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Emigrating to Bulgaria: our experiences

Emigrating is an exciting undertaking. There are many things to consider. Registering with the local council, applying for a residence permit, earning money, paying taxes, transferring ownership of your car, and what about your children, for example?


It is difficult to figure everything out on your own if you do not speak the language. Many people at government agencies do not speak English either, which presents many challenges.
It is important to hire someone who knows the rules of the country and speaks the language. Someone who is genuinely willing to help you and make your dreams come true. Because, of course, you want everything to be arranged properly the first time around, so that you don't run into problems later on.
That's why we hired a solicitor in Razlog who helped us apply for our residence permits, transfer the car and understand the rules in Bulgaria for buying a house, for example.


It is important to arrange everything with someone you trust. We are happy to put you in touch with the people who helped us. This saves a lot of stress and time, so you can focus on your work, learning the language, or enjoying nature or activities.

Glazne river in Bansko



The cultural differences

The first “problem” is that you will be dealing with a different culture. Bulgarian culture differs considerably from British culture. Therefore, here are a few tips to make things easier for you and to prevent misunderstandings.


Firstly, nodding yes and shaking no. Bulgarians shake their heads when they mean yes and nod when they mean no. This is the opposite of what we are used to.
Make it easy for yourself and say “Da” (yes) or “Ne” (no). This can prevent major misunderstandings.


When you come to live in Bulgaria, you will soon notice that Bulgarians are very friendly and hospitable people. They will welcome you with gifts (such as a bottle of wine or homemade delicacies) and they think it is important that you feel welcome and participate in society from the very first moment.


Finally, of course, there is the language and the alphabet. Bulgarian is a difficult language to learn because it is in no way similar to English and uses a different alphabet: Cyrillic. Reading is therefore also difficult and it will be a bit of a puzzle at first to be able to read a word.

In addition, a large part of the Bulgarian population does not speak English, even at government agencies. It is therefore certainly not an unnecessary luxury to engage a solicitor or translator if, for example, you are going to apply for a residence permit.

Oh, and one more thing: the people behind the counter can come across as rather grumpy, especially if you don't speak Bulgarian. In addition, these kinds of processes can take a long time, because Bulgarians like to take their time and don't rush things. So stay patient and try to apply a little pressure now and then.


Why people emigrate to Bulgaria

Why would you want to emigrate or invest in a foreign country with unspoilt nature and the oldest culture in Europe? We can list a number of reasons:


  • Plenty of opportunities to pursue your dreams. Do you dream of running a hotel in a ski resort, but Austria, France or Germany are far too expensive? In this region, your dreams can come true!
  • First-time buyers can hardly find suitable housing in the United Kingdom. The housing market in the United Kingdom has become so unfavourable that first-time buyers often live with their parents until they are 30 or older. There are simply no houses available, and the cost of living is no longer affordable. In Bulgaria, you can still buy or rent a house or flat at a reasonable price. So you can still find your dream home here!
  • Life in the UK is becoming unaffordable. In the UK, taxes, housing, groceries, energy prices, etc. are becoming unaffordable for many people. In Bulgaria, this is different. Here, you can still buy a house, eat out and fill up your car for a good price. Energy prices, taxes and insurance costs are also considerably lower.
  • Working in Bulgaria as a freelancer or with your own company. If you work as a freelancer or with your own company for the British or global market and you can work remotely, then Bansko, as the capital of the world for digital nomads, is definitely for you! The low taxes are enshrined in the constitution and therefore cannot be changed just like that.
  • Bulgaria is a beautiful country full of mountains, beaches, nature, conviviality and delicious food. Bulgaria has a very rich culture and therefore also delicious food. The people are hospitable and friendly. In addition, more than 30% of the country is covered with different types of forests and breathtaking nature. In Bansko, you even live among mountain peaks that reach almost 3,000 metres!


What do you need to consider when emigrating?

But before you can start living your best life in your new home country, there are a lot of things you need to arrange before you can become a Bulgarian citizen.
Of course, there is a lot involved in emigrating. You will have to arrange most of this yourself, which can be quite overwhelming.


What do you actually need to consider when emigrating? Read on to find out.



Deregistering with your local council

If you want to leave the UK permanently, you will need to deregister with your local council. As we are from the Netherlands, we do not know how this works in the UK. Visit your local council's website or enquire about this.


Once you arrive in Bulgaria? Here's what you need to do

Have you finally arrived in Bulgaria after months of preparation? Whether you arrive at Sofia Airport or by car, you'll naturally want to relax for a while.


But then you'll have to get back to work to arrange everything at your new place of residence. Applying for a residence permit, transferring ownership of your car and opening a bank account. We explain it all below.


Registering as a resident

One of the first things you should do when you arrive in Bulgaria is to register as a resident of the country. This is mandatory if you are staying in Bulgaria for more than 90 days and can be done at the immigration office in the province where you will be living. Bansko is located in the province of Blagoevgrad.
If you are going to live in Bansko, you will have to drive to the city of Blagoevgrad for all important documents, which is about 50 minutes by car from Bansko.


You can apply for your residence permit at the immigration office. It is advisable to do this with a solicitor or interpreter who speaks Bulgarian, as the officials speak very little English. In addition, they are more familiar with the rules and know exactly what is required.


Applying for a 5-year residence permit actually takes most of the day. First, you go to the office to apply for ID cards. Here you will have to sign documents, etc., and hand over your British passport.

