General info about Bulgaria

Getting Started with Moving to Bulgaria with Matrix Mobility

Matrix Mobility has built a great reputation since 1990 for being an expert in international moving, having a lot of local knowledge, being affordable, and being flexible. We help people from all over the world, including expats and corporate teams, move to and from Bulgaria. We are the best relocation company in Southeast Europe. Whether you’re an expat moving to Bulgaria from the UK or a Bulgarian citizen moving abroad, our friendly and professional team in Sofia knows how hard it can be to move. We take care of every step of your move, from getting your visa to shipping your things from door to door. This way, you can move into your new home without any problems. Matrix Mobility has offices in Sofia, Athens, Belgrade, Pristina, Skopje, and Zagreb, so they can help you with your move to Bulgaria.

Requirements for visas and immigration

Moving to Bulgaria as a Foreigner: Bulgaria is part of the EU, so citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland can live and work in Bulgaria without a visa. They only need to register for a long-term residence if they plan to stay for more than 90 days. People from outside the EU, like the UK, the US, and others, can visit Bulgaria without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you want to stay longer or work, though, you’ll need to get the right visa and permits. Usually, this means getting a Visa D (long-stay visa) and a work or residence permit before you can legally live and work in Bulgaria. For instance, if a British citizen moves to Bulgaria to work, they need to get a work permit (usually set up by the employer) and then a Visa D from a Bulgarian embassy or consulate. This visa lets you get a Bulgarian residence permit when you get there. It’s important to start this process well before you move because it can take a long time to get your documents legalised and your application processed. Matrix Mobility’s immigration services help you with every step, from getting the paperwork ready to talking to Bulgarian officials. This makes what can be a complicated process easy and stress-free.

If you’re a Bulgarian moving to another country, we can help you with the visa and immigration requirements for your new home. A lot of Bulgarians move to other EU countries (where it’s easier to move around) or to places like the UK, the US, or Canada. Our global network helps us give advice on work visa petitions, residence permit applications, and following the rules for immigration to other countries. If you need information about a UK Skilled Worker Visa or a U.S. We help you organise the paperwork for your Green Card so you can focus on the exciting changes in your life.

Rules for Customs and Imports

Moving your personal things to Bulgaria means going through customs, especially if you’re coming from outside the EU. The good news is that Bulgaria is part of the EU Customs Union, which means that you can bring used personal household goods into the country without paying any taxes when you move here. If you’ve owned and used your furniture, clothes, electronics, and other things for at least six months, you can bring them into the country without paying customs duties or VAT. However, they must be for personal use and in reasonable amounts. To get the duty exemption, you may need to make a list of the items you shipped and show proof that you have been living in Bulgaria for a long time, like a residence certificate or lease. Usually, adults can also bring in one car duty-free, as long as they have owned it for more than six months. If you buy new things or a lot of electronics, you might have to pay import taxes. It’s a good idea to keep receipts for things you bought recently, because customs may charge duty on items that are less than six months old or in large quantities. Matrix Mobility will help you fill out the required customs forms (like an inventory in English, a valued packing list, etc.) and work with our agents to make sure your shipment gets through Bulgarian customs without any problems.

Moving from Bulgaria (Export): 

We also take care of the paperwork for people who are leaving Bulgaria. Since there are no customs borders in the EU, moving household goods is easy. If you’re moving from Bulgaria to a country outside the EU, like the UK or the US, we’ll help you with export declarations and make sure you follow the import rules of the country you’re moving to. We work with our partners in other countries to make sure that your things go through customs without any problems.

Items that are not allowed or limited: 

Be careful of Bulgaria’s import rules. You can’t bring in some things, like illegal drugs, guns (without permits), and dangerous materials. You might need special permits or have to pay duties on restricted items like guns, new electronics, and antiques. For instance, you can bring in a certain amount of alcohol without paying duty (up to 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of spirits) and a certain amount of tobacco (like 200 cigarettes) as part of your personal goods. If you want to bring your pets to Bulgaria, you need to have the right veterinary papers and up-to-date rabies vaccinations. Our Pet Relocation team can help you with this. If you have any questions about any items, it’s best to talk to us ahead of time. We keep up with customs rules and will give you official instructions (and links to resources from the Bulgarian Customs Agency) to make sure you follow all the rules.

