Expat Stories: Interviews With Expats in Bulgaria

The best way to prepare for moving abroad is to ask someone who lives there about life there. What’s even better is to talk to somebody who has moved there from somewhere else. Their experience as an expat can be very different from a local who has lived there their whole life.

If you’re thinking about moving to Bulgaria but don’t know anyone who did it, you’re in the right place. We have interviewed four expats who have moved to Bulgaria and agreed to share their experiences with us.

See what Olivia from the UK, Magnus from Austria, Emilija from Latvia, and Beatriz from Spain had to say about moving to Bulgaria.

Q1: What were the stereotypes that you had about Bulgarian people before arriving? Have you changed your mind after meeting them?

Olivia: Well, I had a Bulgarian friend at uni, who would always say that Bulgarians are very rude. Then I met his friends, and they would say the same. And all of them were so nice to me! :D But all of them would agree collectively that they are very rude. I think this is a stereotype that you guys are promoting yourselves and it is very funny, because in my experience that is never the case. 

Magnus: Before arriving in Bulgaria, I had a few stereotypes in mind, such as Bulgarians being reserved, and perhaps even a bit unfriendly to foreigners. However, after spending time here, I can say that it’s not true (at least from my point of view). I find Bulgarians to be warm, generally very hospitable, and incredibly proud of their rich cultural heritage. They are often eager to share their traditions, food, and history with newcomers. 

Emilija: I heard some stereotypes about the country being somewhat old-fashioned and struggling economically. But after coming here, I discovered that Bulgaria's major cities are modern, and the economy is steadily improving. There is also a vibrant mix of traditional and modern lifestyles. 

Beatriz: I heard somewhere that Bulgarians don’t speak very good English, which worried me, because I didn’t know any Bulgarian before coming here. Maybe it’s because I live in a touristy place, but I didn’t find it to be an issue at all. I still know only basic phrases in Bulgarian, but I can easily get by speaking English in everyday life. At work, I use English as well, so the language barrier isn’t a problem.

Q2: What is your favourite food from Bulgaria?

Olivia: Shopska salad for sure! I am really getting into the habit of having a salad before every meal - that’s not the case in the UK. Where I’m from, salads are considered entire meals, and I can definitely get behind the concept of them being side dishes or appetisers. Also, it feels healthy to have fresh veggies with every meal. I strongly recommend everyone to try any salads when they come here. 

Magnus: Definitely banitsa. It’s a delicious pastry made with layers of filo dough filled with a mixture of eggs, yogurt, and white cheese. It can also contain seasonal veggies, like spinach or pumpkin. It is a staple in Bulgarian cuisine that people tend to eat for breakfast, but I sometimes have it as a snack.

Emilija: My favourite Bulgarian food has to be sarmi, which are grape leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice. It’s a traditional dish that’s quickly become my comfort food. I also have a sweet tooth, so I really enjoy mekitsi. They are fried dough pastries typically served with jam or honey for breakfast.

Beatriz: One dish I can’t get enough of is kavarma, a slow-cooked stew with pork, onions, mushrooms, and peppers. It’s hearty and comforting, and I love the rich flavors. For a lighter option, tarator, a cold cucumber soup with yogurt and dill, is incredibly refreshing during the hot summer months.

Q3: What is something surprising that you didn’t expect before moving to Bulgaria?

Olivia: Well…. I have to say, I didn't have too many expectations when I came here, only what I’ve heard from my friends. But maybe how spacious the apartments here are. In the UK, where I am from, living in 80 square meters feels like a luxury, and here you can find accommodation of this size, for pretty affordable prices. 

But on the bad side, people here park their cars everywhere! Including on the sidewalk and in front of building entries. I don’t know why there is no organised parking when there is so much space for people. This is something the government should work on, I think, and I am still not used to it. 

Magnus: One surprising aspect of moving to Bulgaria was the amount of outdoor activities available and the country’s natural beauty. I love the diverse landscape, from stunning beaches to the beautiful mountain ranges perfect for hiking and skiing. Bulgaria really has it all.

Emilija: I didn’t expect the rich cultural heritage, including ancient Roman ruins and medieval fortresses. There are so many valleys, caves, and unique rock formations like the Belogradchik Rocks to explore. 

Beatriz: Although I live in a big city, my Bulgarian friends showed me around the country when I first came. I was surprised by the strong sense of community in smaller towns and villages. Despite being a modern country, traditional values and tight-knit communities are still very much alive. 

I also didn’t expect the vibrant festival scene. There’s always something interesting happening:  folk festivals or modern music and arts events. Attending such events is a great way to discover the culture and meet people.

Q4: What challenges did you face when adapting to a new culture and how did you overcome them?

