International Removal Guide
Moving to Bulgaria
Bulgaria is fast becoming the go-to destination for ex-pats looking for somewhere cheaper to retire or move to. With one of the lowest cost of living in Europe, it still offers free state healthcare and has plenty of opportunities for new business ventures with it’s low rate of 10% corporate tax.
So, whether you’re moving to Bulgaria for work, family, or just looking to retire there, follow our international removals guide below to ensure you have all the correct information before moving to your new life abroad! Got a Question? Drop us an Email!
1. Why Move to Bulgaria?
Affordable Cost of Living
According to Numbeo, Bulgaria is one of the most afforable countries in Europe. With the cost of living almost 50% lower than the UK, you can easily sustain a comfortable lifestyle with a budget of between 1000-1500 Euros a month.
Economic and Employment Opportunities
Bulgaria is proving to be a popular location for emerging businesses thanks to the corporate tax rate of just 10%, making it one of the lowest taxed locations in all of Europe. Not only does this make it more attractive for investors, but the growing GDP has allowed key industries like IT, tourism and agriculture to thrive and grow significantly over the past decade.
Climate and Natural Beauty
With three main mountain ranges, Bulgaria’s climate has it all. From warm summers to snowy winters, the country boasts stunning beaches along the Black Sea and several national parks, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ease of Integration
Although Bulgaria is highly welcoming of tourists, with many speaking English, the main language of Bulgarian is most common across the country. However, there are plenty of ex-pat communities in cities like Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna to provide a support network for newcomers.
2. Key Facts and Figures
Here are some of the key facts and figures about Bulgaria as a country:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | 6.45 million |
| Official Language | Bulgarian |
| Currency | Bulgarian Lev |
| Time Zone | GMT+2 |
| Major Cities | Sofia, Pleven, Dobrich and Burgas |
3. Visa and Immigration Requirements
Before considering a move to Bulgaria, you need to carefully examine all the options for visas and residency before you you plan your move.
For EU citizens, moving to Bulgaria is relatively straight forward; only having to register with the local municipality within 90 days of your arrival.
If you’re not an EU citizen then you would need to apply for a D visa, followed by a long-term residence permit. The time to process these applications can take up to 3 months.
4. Preparing for Your Move
A. Choosing the Right Removal Company
During your research for a trustworthy International Removal Company, be sure to check if they are members of an internationally accredited association, such as Euromovers or IAM. Also check to see if they have specific case studies that relate to you desired destination. If they’ve not previously shipped goods to your chosen country, we’d advise choosing another removal company.
The services you would typically expect from your chosen International Removal Company should include:
- Packing and Unpacking Assistance
- Secure Transportation of Goods
- Customs clearance and documentation
- Storage Solutions (if required)
B. Shipping Options
Located in Western Europe, shipping your goods to Bulgaria from the UK is the most cost-effective option. Although much quicker, air-freight is a lot more expensive. You could also go down the road-train route, that will take the longest time, but will more than likely be the cheapest option too.
- Sea Freight: Cost Effective for larger shipments; transit times range from 5-7 days.
- Air Freight: More expensive than sea freight, but significantly quicker, making ideal for time-sensitive goods.
- Road Train: The cheapest and longest way to get your goods to their new home in Bulgaria.
*BONUS* – why not check out our article all about Air Freight vs Sea Freight?
C. Customs Regulations
Be aware of Bulgarian customs policies. At the very least you need to be able to provide the following:
- Detailed Inventory List
- Passport and proof of residence in Bulgaria
- Copy of visas
- Work permit or Residency Documents
In Bulgaria, and most other countries, certain items like alcohol, tobacco and electronics may attract higher duty payments, or may even require special permits! Vehicles can be imported, but require registration and a roadworthiness test.
D. Decluttering and Packing
Here at Euromovers we’re firm believers in using the three R’s when it comes to decluttering before you pack:
- Reduce: Decrease the amount your taking by removing old clothes and items you no longer need.
- Re-Use: Those boxes you’re about to throw away? They can be re-used for moving!
- Recycle: If you’ve not got a use for it, maybe someone else will? Recycle any old clothes and put them into a donation box for you local clothes bank
5. Estimated Costs
At Euromovers, our calculated cost of moving abroad is based upon 3 main factors: The shipment size (ft³), destination, and customs duty! Here’s a further breakdown of these costs:
- Shipping Costs: Sea Freight for a 20ft container can be anywhere from £200- to £4000. Plus transport costs when you get there. While air freight can be upwards of £3,500.
- Custom Duties: These will vary depending on the value you have put on your goods. It can range from 4% to 45% of the value of your goods, and will depend on the classification of goods. Typically though, Bulgaria charges a 10% import tax. For example, your laptop is worth £200. You would pay a total of £20 to import it into Bulgaria. Confused? Why not use this handy import calculator to figure out how much VAT and duty you would be due on your current inventory of goods.
- Insurance: At Euromovers we offer varying levels of cover including marine transport insurance. On average, insurance costs are between 1-3% of the shipment value.
