drive on the road without a license, which is why it’s so important that you take care of that step first.
So should you consider a new or used car? Most people go with the used car in Bulgaria, and here’s why.
Used Cars
Did you know that Bulgaria is one of the biggest markets for second-hand vehicles in the EU? You can get your hand on a second-hand car for a much lower price than most EU countries. However, the law does not put any restrictions regarding used car sellers.
You can purchase a used car in car showrooms, companies dealing in resale, or through an individual.
Do note: the seller does not have to give the consumer a technical report. They are only required to supply technical inspection documentation (this document does not tell you if the car is in good condition or not). But, in Bulgaria, cars must pass a vehicle inspection three years after they are first registered, and then every year after that (this is a better indicator of the status of the car).
In order to safeguard your investment, many people will buy a used vehicle from one of the licensed car dealers that are located in just about every town. Bring a mechanic with you so that you can guarantee you are buying a second-hand car that is worth the investment.
Selling a Used Car
For the sale of your used car to be legal in Bulgaria, both you and the buyer need to sign a contract in front of a Notary Public. Cash is permitted If the car is valued at BGN 9,999. Anything more and a bank transfer is required.
As a seller, you must provide a vehicle registration document, a roadworthiness stamp and certificate, proof of identity, and proof of third-party insurance.
Registering Your New or Used Car
When it’s time to register your new or used car in Bulgaria, you will need to supply the following documents:
Registration application form
Original vehicle purchase contract
Proof of payment of Vehicle Tax
Third-party insurance policy proof
Proof of identity
Proof of address
Vehicle’s previous registration document
Now that you’re working in Bulgaria, have your car all settled, and feel like you know some do’s and don’ts for getting around without offending anyone, it’s time to move into the final part of this e-book: your future in this beautiful Eastern European nation.
Your Future in Bulgaria
Chapter 6: Understanding the Tax & Banking System
Money and taxes are two very important commodities for living legally in any country – Bulgaria is no different. Before we look at taxes and staying in-line with the government, let’s first look at banking for expats, and how you can stay on top of your savings and finances.
Banking in Bulgaria
Not every bank in Bulgaria is going to have English-speaking clerks. It’s not a mandatory requirement, which is why finding an English compliant bank is going to be your first challenge. You can bring a translator with you, or find English-friendly banks; either way, prepare some time for it.
To open a bank in Bulgaria, you will need:
Proof of identity (passport works; must have the original, as well as copy)
Proof of residency
Funds
As a member of the EU, Bulgarian banks will provide banking in Bulgarian currency, as well as Euro, U.S. dollar, Swiss franc, or British pound for local and foreign customers.
When you are ready to open the individual bank account, you will be asked to sign a contract with a request of opening and maintaining the account according to the terms put forth by the bank (there are a variety of banks with different rules in Bulgaria for you to consider). Once that is done, you will receive a personalized number, IBAN, which refers to the account.
Don’t forget about real-time payments through your phone, like Venmo! With spectacular WiFi in Bulgaria, digitally exchanged money is an option.
What about my cards?
You can consider keeping your credit cards in your home nation; but, you will want to do the math and figure out the costs of charging everything internationally for the duration of your stay in Bulgaria. There will be exchange rates, fees, and other stipulations that you can figure out ahead of time. Typically, international transaction fees are 3% to 5%, as well as another 3% if you need to recharge your card in local currency.
Bulgarian Taxes
No one likes to talk about taxes. However, it’s a necessary evil we all must comply with, no matter where we live. The Bulgarian tax system is actually classified as comprehensive and easy-to-understand if you know a few things.
First, to be considered a tax resident, you must reside in Bulgaria for 183 days throughout the year.
Second, Bulgaria has a local and state taxation level. At the state level, taxes like corporate taxes, VAT, income tax, and social security tax are monitored. At the local level, there are property taxes and other normal taxes we are used to in other starts throughout the world.
All state taxes are administered by the National Revenue Agency (NAP).
Tax returns must be submitted every year. The deadline is March 31st for business taxes, and April 30th for personal taxes.
If you are an employee with only a labor contract, you are not required to submit a tax return.
Flat Tax
Repeat after us: all income earned in Bulgaria is taxes on a flat rate of 10%, for both corporate and personal income.
VAT applies a flat tax rate of 20% on all goods and services, from food to machinery. There is no exception, unless it’s related to tourism – then the number changes to 9%.
Every employee pays into social security. Employees pay 12.9% and the employer contributes up to 17.9%.
Lastly, did you know Bulgaria has signed double taxation treaties with more than 60 countries worldwide? This is to avoid double taxing foreigners, so their country is more desirable to tourists and workers.
Chapter 7: Health Insurance
We all get sick from time to time. Although we don’t want to think about ending up in the hospital or some kind of medical facility, the unexpected can happen. Next thing we know, we’re reaching for our health insurance, hoping it will act as a buffer for big, lofty medical expenses.