After that, you will have time to go into town to shop and eat something, as you will have to wait for the photo session.
Then, after a few hours, you will have to return to the office to have your photos taken. This is done with a modern device that gives you instructions in English on how to stand.
Once this is done, you will receive a white card with your details, which you must keep safe.


That is how it is done in Blagoevgrad. In other regions, it will not be much different, but keep in mind that this is quite different from what you are used to in the United Kingdom.


Later (after about a week), you will need to collect your ID card from the same location. Bring your British passport with you again for this. This is a 5-year residence permit that you can later renew for a “real” ID card.
But that is a concern for later. In any case, you are now a legal resident of Bulgaria for five years!


Opening a Bulgarian bank account

If you want to live and work in Bulgaria – whether permanently or temporarily – you will of course need a bank account. You can keep your Dutch account when you emigrate, but it is of course useful to open a Bulgarian account as well.


To do so, go to the local bank of your choice. There are many different banks in Bansko, such as United Bulgarian Bank (UBB), Fibank, Unicredit Bulbank, Postbank and DSK Bank. But there are more. So there is plenty of choice.
Please note that not everyone here speaks English equally well. Fortunately, Google Translate can always be a useful tool and the staff will help you get started.


To open an account, you will need your Bulgarian ID, which you can obtain from the immigration office. You will need this together with your British passport, otherwise it will not be possible to open an account.


You will then be given various forms to fill in on the spot or at home. Go through the entire form and hand it in to the employee. That person will then guide you through the rest of the process, because there is much more to it than that.


They will need your mother's surname, your temporary and permanent address in Bulgaria and, if applicable, in the UK, and you will have to provide your full name and signature several times.



Next, download the app from the relevant bank and you will receive a login code. Finally, you will often have to pay a small amount to have the account opened permanently. This amount is negligible and is often only one euro.


A credit card is also very useful. You can apply for one at the bank.


After one to two weeks, you will need to collect your bank card(s) from the bank.
Now you can finally get to work or start your own business!


Taking out health insurance

Taking out health insurance in Bulgaria does not have to be difficult. In many cases, this is arranged through your employer, but there are also companies where this is not the case.
Of course, you can also start your own business, in which case this is not the case either. Then you will have to arrange it yourself, because working without insurance is obviously not a good idea, although you will not be the only one. In Bulgaria, people take out much less insurance than in the United Kingdom.
Many people are not insured at all!


4 tips for a successful move to Bulgaria

Tip 1. Create a buffer for unexpected costs

This tip is always useful, even if you stay in the United Kingdom. Having a good financial buffer ensures that you always have some money set aside for unforeseen situations. Whether this is a setback in the construction or renovation of your house or your car not making it to your new destination.


Emigrating is expensive enough as it is, not to mention the time you spend arranging everything. So when you finally settle into your new home, you don't want any surprises.


Make sure you are prepared and start building up a nice nest egg years before you leave the United Kingdom!


Tip 2. Have your British documents translated and legalised before you leave

Are you planning to work in Bulgaria or, for example, obtain a driving licence? Then you will need to have a number of important documents translated into Bulgarian.


Documents such as civil status certificates are not immediately legally valid abroad. You will therefore need to have them legalised. You can read exactly how to do this on the UK government website.


To work and obtain a driving licence in Bulgaria, you may be asked to provide proof of your educational qualifications. These will also need to be legalised.


Of course, you can also arrange these matters once you are abroad, but this will be a waste of your time and money due to the transport costs and the extra time and effort involved. So try to arrange everything before you leave the United Kingdom, then you will always be well prepared.


Tip 3. Get to know the locals

When you move to Bulgaria, it is essential that you get to know the locals. Not only for the fun and a warm welcome to your new home, but also for valuable information, translations and if you need help with anything.
As you have read before, Bulgarians are friendly people. They are always willing to help you, even if you have never asked for it. We have personally experienced this several times with neighbours who come to help without being asked. Handy, of course, but it can be overwhelming, because where in the United Kingdom do you still see this?


The locals can help you with things like translating. Do you need to pop into the post office to pick something up? Chances are that the employee only speaks Bulgarian. A local resident can often help you out in these kinds of situations. All you have to do is ask!


Because you are new to a foreign country, you probably don't know your way around.  And so you will find yourself in difficult situations where you think: help! How handy is it then to have someone to ask how things work?


Tip 4. Arrange a good removal company for your belongings

Once you have arrived safely in your new country, you will naturally want your belongings to arrive safely from the UK. You could transport them yourself, of course, but usually a removal company is needed. And not all of them are equally good or cheap.


Because the distance is more than 2,000 kilometres through countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic and Hungary, something can always happen to the transport vehicle along the way. In such situations, you want to be well assisted by the removal company and not be faced with any surprises.


So you will need to find a good removal company. There are transport companies that transport goods from Bulgaria to the United Kingdom and back (as we have done). These are usually cheaper options. But often they are less professional and the service is not as good as a decent removal company.


So do your research and try to find a good deal for yourself that is not only financially advantageous, but also ensures that your belongings arrive safely and securely.


Are you ready to buy a property?

Emigrating to Bulgaria is a big step. You will be entering a different culture, and there is a lot involved in emigrating.


Are you ready to take the plunge?
There is a lot involved in buying a property in Bulgaria. There are many things you need to know, and some things are different from what you are used to.


Read about buying a property


Would you like to know more about regulations and emigrating?

For the most recent information about emigrating, check the government website of the country where you currently live and the following websites:


🇧🇬 Bulgarian government

 
 
 

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