Living in Bulgaria

Bulgaria. What comes to mind when you hear it? You might say “nothing” and that’s not unusual. This Balkan country has been out of the radar for most people and is not on the list of top places to visit by many tourists. If you read the news from time to time, you would have heard about political instability, corruption, and economic fluctuations. In 2007, Bulgaria joined the European Union and has since been home to an increasing expat population. It has gained popularity as the “cheapest country in Europe” and an amazing place to explore with beautiful landscapes, interesting culture, and history. If you’d like to call this European country your home, whether to stay longer or for good, Bulgaria Relocation Consultants is here to help! We provide information and personalized guidance to businesses and individuals who want to live and work in Bulgaria.

Living in Bulgaria

Bulgaria. What comes to mind when you hear it? You might say “nothing” and that’s not unusual. This Balkan country has been out of the radar for most people and is not on the list of top places to visit by many tourists. If you read the news from time to time, you would have heard about political instability, corruption, and economic fluctuations. In 2007, Bulgaria joined the European Union and has since been home to an increasing expat population. It has gained popularity as the “cheapest country in Europe” and an amazing place to explore with beautiful landscapes, interesting culture, and history. If you’d like to call this European country your home, whether to stay longer or for good, Bulgaria Relocation Consultants is here to help! We provide information and personalized guidance to businesses and individuals who want to live and work in Bulgaria.

Living in Bulgaria

Bulgaria. What comes to mind when you hear it? You might say “nothing” and that’s not unusual. This Balkan country has been out of the radar for most people and is not on the list of top places to visit by many tourists. If you read the news from time to time, you would have heard about political instability, corruption, and economic fluctuations. In 2007, Bulgaria joined the European Union and has since been home to an increasing expat population. It has gained popularity as the “cheapest country in Europe” and an amazing place to explore with beautiful landscapes, interesting culture, and history. If you’d like to call this European country your home, whether to stay longer or for good, Bulgaria Relocation Consultants is here to help! We provide information and personalized guidance to businesses and individuals who want to live and work in Bulgaria.

It is the second most highly urbanized country in South East Europe, with 69.5% of Bulgarians living in cities and urban areas. Situated in Southeast Europe with the Black Sea as its coastline, Bulgaria is not a big country. It’s small compared to other European countries but has a great variety of geographical features and is divided into plains, hills, mountains, and deep river valleys. The variety of landscapes are attracting foreigners who enjoy activities such as swimming, hiking, and sightseeing.

Bulgarian is the official language of this country and the majority of its 7 million population speaks this language. If you intend to relocate to Bulgaria, you need to learn the language which is based on the Cyrillic alphabet. Although there’s a growing expat community in Bulgaria, knowing the language will help you go about your life with lesser difficulty. It would also be a big advantage, especially at work when you need to interact with locals who don’t speak your language like English.

The climate in Bulgaria varies depending on where you are. Places near the Black Sea have higher temperatures and lower rainfall compared to the rest of the country. It can be scorching hot in summer and colder in spring and autumn, but you still see the sun most of the time. There could be plenty of snow in the mountains during winter as winter winds from Russia bring in cold temperatures and rain.

The following are some of the reasons why you should consider living in Bulgaria:

  • Foreigner-Friendly Country

Reports say a total of 85,895 foreigners were residents in Bulgaria in 2018 with the largest group coming from non-EU countries. Many have visited this beautiful country to purchase property either to use it as a holiday home or for investment purposes. But a lot of foreigners have made this place home because of a relaxed lifestyle and the opportunity to buy a home property which is usually an impossibility in their home country.

The growth of expats from around the world living in Bulgaria has resulted in numerous expat communities in major towns and cities. The country ranked 11th among 60 countries belonging to Top Expat Destinations based on the Expat Insider 2019 survey results conducted by InterNations, a Germany-based expat network.

  • Foreigner-Friendly Country

Reports say a total of 85,895 foreigners were residents in Bulgaria in 2018 with the largest group coming from non-EU countries. Many have visited this beautiful country to purchase property either to use it as a holiday home or for investment purposes. But a lot of foreigners have made this place home because of a relaxed lifestyle and the opportunity to buy a home property which is usually an impossibility in their home country.

The growth of expats from around the world living in Bulgaria has resulted in numerous expat communities in major towns and cities. The country ranked 11th among 60 countries belonging to Top Expat Destinations based on the Expat Insider 2019 survey results conducted by InterNations, a Germany-based expat network.