Housing and the cost of living in Bulgaria

The low cost of living is one of the best things about moving to Bulgaria. Bulgaria is always one of the cheapest places to live in Europe. In general, the cost of living in Bulgaria, including housing, is about 40–50% lower than it is in the UK. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are all very cheap on a daily basis. For instance, fresh fruits and vegetables from local markets are cheap, and eating out at a Bulgarian restaurant is much cheaper than in Western Europe.

Housing Costs: 

You can save a lot of money on housing. Rental prices are much lower in Sofia, the capital and largest expat city, than in other European capitals. A modern one-bedroom flat in a nice part of Sofia could cost between €400 and €600 per month (about 800 to 1200 Bulgarian Lev). In London, the same flat could cost four or five times that. You can find even cheaper options if you look outside of Sofia. Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s charming second city, has lower rents and a higher quality of life. It is known for its ancient old town and vibrant cultural scene, which makes it a popular place for expats and digital nomads. Varna, which is on the Black Sea coast, is another city that is good for expats and has beautiful beaches. A two-bedroom flat near the sea might cost as little as €500 a month. Housing costs are very low in other cities like Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, or Bansko, which is a mountain resort town that many foreign retirees and remote workers love. Many expats are pleasantly surprised to find that they can afford bigger apartments or even houses with yards in Bulgaria. Buying a home is also fairly cheap; Bulgaria has attracted foreign buyers because of its low real estate prices.

Living Costs: 

The average monthly cost of utilities (electricity, water and heating) for a flat is between 100 and 150 EUR. However, keep in mind that winters in Bulgaria can be cold, so heating costs go up then. Internet and cell phone plans are quick and cheap (it’s common to get unlimited high-speed internet for €10–15 a month). Public transportation is cheap in cities; for example, a one-way ticket in Sofia costs about 1.60 BGN, which is less than €1. A lot of expats say that their overall budget in Bulgaria is much lower. For example, one study found that living costs without rent are about 39% lower and with rent are about 47% lower than in the UK. In short, your money goes a long way here, so you can live comfortably or save up to go back home.

Major Expat-Friendly Areas: 

Besides Sofia, Plovdiv (which has a growing IT sector and an artsy vibe), Varna (which has international companies and a resort-like atmosphere in the summer), and smaller towns like Veliko Tarnovo (a historic town that some British expats love) are also popular with expats. There are many neighbourhoods in Sofia to choose from, including city-center apartments and greener suburbs like Lozenets or Simeonovo near Vitosha mountain, which is great for hiking or skiing. Matrix Mobility can help you find a home no matter where you are going. As part of our destination support, we can connect you with reliable real estate agents, help you understand local lease contracts, and even help you set up utility accounts.

(Bulgaria’s currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). It is linked to the Euro at a rate of about 1 EUR = 1.96 BGN, which keeps it stable. Bulgaria may join the Euro in the future, but for now, you’ll be using leva. We recommend that expats open a local bank account to make things easier. A lot of people use cash, but most businesses in cities will also take cards. Knowing the currency and how much things usually cost will help you make a good budget as you get used to living there.

Tips for living in Bulgaria that are both cultural and practical

Getting to know Bulgarian culture will make your move much better. People say that Bulgarians are very friendly and follow strong traditions. Here are some useful and cultural tips to help you get used to things:

Language: 

The official language is Bulgarian, which uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Don’t worry; knowing a few simple phrases and the alphabet will help a lot. For instance, being able to read signs (like “Сoфия” for Sofia) or know the names of streets will make your life easier. In tourist areas and among many younger Bulgarians and professionals, English is understood. However, it is less common among older people and in rural areas. You might want to take some beginner Bulgarian language classes or use a language app. People in Bulgaria will appreciate your efforts to say “Hello” (Zdravei), “Thank you” (Blagodarya), or “Cheers” (Nazdrave).