Olivia: Hm, I have to say, my experience here has been fairly smooth until now. One funny thing that confused me at the beginning was how people nod when they agree and disagree with something. They do it in the opposite way from me, so I’ve had some pretty socially awkward moments of misunderstanding. But then you get used to it. Also, I had to get used to everyone smoking around me all the time. Some people still smoke in bars, I am not sure if it is legal. 

Magnus: The language barrier was one of the biggest challenges for me when I first moved to Bulgaria. Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which I was completely unfamiliar with. To overcome this, I enrolled in language classes and made an effort to practice speaking with locals. It was a bit embarrassing at first, but they were very supportive and my skills quickly improved. 

Emilija: One challenge I faced was navigating the different bureaucracy and administrative processes. Dealing with paperwork and understanding local regulations was confusing at first. Luckily, I received a lot of help and support from local expat groups. I also recommend consulting with professionals who can guide you through the necessary steps - you don’t want to miss anything when it comes to your legal stay in the country.

Beatriz: Adjusting to local dining customs was difficult at the beginning. Meal times and food etiquette can be different, and it took a bit of time to understand and adapt to these social norms. I found that being open to trying new things and asking for advice from locals helped me adapt more smoothly.

Q5: What advice would you give to fellow expats who are considering or are already living abroad in Bulgaria?

Olivia: You should do it! Living here is great! You can go skiing in winter, and to the beach in summer, and both things are so close to travel to. On that note, make sure to pack for 4 seasons. Here it gets from -10 in winter to +32 in summer, we have it all. 

Take advantage of how cheap and easy it is to ski here. Skiing is not a popular sport in the UK, since there aren’t any resorts nearby, and a ski trip is much more expensive than here. 

Magnus: Learn the language! While many people speak English, even a basic understanding of Bulgarian can go a long way in making your experience smoother and more enjoyable. It will also be easier to make friends when you make the effort to speak the language, or when you look for someone to practice with. 

Another thing I recommend is to explore the country. Bulgaria has so much to offer! Travel around and discover its diverse landscapes, historic sites, and lively cities. Having a car - or friends who have a car - definitely makes it easier.

Emilija: Moving to a whole other country can feel pretty lonely after a while, when the novelty of it fades and you start missing home. So, start building your crowd before that loneliness catches up to you. Connect with both locals and other expats. Signing up for classes or buying a gym membership can help you feel more at home.

Join expat groups and forums to meet others who have gone through similar experiences. They can offer valuable advice and support.

Beatriz: I would say that staying open-minded is important. Moving to a new country can be challenging, but maintaining an open mind and a positive attitude can help you navigate difficulties. Take the time to learn about Bulgarian traditions, history, and customs. Attend local festivals, try Bulgarian food, and try to engage with the community. Once you make friends, they can guide you through their culture and customs and provide advice. 

Q6: What is your favourite place in Bulgaria?

Olivia: I particularly love Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. It has it all: rolling hills, historical ruins (a treat for a history nerd like me), and picturesque views. 

Magnus: I am big on hiking, so I would have to say the Seven Rila lakes. It is a great place for a chill hike, and it just has this vibe to it. 

While you’re there, make sure to visit the Rila Monastery as well. The architecture is beautiful, and it looks amazing against the mountain backdrop. 

Emilija: My favourite place in Bulgaria is Plovdiv. It’s one of the oldest cities in Europe with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. The Old Town is very charming, with its cobblestone streets and ancient Roman theatre.

Beatriz: Definitely Varna. I might be biased because that’s where I live, but I just think it’s an amazing city. I travelled all over Bulgaria when I first came here, and I still believe Varna is the best!

Situated by the sea, it boasts a lively mix of cultural attractions, beautiful beaches, and exciting nightlife. The Sea Garden is a great place for a relaxing walk with views of the sea, and the nearby Golden Sands and Albena resorts are popular tourist hotspots. I don’t really go there as a local, but it’s a good place to visit on a holiday to get a feel of Varna before you move.

Q7: Is living in Bulgaria expensive?

Olivia: Compared to where? :D If I compared to Thailand, yes! But If I compared to the UK, definitely not! 

Magnus: Living in Bulgaria is generally more affordable compared to many Western European countries. It is definitely cheaper than in Austria, where I come from. But keep in mind that the salaries are lower, too. 

Emilija: Well, of course, costs can vary depending on the city. But in general, you can expect lower prices for housing, food, and transportation. Sofia, the capital, is more expensive than other cities in Bulgaria, but still relatively affordable.

Beatriz: I live in Varna, which is a touristy place in the summer, so the prices there are a bit higher than in many other cities in Bulgaria. But it’s still cheaper than some other places I lived in as an expat, such as Barcelona or Dublin. 

Q8: Is Bulgaria a good place to live?

Olivia: In my experience, yes! Sofia (my city) is a good place to live if you want to have the “city life” experience, but don’t have to deal with the hype of tourists all the time. And it is a great place to get some work experience even for someone like me who doesn’t have the highest qualifications. 

Magnus: Yes, Bulgaria is a good place to live, especially if you appreciate a slower pace of life, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty. There are many historical sites to visit and lots of nature for all kinds of outdoor activities. I recommend getting a car when you move here to easily explore them all.

Emilija: Yes. The cost of living is relatively low, and the quality of life is high, with access to good healthcare, education, and many leisure activities. The people are friendly, and there is a rich cultural heritage to explore.

Beatriz: Bulgaria is a great place to live if you appreciate being in a place with a rich culture and lots of things happening. The cost of living is reasonable, and the quality of life can be very good, with a friendly local population, and a growing expat community (especially in bigger cities like Varna or Sofia).

Q9: Why should you live in Bulgaria?

Olivia: Bulgaria has a rich history and vibrant cultural traditions, which is definitely my favourite thing about it. There are also increasing opportunities for employment and finding a job wasn’t difficult for me, even without much experience.

Magnus: What I like most about Bulgaria is its natural beauty. Bulgaria offers diverse landscapes, with mountains and beaches. I come from Austria, which is difficult to beat in terms of landscapes, but I have to say that I fell in love with Bulgaria after I explored it a bit.

Emilija: The cost of living is definitely a plus. Bulgaria is more affordable compared to many other European countries. You can enjoy a lower cost of living while enjoying a good quality of life.

Beatriz: Bulgaria is a good place to live if you want to settle and make friends. The local community is generally welcoming and helpful, which makes blending in easier.

Q10: Is living in Bulgaria safe?

Olivia: Oh yes, this is the country where I haven't had my phone stolen yet! I count this as safe.

Magnus: Yes, living in Bulgaria is generally safe. Like any country, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions, but overall, Bulgaria has a low crime rate. 

Emilija: I think so. The local police are approachable and willing to help, and the community is friendly and supportive towards newcomers. I have many friends here who are expats, and all of them think Bulgaria is a safe place to live. 

Beatriz: Even though Varna can get a bit crowded in the summer, I’ve never felt unsafe. I’ve only lived here for 8 months so far, but I’m never afraid of coming back home from a night out on my own or relaxing at the beach by myself when my bag is next to me. 

Q10: Do you need a visa to live in Bulgaria? 

Citizens of the European Union don’t need a visa to move to Bulgaria. If you’re an EU citizen and wish to stay in Bulgaria for more than 3 months, you will only need a residence permit.

Expats from outside the EU need the D-type visa to live and work in Bulgaria. The requirements differ, depending on where you are from and why you are coming to Bulgaria, so it’s always best to inquire at the local Bulgarian embassy. There, you will be able to obtain information for your specific situation. 

As an expat coming to Bulgaria for work from outside the EU, you will also need a work permit.

Q11: How can a foreigner get a job in Bulgaria?

Many international businesses are opening new branches in Bulgaria, so the demand for language speakers is growing on the job market. You can find a job in Bulgaria with English or other languages you speak. 

Europe Language Jobs is a great place to start - we list jobs with languages in European countries, and Bulgaria is one of our top destinations. 

EU citizens can easily obtain a job in Bulgaria - expats from outside the EU need to go a step further and get the D-type visa and a work permit.

Q12: What’s a good salary in Bulgaria?

The minimum wage in Bulgaria is 933BGN (477EUR) in 2024. However, according to Talent Up, the average monthly gross salary is much higher than that, standing at 2000GBN (1020EUR). 

It is important to keep in mind that while the salaries are lower than in other parts of Europe, so is the cost of living. The wage is adjusted to the expenses, so they are enough to live a comfortable life in Bulgaria.

Q13: How many expats live in Bulgaria?

According to data by Workwide Recruit, there are 60,000 expats living in Bulgaria. They are mostly centred in big cities, such as Sofia or Varna. 

The fact that Bulgaria not be the most popular choice for expats in Europe is actually an advantage. There are enough expats in Bulgaria to form a community, but not enough to make it crowded.

Obtaining necessary documentation isn’t as difficult as for example in Spain or Portugal, where the queues are never-ending and the administrative system is saturated. 

We hope we have answered your questions about living in Bulgaria as an expat. Every country has its pros and cons, but Bulgaria is definitely a good destination for its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, low cost of living, and rich culture. 

If you’d like to move, start by finding a job in Bulgaria and begin your adventure in the Balkans!

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