  • Bulgaria Job Opportunities

Job opportunities in Bulgaria come mostly from manufacturing, services, and the public sector. The country is becoming a popular destination for business outsourcing and is driving job creation along with real estate, finance, and insurance activities.

Because of a shrinking labor pool, businesses face increasing difficulties in finding suitable workers in Bulgaria. Most foreign workers in Bulgaria are employed by multinational companies that have established an office in the country. Arranging for a job before arriving in the Balkan country is highly recommended.

It’s not impossible to find a job and establish a career in Bulgaria after you arrive. A recent survey by InterNations showed the country ranking on the 7th spot for Career Prospects and Satisfaction. If you have the skills, you will find the job you’re looking for.

  • Bulgaria Job Opportunities

Job opportunities in Bulgaria come mostly from manufacturing, services, and the public sector. The country is becoming a popular destination for business outsourcing and is driving job creation along with real estate, finance, and insurance activities.

Because of a shrinking labor pool, businesses face increasing difficulties in finding suitable workers in Bulgaria. Most foreign workers in Bulgaria are employed by multinational companies that have established an office in the country. Arranging for a job before arriving in the Balkan country is highly recommended.

It’s not impossible to find a job and establish a career in Bulgaria after you arrive. A recent survey by InterNations showed the country ranking on the 7th spot for Career Prospects and Satisfaction. If you have the skills, you will find the job you’re looking for.

  • Quality Education

The mean years of schooling in the Bulgarian education system stand at 11.2 years which is longer than the compulsory period of schooling. This gives students a relatively strong ground in basic skills and benefits from more advanced education provided at the elementary level.

Higher education in Bulgaria is consistent with other education systems in other European countries. The country follows the Bologna process aimed to ensure a comparable, compatible, and coherent higher education system in Europe. This means whichever educational institutions for higher education are chosen among 51 universities in Bulgaria, quality education is expected.

  • Quality Education

The mean years of schooling in the Bulgarian education system stand at 11.2 years which is longer than the compulsory period of schooling. This gives students a relatively strong ground in basic skills and benefits from more advanced education provided at the elementary level.

Higher education in Bulgaria is consistent with other education systems in other European countries. The country follows the Bologna process aimed to ensure a comparable, compatible, and coherent higher education system in Europe. This means whichever educational institutions for higher education are chosen among 51 universities in Bulgaria, quality education is expected.

  • High Quality of Life

In the Expat Insider 2019 survey results conducted by InterNations, Bulgaria is ranked 1st on the Cost of Living criteria, 3rd on Personal Finance, and among the Top 20 of Personal Happiness.

Bulgaria is affordable and that is making expats happy with their financial situation. About 80% of the foreigners living in the country agree that their disposable household income is enough or more than enough to cover their daily costs. This allows them to save or enjoy other luxuries of life which otherwise they wouldn’t be able to afford if they stayed in their home country.

  • Bulgarian Citizenship
If you relocate to Bulgaria legally then you may have the opportunity to acquire Bulgarian citizenship and be issued a Bulgarian passport. In 2020, reports show that of 16,709 people who have acquired Bulgarian citizenship, 447 were through naturalization. Foreign citizens to prove that they deserve to become citizens of Bulgaria. Art. 12 of the Law on Bulgarian citizenship lists the conditions that must be met if of obtaining citizenship through naturalization:
  • Must be over 18 years old.
  • Acquired permanent residence status (long-term residence status) for at least five years before document submission.
  • Not under investigation for an intentional crime of a general nature, no criminal record in Bulgaria for an intentional offense (except for rehabilitated persons).
  • Availability of funds. Alternatively, must have a profession that allows you to support yourself.
  • Knowledge of the state language of Bulgaria.
  • Rejection of the previous citizenship before obtaining Bulgarian citizenship.
Bulgaria may issue Bulgarian citizenship voluntarily to a specific person. In such a case, compliance to all these conditions becomes optional. This may happen for example, if a foreigner has special services to the country, then instead of collecting a package of documents, it is enough just to sign a written agreement on the willingness to be a Bulgarian citizen. There are no details of what is specifically meant by special merit in the law, only the areas in which these special services can be made such as science, technology, culture, economics, sports, and the public sphere. Applicants who are under certain categories are exempt from the obligation to renounce their current citizenship. These are:
  • Bulgarian citizens spouses.
  • Citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, and the countries of the European Economic Area.
  • Citizens of countries that have entered into an applicable agreement with Bulgaria.
Those who have received a permanent residence status in the country as an investor along with their families are no longer required to show proof of proficiency in the Bulgarian language. There is also no need to renounce their former citizenship. If a foreigner studied in Bulgaria in the Bulgarian language, passing the language exam is no longer needed. In certain instances, passing a free exam for proficiency in the Bulgarian language at a sufficient level is required. The exam is taken in Sofia by appointment. A certificate is issued based on test results and is attached to the application when submitted. Obtaining citizenship can also be accelerated, i.e. before the expiration of the five-year period of residence with the status of a permanent residence permit or a long-term residence permit if you are married to a Bulgarian citizen. The marriage must have occurred no later than three years before the submission of documents, and not dissolved within this period. You may also opt to not wait five years if a permanent residence permit or a long-term residence was obtained before reaching the age of majority. In such situations, the right to apply for citizenship is three years after receiving a permanent residence permit or a long-term residence. Obtaining Bulgarian citizenship is also open to adult foreigners who have received permanent residence based on investments at least a year before submitting the documents. For such an instance, the following requirements must be met:
  • Foreign citizens should not be sentenced to deliberate criminal acts.
  • Investments must be increased under the requirements of Art. 14a of the law on citizenship subject to all the circumstances specified in this article.
By acquiring Bulgarian citizenship, you enjoy unrestricted right to live, work, and study in Europe. You also benefit Visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival travel to more than 157 countries and territories. Plus, you get the right to own a land in Bulgaria and other EU countries which may not be readily available to foreign nationals, and many more!
  • Bulgarian Citizenship
If you relocate to Bulgaria legally then you may have the opportunity to acquire Bulgarian citizenship and be issued a Bulgarian passport. In 2020, reports show that of 16,709 people who have acquired Bulgarian citizenship, 447 were through naturalization. Foreign citizens to prove that they deserve to become citizens of Bulgaria. Art. 12 of the Law on Bulgarian citizenship lists the conditions that must be met if of obtaining citizenship through naturalization:
  • Must be over 18 years old.
  • Acquired permanent residence status (long-term residence status) for at least five years before document submission.
  • Not under investigation for an intentional crime of a general nature, no criminal record in Bulgaria for an intentional offense (except for rehabilitated persons).
  • Availability of funds. Alternatively, must have a profession that allows you to support yourself.
  • Knowledge of the state language of Bulgaria.
  • Rejection of the previous citizenship before obtaining Bulgarian citizenship.
Bulgaria may issue Bulgarian citizenship voluntarily to a specific person. In such a case, compliance to all these conditions becomes optional. This may happen for example, if a foreigner has special services to the country, then instead of collecting a package of documents, it is enough just to sign a written agreement on the willingness to be a Bulgarian citizen. There are no details of what is specifically meant by special merit in the law, only the areas in which these special services can be made such as science, technology, culture, economics, sports, and the public sphere. Applicants who are under certain categories are exempt from the obligation to renounce their current citizenship. These are:
  • Bulgarian citizens spouses.
  • Citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, and the countries of the European Economic Area.
  • Citizens of countries that have entered into an applicable agreement with Bulgaria.
Those who have received a permanent residence status in the country as an investor along with their families are no longer required to show proof of proficiency in the Bulgarian language. There is also no need to renounce their former citizenship. If a foreigner studied in Bulgaria in the Bulgarian language, passing the language exam is no longer needed. In certain instances, passing a free exam for proficiency in the Bulgarian language at a sufficient level is required. The exam is taken in Sofia by appointment. A certificate is issued based on test results and is attached to the application when submitted. Obtaining citizenship can also be accelerated, i.e. before the expiration of the five-year period of residence with the status of a permanent residence permit or a long-term residence permit if you are married to a Bulgarian citizen. The marriage must have occurred no later than three years before the submission of documents, and not dissolved within this period. You may also opt to not wait five years if a permanent residence permit or a long-term residence was obtained before reaching the age of majority. In such situations, the right to apply for citizenship is three years after receiving a permanent residence permit or a long-term residence. Obtaining Bulgarian citizenship is also open to adult foreigners who have received permanent residence based on investments at least a year before submitting the documents. For such an instance, the following requirements must be met:
  • Foreign citizens should not be sentenced to deliberate criminal acts.
  • Investments must be increased under the requirements of Art. 14a of the law on citizenship subject to all the circumstances specified in this article.
By acquiring Bulgarian citizenship, you enjoy unrestricted right to live, work, and study in Europe. You also benefit Visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival travel to more than 157 countries and territories. Plus, you get the right to own a land in Bulgaria and other EU countries which may not be readily available to foreign nationals, and many more!

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