Bulgaria mandates that every foreigner living in Bulgaria must carry a mandatory health insurance policy for their stay. The coverage must have a minimum of 30,000 euro, or 60,000 leva, to ensure that the policy will cover all medical emergencies during your stay.
What Do I Do in a Medical Emergency?
Here are the steps you should follow during a medical emergency in Bulgaria:
Call the insurance company. Let the insurance company know what has happened. If someone else has been involved in the accident with you, be sure to get a picture of their ID so you can present it to the company. If the accident takes place in the evening or over the weekend, you will have to wait to complete this step.
Call the ambulance. Depending upon the severity of the accident, this step might need to be number one.
Collect all hospital documents. Make sure to get a detailed invoice on your name, as well as all expenses outlined so your insurance company can help you.
Your Bulgarian health insurance should include the follow coverage: medical expenses due to accidents or acute illness, emergency dental treatments, and transport expenses for accommodation or transfer of an injured person to a medical institution.
Do be warned, there are some uncovered risks as well: chronic diseases, suicide, sunstroke or heatstroke, use of opiates, AIDs, mental disorders, organ transplants, or schemes.
EHIC
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a trans-European Union health insurance policy that will help you with medical problems. With an EHIC, you can claim reimbursement for the costs you incur on the same terms as the country you were originally form.
In this case, your expenses will be reimbursed according to the rates of your issuing country. If the procedure is free for Bulgarian citizens, then it will not cost you anything, either.
Chapter 8: Citizenship Naturalization
The chapter you’ve all been waiting for: becoming an official citizen in Bulgaria. If you want to call Bulgaria your new home, then you want to make it official. The only way to do that is to become a living, breathing citizen.
Since you were not born in Bulgaria, you will have to achieve citizenship through naturalization. Typically, once you surpass five-years living as a permanent resident in Bulgaria, you will be able to apply for citizenship. The application will have to be presented to the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice.
Of course, there are other conditions you will have to meet for this successful application:
Must be 18-years-of-age or older
Must have a permanent permit or permit for long residencies that is five-years or older
Must have never been convicted for any intentional indictable offenses by Bulgarian court
Must have proof of an income that enables you to support yourself
Must demonstrate command of the Bulgarian language
There are a few other stipulations that can speed up your naturalization. They are as follows:
Has been, for three-years, married to a Bulgarian citizen
Has been an EU Blue Card worker for loner than five-years
Upon meeting these different sets of rules, the next step is passing the interview test from the Ministry of Culture. The test will touch on history, culture, and state structure. The test is required for demonstration of commitment to the country. Made up of 20-questions, the test will occur for one-hour. A passing score starts at 12/20 correct answers.
The exam is free for all interested applicants. If you fail the test, you will have to wait three-months until you can take it again.
This exam will also include an oral component in which you need to demonstrate your understanding of the Bulgarian language.
What About Dual Citizenship?
Does Bulgaria approve of dual citizenship? Bulgaria is not fond of dual citizenship as a proud country. However, there are some exceptions that permit residents to apply for dual citizenship:
Spouses of Bulgarian citizens
Citizens of an EU member state
Countries that have entered into international agreements with Bulgaria (like North Macedonia)
Regardless of your dual citizenship standing, when in Bulgaria, the law states, ‘any Bulgarian citizen who is also a citizen of another state shall be considered as only a Bulgarian citizen in the application of Bulgarian legislation.’
As you can see, Bulgaria is a proud nation.
Chapter 9: Our Final Tips
Living abroad is one of the most rewarding things you could ever do. It will open your mind up to a world beyond your own, introduce you to new customs, cultures, and history, and challenge you to crawl out of your shell. However, it can be hard leaving your own customs behind, which is why expat depression is a real thing.
If you feel down, depressed, unable to get out of bed, or lacking in excitement for anything in the future, here are a few things you can do to get yourself happy again:
Be Kind to Yourself:
You’re not the only one feeling this way. Don’t get mad at yourself for feeling homesick. Allow yourself to feel the feelings.
Make More Friends:
Clinging to your friends from home can only get you so far. You need people to talk to, face-to-face, in person. Start making some Bulgarian friends.
Exercise:
Get your natural endorphins pumping. This will physically help pull you out of any funk.
Stay Away from Alcohol:
Although liquid libations can be good for socializing, try and stay away from alcohol and drug dependency to fix any depression. It will only make it worse.
We all have our ups and downs. Keep your mind open and excited for the journey that lays ahead of you.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You made it to the end of our e-book. With all of the information provided in this guide, you are ready to get out there and emigrate to Bulgaria. It doesn’t have to be this elusive, out-of-reality dream or desire anymore.
With determination, preparation, and support, Bulgaria can be your new home.
Foreigner.Bg
Here at foreigner.bg, we provide tips for living in Bulgaria, news, advice for expats, and plenty of in-depth articles similar to the chapters we provided above. We want to be your #1 go-to resource so you never scared, lonely, or confused in Bulgaria.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!
