Living in Sofia: the ultimate expat guide

Sofia dominates Bulgaria's labor market, concentrating 43% of the country's employed population. The city has established itself as a regional center for IT, finance, and business services, attracting both multinational corporations and innovative startups. English proficiency is widespread in professional settings, making integration into the workforce accessible for international professionals.

Key Industries and Employment

The IT and technology sector leads Sofia's job market, with demand for software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists. Major international companies including HP, SAP, and VMware maintain significant operations here. The financial services sector continues to expand, alongside growing opportunities in logistics, manufacturing, and business process outsourcing. Salaries in Sofia are notably higher than the national average, with the average salary in the capital reaching BGN 3,386 (EUR 1,731) per month in early 2025.

Work Permits and Visas

EU/EEA citizens can live and work freely in Bulgaria without a visa, though registration with local authorities is required for stays exceeding 90 days. Non-EU nationals must obtain both a work permit and a long-stay visa (Type D). The most common pathways include the Single Residence and Work Permit (valid up to 3 years) and the EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers with a salary at least 1.5 times the national average. Employers typically initiate the work permit application process with the Bulgarian Employment Agency.

Employment Overview

Sources: National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria, EURES

Sofia is Bulgaria's academic center, home to the country's oldest and most prestigious universities. International students benefit from EU-recognized degrees, affordable tuition fees compared to Western Europe, and an increasing number of English-taught programs. The city's growing reputation as a tech hub creates strong links between academia and industry.

Leading Universities

Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, founded in 1888, is Bulgaria's largest and most respected institution, offering programs across humanities, sciences, and professional fields. The university provides numerous English-language courses and has a dedicated international student office. Technical University of Sofia specializes in engineering and technology disciplines, while the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) focuses on business, economics, and administration. For medical studies, the Medical University of Sofia attracts students from across Europe and beyond.

Tuition Fees and Admission

Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries typically range from EUR 2,800 to EUR 7,700 annually for undergraduate and master's programs at Sofia University, depending on the field of study. Medical programs command higher fees, approximately EUR 7,700 to EUR 9,000 per year. A specialized preparatory language course costs around EUR 3,500. Admission generally requires proof of previous education, language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS for English programs), and sometimes entrance examinations.

University Tuition Overview (Non-EU Students)

Sources: Sofia University, Bulgarian Universities Guide

Sofia offers diverse educational options for expatriate families, from international schools following British, American, or IB curricula to bilingual institutions blending Bulgarian and international approaches. While Bulgarian public schools are free and follow a 12-grade national curriculum, instruction is conducted entirely in Bulgarian, making international schools the preferred choice for most expat families.

International Schools

The Anglo-American School of Sofia (AAS) serves students aged 4 to 18, offering a curriculum combining US and UK best practices along with the IB Diploma program. With approximately 600 students from around 50 nationalities, it's one of the most established international schools. Yearly fees range from BGN 29,054 to BGN 54,447 (approximately EUR 14,850 to EUR 27,840). The British School of Sofia follows the British curriculum for ages 2 to 18, with fees between EUR 7,000 and EUR 12,500 per year. The American College of Sofia, founded in 1860, offers an American curriculum with IB Diploma for secondary students, with annual fees around BGN 42,438 (EUR 21,700).

Enrollment and Admission

International schools typically require application forms, previous academic records, recommendation letters, and sometimes entrance assessments. The academic year generally runs from late August to late June. Early application is recommended, particularly for popular schools like AAS, as spaces can be limited. Most international schools offer bus services, extracurricular activities, and support for students transitioning from other educational systems.

International School Fees (2025/2026)

Sources: Anglo-American School of Sofia, British School of Sofia

Sofia's rental market offers diverse options across distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price point. The market has seen significant price increases in recent years, but remains considerably more affordable than most Western European capitals. Most rental apartments come furnished, and landlords typically require a deposit of one to two months' rent.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Lozenets is one of Sofia's most sought-after residential areas, known as the "Green Pearl" of the city. Located south of the center near South Park, it offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, attracting young professionals and families. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from EUR 600 to EUR 900 monthly. Oborishte, with its tree-lined streets and artistic atmosphere, offers proximity to the center and excellent restaurants. Boyana and Dragalevtsi, at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, host the largest expat communities, particularly diplomatic personnel and international business executives, with access to international schools and cleaner mountain air. Mladost offers more affordable modern apartments with excellent metro connections to the business park area.

