{"id":411,"date":"2022-10-27T09:00:37","date_gmt":"2022-10-27T09:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/?page_id=411"},"modified":"2022-11-06T12:47:05","modified_gmt":"2022-11-06T12:47:05","slug":"moving-to-bulgaria","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/moving-to-bulgaria\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to Bulgaria: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide for Expats"},"content":{"rendered":"
Bulgaria is definitely among the greatest places to live in Europe. Many people around the world consider this country a desirable relocation destination as a second home due to its <\/span>wonderful landscapes <\/b>and <\/span>thriving cities.<\/b><\/p>\n If you are one of those who intend to enhance their understanding and gain additional justification for relocating to Bulgaria, <\/span>IMovingTo<\/span><\/a> will guide you and simplify all the obstacles related to the relocation process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The cheap cost of living in Bulgaria may not be as well known as it should be because of its low property prices, but it is still around one-third less than in the <\/span>UK<\/span><\/a>. While some items, like <\/span>gasoline<\/b>, are more expensive, direct price comparisons of non-imported food, clothing, electrical goods, and furniture reflect costs that are between <\/span>30 and 35%<\/b> lower than in the UK. Utility costs and local taxes are even lower.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Despite the low cost of living, it is not advisable to relocate to Bulgaria without a means of support. The following information will be useful to improve your perception of the core aspects of living in Bulgaria:<\/span><\/p>\n There are<\/span> 5 primary Bulgarian visas<\/b> available to foreign nationals coming there from outside of Europe:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you are moving to Bulgaria from another European country within the EU\/EEA or <\/span>Switzerland<\/span><\/a>, you will not need to apply for a <\/span>Bulgarian work permit, <\/b>student visa, or residency permit to live, study, and work in Bulgaria. You will only need to register after you get there with the local authorities.<\/span><\/p>\n All you require to start searching for work in Bulgaria is to register as a jobseeker at a local<\/span> Employment Office<\/b>. Work permits are granted for a predetermined period, usually <\/span>1 year<\/b>. However, they may be extended in specific circumstances for a further <\/span>3 years<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n The financing of healthcare in Bulgaria is a joint effort of the public and private sectors. The Ministry of Health manages and controls the operation of the <\/span>healthcare system<\/b>, as well as <\/span>Bulgaria’s national health policy<\/b> and general organizational structure.<\/span><\/p>\n Your income will determine how much you contribute. However, there is a very low base rate fee of about <\/span>\u20ac9<\/b>. Approximately <\/span>8%<\/b> of your earnings will go into healthcare contributions, with <\/span>4.8%<\/b> coming from your company and <\/span>3.2% <\/b>coming from you.<\/span><\/p>\n In Bulgaria, healthcare organizations are autonomous, self-governing entities. <\/span>The health insurance program <\/b>provides medication for people as well as services including diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Private sector hospitals <\/b>provide the majority of primary medical treatment, specialist outpatient care, pharmaceutical care, and dental care in addition to providing <\/span>public healthcare.<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The national medical centers, university hospitals, and national specialized hospitals are all under the control of the State. Additionally, they are in charge of transfusion, mental, and emergency medical care facilities.<\/span><\/p>\n Since Bulgaria is a member of the EU, personal belongings and household items coming from another member state of the EU are not subject to official documentation requirements. However, the specific requirements still apply if your belongings come from outside the EU.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Because of that, you really ought to benefit from the services offered by reputable <\/span>international moving companies<\/span><\/a>. Consider that they often provide <\/span>international moving and packing<\/span><\/a> services as well. But first, let’s look at some essential details regarding importing your possessions.<\/span><\/p>\n It is anticipated that <\/span>import duties<\/b>, <\/span>VAT<\/b>, and <\/span>indirect taxes<\/b> will be imposed on household items and automobiles. Customs officials can apply import duties based on the information you provide regarding your inventory, your declared value, and the length and purpose of your stay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The customs chief will make the ultimate choice, but in most circumstances, a tax of <\/span>5% to 20% <\/b>and a <\/span>VAT of 20%<\/b> will be used.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite Bulgaria’s high unemployment rate, there are still many job opportunities available for expats. These positions are in high demand if you have expertise in engineering or medicine. Otherwise, Bulgaria’s two largest industries, <\/span>agriculture,<\/b> and <\/span>tourism<\/b> offer plenty of employment options for foreigners and professions in the English language.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Many expats establish their enterprises to manage pubs, restaurants, and hotels, while others establish successful companies that offer services specifically for the expat community. A few well-known and prosperous expat businesses include newspaper publications, the manufacturing or import of common foods that are not otherwise available in the area, building renovation, and home maintenance services.<\/span><\/p>\n The best way to get a <\/span>Bulgarian work permit <\/b>is to find a job before moving there if you intend to live and work there. This will make the process much simpler. You can take advantage of certain <\/span>online search portals <\/b>to find your preferred job option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In Bulgaria, commercial banks offer the whole spectrum of banking services. There are currently <\/span>28 commercial banks, <\/b>of which more than <\/span>90% <\/b>are controlled by foreigners and <\/span>6 foreign bank<\/b> branches. The <\/span>Post Bank<\/b> is the most well-liked financial institution and the bank with the most locations in this country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Although internet banking is becoming more and more popular in Bulgaria, the country’s weak communications infrastructure continues to be a barrier. Many banks provide <\/span>online banking <\/b>services. However, each bank has a different service offering and price.<\/span><\/p>\n In Bulgaria, <\/span>10%<\/b> income tax and <\/span>13%<\/b> social security contributions are paid at the source at a fixed rate. While employers also contribute, to make these payments, you will need a social security number, which your company will typically obtain for you.<\/span><\/p>\n Bulgaria offers a variety of accommodation options for all price ranges. Depending on your family status and available funds, you can choose from a variety of housing options, including apartments, studios, and houses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n An increasing number of foreigners relocating permanently to Bulgaria prefer to buy a small home or apartment, with prices ranging from <\/span>20\u00a0 000 to 30 000 euros<\/b> depending on size and location.<\/span><\/p>\n If you’re considering renting an apartment in Sofia, centrally located apartments cost between <\/span>300 and 500 euros <\/b>per month.<\/span><\/p>\n If you are searching from abroad, you can explore housing offers on both regular and special websites. But if you\u2019re already in the country, you can also look through the classified ads in your <\/span>local newspaper<\/b>.<\/span> As a result, you’ll know more about the many housing options and rent costs. Finally, working with a <\/span>real estate agent <\/b>will speed up the process of searching for a home that meets your requirements.<\/span><\/p>\nCost of Living in Bulgaria<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Visa Types & Work Permit Requirements<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Healthcare System in Bulgaria<\/span><\/h2>\n
Transporting Your Household Belongings<\/span><\/h2>\n
How to Find a Job in Bulgaria as an Expat<\/span><\/h2>\n
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How to Take Care of Finances & Taxes<\/span><\/h2>\n
Getting Accommodation in Bulgaria<\/span><\/h2>\n
What Does Bulgarian Social Life & Climate Look Like?<\/span><\/h2>\n