Yes means No (Body Language): 

The head gesture for yes and no is a well-known quirk in Bulgaria. When Bulgarians say “yes,” they shake their heads, and when they say “no,” they nod their heads. This is the opposite of what many foreigners are used to. At first, this might be a little hard to understand. If you ask a local a question and they nod, they probably mean “no.” (To avoid confusion, people might say “da” for yes or “ne” for no while pointing.) If you’re not sure you understood, it’s best to ask again. Over time, you’ll get the hang of it, and you might even start doing it without thinking about it!

Bulgarians value being polite and welcoming when they greet someone. When you meet someone, it’s normal to shake hands firmly and look them in the eye. In most situations, it’s polite to call people by their first name. However, in business settings or with older people, it’s better to use Mr. or Ms. plus last name (or the Bulgarian words “Gospodin” and “Gospozha”) is polite until you are told to use first names. It is polite to bring a small gift when you visit a Bulgarian home. Flowers, sweets, or a bottle of wine are all good choices. Just make sure the flowers are an odd number, since odd numbers are for happy occasions. It’s common for people to ask guests to wear slippers when they come over, so don’t be surprised if they do.

Holidays and Lifestyle: 

Bulgaria has a lot of cultural events. As an expat, you’ll be able to take part in local customs like Marténitsa in March, when everyone gives each other red-and-white yarn bracelets for health, and lively folk festivals. Try the shopska salad, banitsa pastry, and grill dishes like kebapche. Bulgarian food is great. Tip: Yoghurt is popular in Bulgaria (it’s where the Lactobacillus bulgaricus culture comes from), and you’ll find it in a lot of dishes. Life moves at a pretty slow pace, and family and friends are important. Don’t be surprised by how often people take coffee breaks. Getting coffee with coworkers or new friends is a fun way to get to know them and make friends.

Bulgaria drives on the right side of the road. If you plan to drive, you’ll need to get a local driver’s license after living there for a certain amount of time (EU licenses are accepted; others may need to take a test). There are a lot of buses, trams, and metros in cities like Sofia. You might want to think about getting a monthly pass. The country’s infrastructure is getting better. Highways connect big cities, but country roads can be slower. It’s easy and cheap to get high-speed internet, which is great for people who work from home. Safety: Bulgaria is mostly safe, and there aren’t many violent crimes. Like in any country, be careful of small thefts in crowded tourist areas and listen to what the locals say. Another thing to think about is healthcare. Bulgaria has both public and private healthcare, and many expats choose private health insurance so they can go to private clinics where English is spoken.

It will be easier for you to adjust to life in Bulgaria if you know these cultural differences and practical tips. As part of our relocation packages, Matrix Mobility also offers destination services. These include helping you find schools for your kids, guiding you through the process of signing up for healthcare, and more. We want to do more than just move your things; we also want to help you feel at home in your new Bulgarian community.

Matrix Mobility in Bulgaria offers moving services

Matrix Mobility helps with every step of moving to or from Bulgaria, so you only have to deal with one trusted partner. The main services we offer are:

International Removals: 

We will pack, transport, and deliver your household goods to your door. Our trained crews will take care of your things, whether you’re moving a small flat from London to Sofia or a whole house from Sofia to New York. We handle customs clearance, coordinate shipping by air, sea, or road, and bring your things to your new home. We have more than 35 years of experience, so we’ve made the moving process easier and less stressful for you.

Storage Options:

Need to store things during or after your move? We have safe, climate-controlled storage spaces in Bulgaria and partner storage warehouses all over the world. This is great if your timing is off, like if you move out of your UK home but your new home in Bulgaria isn’t ready yet. We can safely store your boxes and furniture for a short or long time and bring them to you when you’re ready. Our storage options let you be flexible when you move.