- Temporary Accommodation: You may need to factor in the costs of staying short-term if awaiting a visa or a room to become available. Put aside approximately £50-£80 per night for a comfortable night of sleep in Sofia. Whereas a night’s stay in a more urban location will cost less, at between £30 and £60 per night.
6. Settling In: Housing, Schools, and Healthcare
A. Housing
Bulgaria’s cost of living is significantly lower than most of Europe, making it the perfect budget-friendly relocation.
- One Bed Apartment in Sofia: €300 – €600
- Three Bed Apartment in Sofia: €700 – €1,200
- Rural Properties: available to buy for under €50,000
B. Education
Although Bulgaria offers both public and private education, the public schools are generally taught in the native Bulgarian tongue. For English private schools, tuition ranges between €3,000 and €10,000 per year.
The top three international schools in Bulgaria are:
C. Healthcare
Although not at the very top of the medical tree, healthcare in Bulgaria has been slowly improving year on year, with many public and private options. If you are an EU citizen, you can use your EHIC card to get free medical care, whereas non-EU residents require private insurance until they gain residency.
Top 3 Rated Hospitals in Bulgaria:
7. Bulgaria and other European Destinations
Cost of Living Comparison
| Expense | Bulgaria (€) | Germany (€) | Spain (€) | UK (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1 bed, city centre) | 400 | 1,100 | 900 | 1,800 |
| Utilities (monthly) | 120 | 180 | 150 | 250 |
| Public Transport | 25 | 80 | 50 | 90 |
| Groceries (monthly) | 250 | 300 | 280 | 350 |
Pros of Moving to Bulgaria Over Popular Expat Destinations:
- Low Cost of Living: Very affordable housing, utilities, and services.
- Favourable Tax System: 10% flat income and corporate tax rate.
- Rich Culture and Natural Beauty: Plenty of mountains, beaches and historical sites.
- EU Membership: Ease of travel within Europe.
Cons Compared to Other Destinations:
- Lower Wages: Salaries are lower compared to the rest of Europe.
- Bureaucracy: Paperwork can be slow and complex
- Language Barrier: Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, making it challenging for newcomers.
- Infrastructure: Although the cities are well catered for, rural locations lack some modern amenities and transport links.
8. Settling Down
Exploring Your New Home in Bulgaria
Depending on what your interests are, you may wish to choose a location that will suit your needs and desires. So if you’re looking for something specific when moving to Bulgaria, we’d suggest the following locations to explore in your new Bulgarian home.
- Urban Life: Stroll through the historic streets of Sofia, admire the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, visit the National Gallery, or step back in time to the ancient Roman ruins of Plovdiv.
- Beach Life: Relax and unwind on the golden sands of the many beaches along the Black Sea. Explore the charming coastal town of Sozopol, or inhale the breathtaking cliffs near Cape Kaliakra.
- Like Food and Wine?: If you’re a food lover, be sure to try traditional Bulgarian dishes like banitsa (savoury pasta), shopska salad, or the richest yoghurt you’ve ever tasted! Don’t miss the country’s renowned wine regions like Melnik or the Thracian Valley for an unforgettable tasting experience.
- Festivals: Celebrate Bulgaria’s famous rose oil export with the vibrant Rose Festival in Kazanlak. Or enjoy the spirit of the Kukeri Festival, where masked dancers ward off evil spirits! Least of all, don’t miss the music at the Meadows at the fabulous Mountains Festival, set against the stunning Rhodope Monutain range.
9. FAQs About Moving to Bulgaria
Q: How long does it take to ship household goods to Bulgaria?
Sea freight using 20ft or 40ft shipping containers usually takes between 5-7 days, whereas air freight can be as little as 3 days. However, you need to account for at least a day of road travel as there is no direct sea port in Bulgaria.
Q: Can I bring my pet with me to Bulgaria?
Yes, the majority of European pets such as cats and dogs can be brought into Bulgaria. However, they must meet specific import regulations, including vaccines, quarantine and micro-chipping if they've not been tagged already.
Q: What are the Living Costs like in Bulgaria
Compared to the United Kingdom, the cost of living in Bulgaria is significantly cheaper. Monthly expenses range from £750 to £1200 per month for a single person. However, a family may need upwards of £200 to live comfortably.
10. Conclusion: Moving to Bulgaria
As an alternative option to the more traditional ex-pat locations of Spain, moving to Bulgaria presents an excellent opportunity for those budget conscious movers. Offering a culturally rich and business-friendly location, Bulgaria is on the up, and within the next decade is expected to attract more and more people to it’s diverse country. With a low cost of living, the only sticking points lie in the different language, lower wages, and lack of infrastructure in more rural locations. However, if you’re basing yourself in a city like Sofia, then you’ll have everything you had a home at your finger tips.
Moving to Bulgaria also makes sense if your business is looking to expand further into Europe. With the low corporate tax rate of 10%, the savings alone will pay off the cost of the move. So, if you like the idea of a lower cost of living in a quieter location, then take the next step and figure out how much it’s going to cost with a moving to Bulgaria quote!
Choose Euromovers as your trusted international removal company, and get a Quote Today!
