#1 Sophia. Bulgaria is a hidden gem and appeals most to the expats who wish to live a life fully immersed in a new culture, away from the American tourist traps. InterNations, a massive expat network that publishes annual rankings on the world's best and worst countries, asked 20,000 expats to rank the best cities in the world to live, work, and make friends in 2020. Private health cover is highly advisable and, although plans are expensive in comparison to the cost of state medical treatment, they are still cheaper than in other countries. I’ve included some great articles for you to read, enjoy! If you have any questions, please contact our office HERE. The city centre is small enough that no car is required if you live downtown: taxis are cheap and there are plenty of trams. Many people commute to Sofia from here. The city-state of Singapore has always been one of the best countries for expats to live and work—it ranked first for four years in a row, and now comes in second place… The cost of living is very low, which makes this town a rival to resorts in places like France and Switzerland, since all it has to offer is just as good, but the price is so much lower. Bansko. Then make sure to check out our Bookstore... we have titles packed full of premium offshore intel. Not only is the country aesthetically pleasing, but the people are also welcoming and kind. It is a coastal city with a major harbor on the Black Sea. These tips will help you understand what it means to live as an expat in Bulgaria. The UK has a double-taxation agreement with Bulgaria to ensure people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. From the foothills of Stara Planina to Sofia Valley, location of Bulgaria's capital, we’ll get you in touch with helpful and friendly American expats in Bulgaria. Bulgarian rules require immigrants to demonstrate they can support themselves financially, although the Bulgarian prime minister has publicly welcomed British migrants. Britons will have to go through the immigration procedures set for non-EU citizens. Outside, Brits are more widely dispersed than in many countries, from Varna, on the Black Sea, to ski resort Bansko. Bulgaria’s biggest city, Sofia, is also the cheapest capital in Europe in which to retire. From our contacts and from forums, the answer is yes: you can still open a Bulgarian bank account as a non-resident (although one Bulgarian, who had helped a non-resident Greek contact open an account recently, told us it was a “challenging task”). DispatchesEurope stated that it was possible to live comfortably on $500 per month per person. Expats living in Bulgaria can have all kinds of experiences while living abroad there. Basics For Living in Bulgaria. The climate in Varna is a little different than you might expect for a beach town, averaging in the low 80-degree range in the hottest months of the summer and falling into the high 20s and low 30s, meaning you’ll still have changing seasons if you choose this area, rather than having hot weather all year round. It’s not always cold there, either. In Bulgaria, you should expect to pay personal income tax and homeowner’s tax, as well as vehicle tax and a fee for rubbish collection. But Bulgaria is the cheapest country in Europe in which to retire. You won’t get far without at least elementary Bulgarian and you should familiarise yourself with the alphabet. Often thought of as a fishing town, its history has seen it function as an important harbor and as a battleground. This will give you access to a GP, referrals to a specialist, and medicines at reduced prices or for free. That’s a surprisingly big number for a country of just seven million inhabitants – smaller than the city of London. The daytime temperatures vary from 0-5°C in the winter and 25-30°C in summer months. As an EU country, standard EU rules apply to removals; do note you may need to list serial numbers and brands for all electrical appliances. It is estimated that around 58,000 foreigners now live in Bulgaria, where all the major towns and cities have a sizeable ex-pat community and virtually every village in Bulgaria has its cohort of resident British families. Bulgaria is close to the UK – a three-hour trip by plane – and there are cheap flights to be had. It is the cheapest city to live in Western Europe, considering rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is less than $400 USD per month and a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is less than $300 per month. Real estate in Bulgaria is one of the cheapest in Europe. The idea is to go and live in a place where the beauty, charm, and culture are not ruined by fast food chains and tourist shops selling t-shirts and keychains on every corner. With safe, welcoming arms for expats and immigrants alike, Canada continues to top the list of best places for American expats to reside. In a country where the minimum wage is €286 (£245) a month, according to Eurostat, rents and utilities are low and a foreign pension can go a long way. As retiring here is more of a settlement, Britons who have made the move tend to scatter more widely into local communities around the country. Join hundreds of expats who've already benefited with our free guides. The LIMA app can help you with traffic and road conditions. If you are trying to familiarise yourself with the country, it’s worth watching some episodes. Understand your retirement income and pension options. A huge caveat is that there is no social security agreement between the UK and Bulgaria, so your UK state pension will be frozen at its current rate upon first payment, with no increases linked to inflation. Quality of life: Very high, due to cultural acceptance and economic stability; … You will need to present proof of your income or pension and that you have a bank account in Bulgaria. Bulgaria is a popular destination amongst digital nomads and budget travelers. With safe, welcoming arms for expats and immigrants alike, Canada continues to top the list of best places for American expats to reside. Read more in Expatra’s guide to international removals. Bulgaria is ranked 26 out of 163 on the GPI. Prices in the UK are 82 percent higher than in Bulgaria, according to Numbeo – 214 percent including rent. ‘La belle France’ really is just that. According to (now 10-year-old) figures from think tank the IPPR, some 18,000 Britons have moved to Bulgaria, about half living here for half the year and the other half permanently. A basic plan from Uniqa for a couple under 70 years old will cost 330 BGN (£145) a year. Bulgaria is generally safe for expats. Second, the cost of living is substantially lower than in other countries. Renting a good two-bedroom apartment in a nice neighbourhood of Sofia will cost you around 700 – 800 BGN (Bulgarian Lev), about £300 – £340. Health Care in Bulgaria. Read more in our full article, Bulgaria: The pros and cons. It’s a large and diverse country, with vibrant cities, rambling little medieval towns, swathes of stunning rural landscapes, plenty of culture, and of course – great food and wine. The largest community is in the capital, Sofia. Any expat who wishes to live in a beach town in Bulgaria would find anything he/she needed in this city. 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