Office Relocation:

 Are you moving your business or opening a new office in Bulgaria? Our corporate relocation team is experts at moving offices and managing international corporate moves. We plan everything to cut down on downtime, from moving office furniture and IT equipment to setting up in the new place. Matrix Mobility has moved businesses and even whole teams to and from Bulgaria without any problems. We keep private records safe and can move labs or special equipment as needed. If your company is moving you to Sofia or back to another country, we’ll work with your employer’s mobility policies to make sure that the whole office or individual employees have a smooth transition.

Matrix Mobility will take good care of your pets while they move. Moving pets takes a lot of planning, like getting export/import permits, updating their vaccinations, getting travel crates, and booking flights. We can help you move your pet from the US to Bulgaria or from Bulgaria to the UK. We can help you with paperwork and microchips for your pet, arrange comfortable travel, and even find a place for your pet to stay if you need it. We love animals and will take care of your pets like they are our own. We promise they will get to your new home safely.

Immigration: 

Our immigration experts are here to help you with visa and residence permit applications, which can be hard to understand. We help expats fill out the paperwork for Bulgarian visas, work permits, and residence registrations. We also help Bulgarians who need visas to go abroad get their paperwork ready. This includes arranging for translations, notarisations, and talking to immigration officials on your behalf. We know the most up-to-date immigration laws in Bulgaria, and we have partners all over the world who can help you stay in compliance at every step.

Destination Services: 

Moving is more than just moving boxes; it’s beginning a new life. We help people get settled in by helping them find a place to live (including rental searches and lease negotiations), schools for their kids (we can tell you about international schools in Sofia or local schools in your city), orientation tours to help you get to know the area, setting up a bank account, signing up for healthcare and even giving you tips on where to shop or how public transport works. Our family relocation support makes sure that everyone in your family adjusts well. For example, we can help your spouse find networking opportunities in the area or help you find a vet for your pet. We customize our destination services to meet your needs so that you feel supported long after you arrive.

Matrix Mobility is basically a one-stop shop for moving to Bulgaria. We offer a full range of services to meet all of your needs, including packing your things safely, shipping them, dealing with customs, delivering and unpacking, and even helping you get used to your new home and navigate the legal system. We give all of our services a personal touch. You will have a dedicated move coordinator who will be your only point of contact the whole time. We also make sure that our service partners, like packing crews, drivers, immigration lawyers, and others, meet our high standards. You can relax knowing that experts are taking care of every part of your move when you choose Matrix Mobility.

(We work with international movers all over the world, so even if your move involves more than one country, we can handle it without any problems. For example, we can help you move from the US to Bulgaria or from Bulgaria to Australia. Distance is not a problem for us. We also offer specialised services like moving fine art, shipping vehicles, and finding storage for extra furniture, as mentioned above. Just tell us what you need, and we’ll make a relocation package just for you.)

Are you ready to move to or from Bulgaria?

Moving to another country can be very stressful, but with Matrix Mobility on your side, you’ll be amazed at how easy it can be. Are you ready to start your move to Bulgaria? Let us do the hard work for you, both physically and mentally. We can help you with everything from moving internationally to getting settled in. Get in touch with our friendly staff today for a free consultation or a quick quote that meets your needs. With the help of Matrix Mobility, you can have a smooth and pleasant move to Bulgaria.

You can talk to us about your plans by contacting Matrix Mobility . Whether you’re moving to Bulgaria for work, to retire by the Black Sea, or to move your office to another country, we’ll make a moving plan that works with your schedule and budget. Get in touch with Matrix Mobility to start your new adventure. We’ll help you make your move to or from Bulgaria a success!

Above all, keep in mind that you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Moving to Bulgaria is possible with the help of professionals, and it can even be a fun and rewarding experience. We look forward to being your trusted partner on this journey.