Rental Process

Finding accommodation typically involves working with local real estate agents or browsing online platforms. Always sign a formal rental contract, document the apartment's condition with photos, and clarify deposit return conditions in writing. Most landlords prefer bank transfers for rent payments, and utilities are often paid separately.

Average Monthly Rent

Sources: Numbeo

Sofia offers a rich cultural scene spanning ancient history, religious heritage, and contemporary arts. The city's compact center makes it easy to explore on foot, while the surrounding mountains and parks provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities year-round.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

The National Historical Museum, one of the largest in the Balkans, houses treasures from ancient Thracian civilization through modern times. The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with its distinctive gold domes, stands as one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and a symbol of Bulgaria. The UNESCO-listed Boyana Church, dating to the 10th century, contains remarkably preserved medieval frescoes. For a unique perspective on recent history, the Museum of Socialist Art displays monuments and propaganda from the communist era in an outdoor sculpture park.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Vitosha Mountain, accessible by public transport in just 20 minutes, offers hiking trails in summer and skiing in winter, with the peak reaching 2,290 meters. Borisova Gradina, Sofia's oldest and largest park, provides a green escape with lakes, playgrounds, and café terraces. The South Park (Yuzhen Park) and NDK Park surrounding the National Palace of Culture host outdoor events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Sofia's nightlife centers around Vitosha Boulevard and the surrounding streets, with a mix of trendy bars, traditional tavernas (mehanas), and nightclubs. The Ivan Vazov National Theatre presents Bulgarian and international productions, while the National Palace of Culture hosts concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events. During summer, open-air cinemas and music festivals add to the city's entertainment options.

Cultural Highlights

Sources: Visit Sofia Official Tourism Portal

Daily life in Sofia blends European convenience with Balkan character. The city offers reliable public transportation, walkable neighborhoods, and an increasingly international atmosphere in central districts. While Bulgarian is the official language, English is widely spoken among younger generations and in business settings, particularly in the tech sector.

Public Transportation

Sofia's public transport network includes four metro lines with 47 stations, along with extensive bus, tram, and trolleybus routes. The metro is the fastest way to navigate the city, connecting the airport (M4 line) directly to the center. A single ticket costs BGN 1.60 (EUR 0.82), while a monthly pass is BGN 50 (EUR 25). The system has gone largely digital, with contactless payment options including bank cards and mobile apps. Using your bank card for more than two trips daily automatically converts to a day pass for BGN 4 (EUR 2).

Lifestyle and Culture

Sofia residents enjoy a café culture influenced by both Ottoman and Central European traditions. The city center remains walkable, with pedestrianized Vitosha Boulevard serving as the main shopping and social hub. Weekend activities often include hiking on Vitosha Mountain, just a short bus ride from the center, or exploring the numerous parks scattered throughout the city. Bulgaria uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which can present an initial challenge, though signage in tourist areas and metro stations includes English translations. Shops and services typically operate from 10:00 to 20:00, with supermarkets open longer hours.

Transportation Costs

Sources: Sofia Metro, Sofia Urban Mobility Center

Sofia remains one of the most affordable capitals in the European Union, though prices have increased significantly in recent years. The city offers excellent value for those earning in stronger currencies or working in well-paying sectors like IT. Bulgaria is expected to adopt the euro in January 2026, which may impact prices in the short term.

Monthly Budget: Single Person

A single person can live comfortably in Sofia on approximately EUR 1,100 to EUR 1,400 per month, including rent. Budget-conscious individuals can manage on less, while those seeking a more comfortable lifestyle should plan for EUR 1,600+. Dining out remains relatively affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around BGN 20 (EUR 10) and a mid-range restaurant dinner for two around BGN 85 (EUR 43).

Monthly Budget: Family of Four

A family of four should budget approximately EUR 2,500 to EUR 3,500 monthly, depending on housing choices and whether children attend international schools. International school fees represent a significant expense, ranging from EUR 7,000 to EUR 28,000 annually per child. Healthcare costs are moderate, with private health insurance available at competitive rates.

Monthly Costs: Single Person

Monthly Costs: Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo, National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria