JimJ
English expat in Bulgaria
Forum posts
1723
About me
English
Speaks Greek, English, French, Bulgarian, German
Registration: 07 December 2015
DN visa in Bulgaria by Mike J1234
Hey,I want to apply for the DN visa in January. I'm trying to figure out - as a freelancer I don't always have contract with those I work with (most of my income is with a company which we have no contract), is it ok to not show contract? My ...
@Mike J1234 You should also be aware that anti-Israeli sentiment is on the increase in the Balkans.. Read More
Having Electric meter moved by Jules999
HiHas anybody ever had their electric meter moved from within their garden area to a post outside their house? And if so what was the cost incurred please? It's really inconvenient having it within the property / garden area, not only if you own ...
The new generation of meters are readable remotely, so siting isn't so critical anymore. The "battery back-up" of many alarm systems just powers the outdoor siren (and usually a strobe) in case of power failure, deliberate or not; an internal ... Read More
Having Electric meter moved by Jules999
HiHas anybody ever had their electric meter moved from within their garden area to a post outside their house? And if so what was the cost incurred please? It's really inconvenient having it within the property / garden area, not only if you own ...
Yes, but it's also convenient for prospective burglars to turn off the power to your house and camera/alarm system too.. Read More
Rental nightmares in Bulgaria by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Finding a place to live in Bulgaria can be exciting, but it doesn’t always go as planned. From misleading listings and apartments that look nothing like the photos to strange landlords, hidden rules, unexpected roommates, or ...
Quite a number of landlords don't want their tenants officially registered at their property, and the landlord's under no obligation to permit, let alone facilitate, it. It's important for a tenant to specify that they wish to be registered at the ... Read More
Selling a property via company by Jules999
Hi Does anybody know if you sell your property via company ownership as the director ( my husband ) can the funds received be deposited into any Bulgarian bank account nominated by him? Or will the notary insist that he has a business bank account ...
Absolutely! Tax avoidance is common sense, a big difference from tax evasion (which of course is pretty much unheard of here in Bg...😎) Read More
Bad news...or is it? by JimJ
More BS from Novinite for your enjoyment...https://tinyurl.com/ytycbctm
Just to spell it out:Bulgaria has always fluctuated between #1 and #5 cheapest in EU pump prices; it's currently #4. The "percentage rise" in the Novinite report is correct but just applying simple arithmetic principles reveals that the conclusion ... Read More
Bad news...or is it? by JimJ
More BS from Novinite for your enjoyment...https://tinyurl.com/ytycbctm
What is BS? Facts from the European statititics? - @SimCityAT No - the BS in question relates to things that are indeed facts but presented in a way which misleads the average reader, apparently successfully. Can you not see the BS in that report? ... Read More
A Great Lady is gone by JimJ
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/aug/25/dolly-parton-country-singer-dead
@SimCityAT Because some of my esteemed readership has short attention spans, mayhap? 😎Alternatively, because shortened links work just as well and retain an element of mystery... 😁 Read More
Recommendation for family lawyer in Varna by chrichri13
I’m looking for a highly experienced family lawyer based in Varna who has strong expertise in German family law. The court hearings in my case are currently taking place at BalchikI would really appreciate recommendations from anyone who has ...
@chrichri13 Indeed so. But it may be possible to have the case moved to Sofia. Having been in the business, I can assure you of what you no doubt already know: you can have it good or you can have it cheap, but not both together. Read More
Recommendation for family lawyer in Varna by chrichri13
I’m looking for a highly experienced family lawyer based in Varna who has strong expertise in German family law. The court hearings in my case are currently taking place at BalchikI would really appreciate recommendations from anyone who has ...
Yes, but they're unsurprisingly all based in Sofia ..Ruskov & KollegenIgnatova & PartnersD. Vladimirov & Partners Read More
A Great Lady is gone by JimJ
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/aug/25/dolly-parton-country-singer-dead
@janemulberry Just don't forget Tom Cantor's very sensible advice... 😎https://tinyurl.com/4c5ckevv Read More
Roma family gone! by Kath948381
The Roma family who lived across the lane from me appear to have moved. They were in the house last winter , but they had a huge TV disc thing installed even before they got an inside bathroom or running water, now the TV disc had gone as have ...
@Kath948381 I wonder what's happened with you after your last visit to this site months ago - it'd be interesting to hear how the construction went/is going and what the new neighbours are like.. Read More
A Great Lady is gone
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/aug/25/dolly-parton-country-singer-dead Read More
Looking for a bucolic existence in uneventful BG? Think again... by JimJ
https://tinyurl.com/4pva2e29https://tinyurl.com/3vetfr8j
The White House -- I think he must have had his portrait done by the artist who did Dorian Grey's. - @janemulberry I have no problems with someone hanging him in the attic - or from a lamppost if they want to boost their street cred... 😁 Read More
Anyone here in Aheloy? by Laila Stancioff
Would love to meet
Welcome to The Madhouse! 😁There used to be quite a few Brits in Aheloy years ago but I think many of them sold up after the problems with some of the big developers and their shady practices. I hear it's a nice place but maybe very quiet ... Read More
Looking for a bucolic existence in uneventful BG? Think again... by JimJ
https://tinyurl.com/4pva2e29https://tinyurl.com/3vetfr8j
@janemulberry You have to remember that Bulgaria has the dubious distinction of consistently coming 27/27 (ie bottom) in the EU Corruption stakes, occasionally tying with Orban-era Hungary.It does bring a bit of suspense to my boring Sofia ... Read More
ET vs EOOD - did anyone here actually regret the choice? by Daniel Malbasic
I set companies up here for a living, so I know the theory. What I do not have is the lived side of it, and that is what I am after.On paper the ET is cheaper and faster and the EOOD gives you the liability separation. That is the textbook answer ...
@janemulberry He's definitely a real live person. 🙂 Read More
My real estate agent only shows me new buildings by JuilaOui
promoted by his agency, does it mean he is getting a 3% commission from me and another percentage from the builder ?
@JuilaOui Depending on what you're looking for, and where, it may be worth your while looking at the main auction site online. You can find information about it if you use this site's search function. Read More
Bad news...or is it?
More BS from Novinite for your enjoyment...https://tinyurl.com/ytycbctm Read More
ET vs EOOD - did anyone here actually regret the choice? by Daniel Malbasic
I set companies up here for a living, so I know the theory. What I do not have is the lived side of it, and that is what I am after.On paper the ET is cheaper and faster and the EOOD gives you the liability separation. That is the textbook answer ...
Most (all?) the members here who set up an EOOD did so in order to purchase property. If any of them were misguided/ill advised enough to plump for an ET for this purpose then they will certainly regret their choice, if they don't already. Apart ... Read More
ET vs EOOD - did anyone here actually regret the choice? by Daniel Malbasic
I set companies up here for a living, so I know the theory. What I do not have is the lived side of it, and that is what I am after.On paper the ET is cheaper and faster and the EOOD gives you the liability separation. That is the textbook answer ...
.You're the one who raised the point that a large number of people here own a company for the purpose of owning an apartment - @Daniel Malbasic I think that something's been lost in translation here. I said two things:"Most (all?) the members here ... Read More
Looking for a bucolic existence in uneventful BG? Think again... by JimJ
https://tinyurl.com/4pva2e29https://tinyurl.com/3vetfr8j
@janemulberry I read the local media and watch the news on the boob-tube - Bulgaria (and Greece) supply all the crazy details. Talking of which, do you remember the case of Zakynthos (aka "The Island of The Blind") some time ago, where a local ... Read More
ET vs EOOD - did anyone here actually regret the choice? by Daniel Malbasic
I set companies up here for a living, so I know the theory. What I do not have is the lived side of it, and that is what I am after.On paper the ET is cheaper and faster and the EOOD gives you the liability separation. That is the textbook answer ...
@Daniel Malbasic "The moment you register an EOOD and list yourself as the managing director, and you have no other insurance basis, you become legally required to self-insure — and you owe a monthly contribution on the minimum insurance base ... Read More
Looking for a bucolic existence in uneventful BG? Think again... by JimJ
https://tinyurl.com/4pva2e29https://tinyurl.com/3vetfr8j
@janemulberry Maybe you missed the Kapitan Andreevo connection? 😎 One wonders just what the Keystone Cops-style security guards busily trying to scatter hi-tech surveillance equipment in the verdant pastures thought they were achieving, and ... Read More
Looking for a bucolic existence in uneventful BG? Think again...
https://tinyurl.com/4pva2e29https://tinyurl.com/3vetfr8j Read More
My real estate agent only shows me new buildings by JuilaOui
promoted by his agency, does it mean he is getting a 3% commission from me and another percentage from the builder ?
Yes, it's common practice here. If you don't end up paying any extra then it's not really an issue. Many Bulgarians are loath to buy off-plan and prefer to wait until the project is finished and has Act 16; it's not unusual for off-plan properties ... Read More
Kite festival Asparuhovo Beach by Truetomyself
Good morning alltotaly random ask l would like to attend the kite festaval on asbarokovo beach on 29th august just rather not do this alone anyone interested in going maybe make new friends
@janemulberry Sounds just the ticket for a hippy chick who missed out on Woodstock and has been looking to get as high as a kite ever since - anybody spring to mind? 😎 Read More
ET vs EOOD - did anyone here actually regret the choice? by Daniel Malbasic
I set companies up here for a living, so I know the theory. What I do not have is the lived side of it, and that is what I am after.On paper the ET is cheaper and faster and the EOOD gives you the liability separation. That is the textbook answer ...
@Daniel Malbasic In over 20 years living here I've yet to come across anyone who formed an EOOD in order to purchase an apartment. That doesn't mean no one's ever done so but if they have they were singularly ill advised.Quite a bit of the important ... Read More
Building a wall around house[B]OT by flowerlillymay
@H Williams So whats going to eat you in Bulgaria ?
Englishman on the menu tonight, huh? - @janemulberry I'll leave that to you...😉 Read More
Building a wall around house[B]OT by flowerlillymay
@H Williams So whats going to eat you in Bulgaria ?
Oh dear! But I don't think that's a risk in most villages! - @janemulberry "Fee-fi-fo-fum...." 😎 Read More
ET vs EOOD - did anyone here actually regret the choice? by Daniel Malbasic
I set companies up here for a living, so I know the theory. What I do not have is the lived side of it, and that is what I am after.On paper the ET is cheaper and faster and the EOOD gives you the liability separation. That is the textbook answer ...
Most (all?) the members here who set up an EOOD did so in order to purchase property. If any of them were misguided/ill advised enough to plump for an ET for this purpose then they will certainly regret their choice, if they don't already.Apart from ... Read More
Beware of getting ill in BG!
I've mentioned this before but it's well worth keeping in mind...https://tinyurl.com/4mpc74f6 Read More
Building a wall around house[B]OT by flowerlillymay
@H Williams So whats going to eat you in Bulgaria ?
@H Williams So whats going to eat you in Bulgaria ? - @flowerlillymay You might be surprised...😎https://dnes.dir.bg/obshtestvo/pochina- … o?hl=en-GB Read More
Rental nightmares in Bulgaria by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Finding a place to live in Bulgaria can be exciting, but it doesn’t always go as planned. From misleading listings and apartments that look nothing like the photos to strange landlords, hidden rules, unexpected roommates, or ...
@janemulberry If you do decide to buy-to-rent, I'd skip Sofia if I were you, unless those premium bonds come up big time. Read More
Bulgarian company by Mic Yarden
Hello, any help with my questions will be appreciated.1. If I don't have any profit from my Bulgarian company, should I inform the NRA, and start paying socials as an unemployed? 2. My car is registered on the Bulgarian company, and I want to close ...
The company (presumably an EOOD) will no longer be inactive if it buys a vehicle. A car acquisition requires a formal purchase contract/invoice, payment transfer, local tax registration (Municipality & KAT), and entering a fixed asset into the ... Read More
Bulgarian company by Mic Yarden
Hello, any help with my questions will be appreciated.1. If I don't have any profit from my Bulgarian company, should I inform the NRA, and start paying socials as an unemployed? 2. My car is registered on the Bulgarian company, and I want to close ...
@Daniel Malbasic Useful information, but as this is a three year old post and I don't think Mick is currently active on the forum, he may not see it and hopefully already resolved the issue! Though non-EU citizens must have a company to buy ... Read More
Rental nightmares in Bulgaria by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Finding a place to live in Bulgaria can be exciting, but it doesn’t always go as planned. From misleading listings and apartments that look nothing like the photos to strange landlords, hidden rules, unexpected roommates, or ...
The average total UK retirement income for a single pensioner is approximately €20,150 per year (around €1,680 per month) - @SimCityAT So you're telling me that HMG is short-changing me? Can't say that surprises me... Read More
One Remedy for Rising Crime Levels in BG? by JimJ
https://tinyurl.com/353azty2
@janemulberry Seems perfectly proportional to me! However, you'd have thought that an educated ex-ченге would avoid the amateur error of "hiding" the evidence on his own property, and in one of the first places they'd ... Read More
Cost of owning a cat in Bulgaria by JimJ
Pet food is a bigger cost, more expensive in Bg.... - @janemulberry "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche! " 😁
@Zooldrool If you go into the pet shops where they sell cats, dogs, rabbits etc you'll find yourself wondering who pays that kind of money - and why! Read More
Increasing Property Prices by mickg
I think the subject has veered off course lol
I think the subject has veered off course lol - @mickg Every true ailurophile knows that cats are relevant to every topic under the sun.... 😉 Read More
One Remedy for Rising Crime Levels in BG?
https://tinyurl.com/353azty2 Read More
Rental nightmares in Bulgaria by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Finding a place to live in Bulgaria can be exciting, but it doesn’t always go as planned. From misleading listings and apartments that look nothing like the photos to strange landlords, hidden rules, unexpected roommates, or ...
I'd suggest that this thread should also include landlords' experiences of odd, or appalling, tenants - always remembering that "Good news doesn't sell newspapers"..... 😎 Read More
Cost of owning a cat in Bulgaria by JimJ
Pet food is a bigger cost, more expensive in Bg.... - @janemulberry "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche! " 😁
@janemulberry You're lucky! I wish that ours only turned their royal noses up at the cheaper ranges but they actually puke it up and it stays on the plates untouched for days. One refuses to eat any wet food at all, which obviously concerns me, but ... Read More
Cost of owning a cat in Bulgaria by JimJ
Pet food is a bigger cost, more expensive in Bg.... - @janemulberry "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche! " 😁
@janemulberry We buy Turkish or Romanian brands, way cheaper than the mainstream Western European / USA stuff. - @cyberescue1 Lucky you! Our ex-ferals want to see a Harrod's price ticket on anything that appears in their bowls, otherwise they do ... Read More
Increasing Property Prices by JimJ
Members might be interested/amused to learn that the cost of a GARAGE in the "coloured parking zones" (Blue/Green) in Sofia is now over €3,200/m²! 🤑
@cyberescue1 Thanks, I'll have shufti when I'm next in Via Trakia, the ginormous Italian supermarket opposite Bauhaus (not to be confused with the other Italian supermarket, confusingly also called Via Trakia 😁).Bauhaus is, very handily, ... Read More
Increasing Property Prices by JimJ
Members might be interested/amused to learn that the cost of a GARAGE in the "coloured parking zones" (Blue/Green) in Sofia is now over €3,200/m²! 🤑
@Zooldrool All LPG cars (that I'm aware of) run on petrol as well. We often do long runs, so having a petrol tank as well as a gas tank is very useful. If I were just running around town, a small EV would be ideal but I need to be able to handle ... Read More
Increasing Property Prices by JimJ
Members might be interested/amused to learn that the cost of a GARAGE in the "coloured parking zones" (Blue/Green) in Sofia is now over €3,200/m²! 🤑
@cyberescue1 Tell me more about the "Italian kitchen roll" - for various reasons we're always looking for good quality ones. Read More
Increasing Property Prices
Pet food is a bigger cost, more expensive in Bg.... - @janemulberry "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche! " 😁 Read More
Increasing Property Prices by JimJ
Members might be interested/amused to learn that the cost of a GARAGE in the "coloured parking zones" (Blue/Green) in Sofia is now over €3,200/m²! 🤑
@janemulberry Make sure you buy an LPG car in BG.... 😎 Read More
Increasing Property Prices by JimJ
Members might be interested/amused to learn that the cost of a GARAGE in the "coloured parking zones" (Blue/Green) in Sofia is now over €3,200/m²! 🤑
@SimCityAT "EU infrastructure"? 🤣 Read More
Any advice welcome on buying second hand car? by jeanmandredeix
Over the next few weeks we will be looking to purchase a second hand car. We will use a dealers as they help you with registration etc? I know the mileage is often clocked and we are just hoping to find a reliable runaround.Any tips on what to look ...
Depending on how much you want to spend, it's worth looking at the main dealers. You WILL pay a bit more but you're less likely to end up with a lemon and can usually get a 6-24 month warranty. If you're browsing dealer listings, look for ... Read More
Increasing Property Prices by JimJ
Members might be interested/amused to learn that the cost of a GARAGE in the "coloured parking zones" (Blue/Green) in Sofia is now over €3,200/m²! 🤑
@Zooldrool Best to check out some of the EU candidate states that are still comparatively inexpensive.. Read More
Is it a requirement to register with GP by jeanmandredeix
It has just occurred to me that now we have our residency is it necessary to register and pay into the health system? Happy to pay, that isn’t my issue, just don’t want to go for checks.We obviously have our private health cover and have ...
@mickg It doesn't make any difference to your NHS entitlement if you aren't a pensioner. If you are below pension age but aren't habitually resident in the UK you don't have any entitlement to NHS treatment, apart from the universal emergency ... Read More
Selling a property via company by Jules999
Hi Does anybody know if you sell your property via company ownership as the director ( my husband ) can the funds received be deposited into any Bulgarian bank account nominated by him? Or will the notary insist that he has a business bank account ...
The Good News: you can indeed claim renovation expenses, provided they are all fully documented and all invoices etc are made out to the company. In addition, theses expenses must qualify as Capital Expenses (in essence major ... Read More
Is it a requirement to register with GP by jeanmandredeix
It has just occurred to me that now we have our residency is it necessary to register and pay into the health system? Happy to pay, that isn’t my issue, just don’t want to go for checks.We obviously have our private health cover and have ...
You don't have to register if you have private medical insurance and you can go and visit a GP of your choice whenever you want to (find one near to you on Superdoc). If your insurance doesn't cover GP visits you pay a pretty small fee to the GP. ... Read More
Selling a property via company by Jules999
Hi Does anybody know if you sell your property via company ownership as the director ( my husband ) can the funds received be deposited into any Bulgarian bank account nominated by him? Or will the notary insist that he has a business bank account ...
@Jules999 The tax is on the profit, ie the increase in value - there are two elements, Corporate Tax at 10% and Dividend Tax at 5%. We're in the same situation, ie selling a house that had to be bought through a company back in the old days. ... Read More
Increasing Property Prices
Members might be interested/amused to learn that the cost of a GARAGE in the "coloured parking zones" (Blue/Green) in Sofia is now over €3,200/m²! 🤑 Read More
Selling a property via company by Jules999
Hi Does anybody know if you sell your property via company ownership as the director ( my husband ) can the funds received be deposited into any Bulgarian bank account nominated by him? Or will the notary insist that he has a business bank account ...
You're also going to get stiffed with a host of taxes. You'll be assessed on how much profit you've made since youtr iriginal purchase (and you'll be sorry if you got sucked into the "part payment in cash to reduce the taxable amount appearing in ... Read More
Upgrading electricity connection - single to 3 phase by SoulStorm619
Hi Expats.I'm Spike, new on the forum. I have purchased a house in Petokladentsi (Belene municipality, Pleven province). I am originally from South Africa and have lived in Ireland for the past few years, and will be moving to Bulgaria next year ...
In principle it's a fairly straightforward, albeit somewhat time-consuming, process. You'll need to go to the local office of your electricity company and put in a request, They'll tell you what they need to do - and what you'll have to ... Read More
How do you manage if your car breaks down by jeanmandredeix
Just a general query here out if interested.Our van recently wouldn’t start, charged battery, still no joy. Hubby decided it most likely was the starter motor. This is a Sunday. So, we only have the van and we had taken out breakdown cover ...
@jeanmandredeix Bulgaria IS a comedy sketch....😎 Read More
Price of a Square/M by paganini1x
Good evening for you I would like to know what is the the price of a square meter for building a house In a village near radnevo Thank you
@paganini1x In case anyone's interested in today's prices: in the region of €1,500 – €2,000/m2 for a high-end turnkey house with Act 16; maybe €1,200 for something more modest but of reasonable quality. It all depends if you ... Read More
UK/NZ to new life in Bulgarian. by Bizet Cottage
Hi everyone! 😊My husband and I are originally from the UK and New Zealand, and we’re currently living in New Zealand until my husband retires.We’ve recently purchased a home in the Pavlikeni Municipality, and we can’t wait ...
Personally, I want the Euro here to put a brake on corruption and to stabilise prices. - @fluffy2560 Good luck with those - it isn't panning out like that here in Euro-happy BG... Read More
UK/NZ to new life in Bulgarian. by Bizet Cottage
Hi everyone! 😊My husband and I are originally from the UK and New Zealand, and we’re currently living in New Zealand until my husband retires.We’ve recently purchased a home in the Pavlikeni Municipality, and we can’t wait ...
@janemulberry https://tinyurl.com/5ax98xvr Read More
Moving around in Bulgaria by stephen100gok
Been in Bulgaria for nearly 20 years and have been in 15 places to live and finally bought a house but renovating it proved to hard so I went on holiday and have not returned yet till I decide what to do and that has been 2 years now so I decided to ...
@Zooldrool Actually, AI is very hit and miss with translations - you have to check the results very carefully if it's anything important. I've also noticed that Gemini, for example, has developed a tendency to display very poor grammar.. Read More
UK/NZ to new life in Bulgarian. by Bizet Cottage
Hi everyone! 😊My husband and I are originally from the UK and New Zealand, and we’re currently living in New Zealand until my husband retires.We’ve recently purchased a home in the Pavlikeni Municipality, and we can’t wait ...
@SimCityAT We'll know who to blame when Interpol starts getting interested in our discussions...😎 Read More
UK/NZ to new life in Bulgarian. by Bizet Cottage
Hi everyone! 😊My husband and I are originally from the UK and New Zealand, and we’re currently living in New Zealand until my husband retires.We’ve recently purchased a home in the Pavlikeni Municipality, and we can’t wait ...
@janemulberry Talking of which, you might like to check out Trendyol - they're a Turkish company but have warehouses in the EU. The last thing I ordered from them arrived in Sofia the following day!They're cheap for some things, less so for others.. Read More
UK/NZ to new life in Bulgarian. by Bizet Cottage
Hi everyone! 😊My husband and I are originally from the UK and New Zealand, and we’re currently living in New Zealand until my husband retires.We’ve recently purchased a home in the Pavlikeni Municipality, and we can’t wait ...
@janemulberry Cheapskate! Buy 5 t-shirts and pay an extra €3... 😎Not to mention that Temu often gives you €3 discount on items to offset the tax. Read More
UK/NZ to new life in Bulgarian. by Bizet Cottage
Hi everyone! 😊My husband and I are originally from the UK and New Zealand, and we’re currently living in New Zealand until my husband retires.We’ve recently purchased a home in the Pavlikeni Municipality, and we can’t wait ...
@janemulberry You can get different percentages 😎 I should add that i buy mine from Temu - same shirts but a quarter the price... Read More
UK/NZ to new life in Bulgarian. by Bizet Cottage
Hi everyone! 😊My husband and I are originally from the UK and New Zealand, and we’re currently living in New Zealand until my husband retires.We’ve recently purchased a home in the Pavlikeni Municipality, and we can’t wait ...
Since I've long ago given up wearing a suite and (bow)tie every day, I dress very informally nowadays, ie jeans/shorts and t-shirt. This is one of my favourites, although I went for an orangey-beige one since we have a long-haired ginger ... Read More
Navigating friendships as an expat in Bulgaria by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Moving to Bulgaria reshapes many aspects of life, and friendships are often one of the biggest changes. Whether you're maintaining lifelong bonds back home, building new local relationships, or forming connections with fellow ...
Unfortunately Brits do seem to have a habit of dropping in on other expats. We aren't antisocial, but I'm not really one for small talk. Plus we are already very busy, usually have our days planned, and it can be frustrating when people just turn up ... Read More
UK/NZ to new life in Bulgarian. by Bizet Cottage
Hi everyone! 😊My husband and I are originally from the UK and New Zealand, and we’re currently living in New Zealand until my husband retires.We’ve recently purchased a home in the Pavlikeni Municipality, and we can’t wait ...
@Bizet Cottage All manner of "stuff that brings joy" is available in and behind the Chalga clubs in Sofia's Studentski grad....😎https://tinyurl.com/4h4fuky3 Read More
Moving around in Bulgaria by stephen100gok
Been in Bulgaria for nearly 20 years and have been in 15 places to live and finally bought a house but renovating it proved to hard so I went on holiday and have not returned yet till I decide what to do and that has been 2 years now so I decided to ...
@stephen100gok Do you live under a bridge, by any chance? Asking for a friend...😎 Read More
UK/NZ to new life in Bulgarian. by Bizet Cottage
Hi everyone! 😊My husband and I are originally from the UK and New Zealand, and we’re currently living in New Zealand until my husband retires.We’ve recently purchased a home in the Pavlikeni Municipality, and we can’t wait ...
@janemulberry You could always drive over with the furries (and their pet passports) - it's not an enormously long trip and undoubtedly cheaper than using a Pet Transport company.. Read More
How do you manage if your car breaks down by jeanmandredeix
Just a general query here out if interested.Our van recently wouldn’t start, charged battery, still no joy. Hubby decided it most likely was the starter motor. This is a Sunday. So, we only have the van and we had taken out breakdown cover ...
Thete are lots of recovery (Пътна Помощ) companies but you have to be careful with them; there have been TV exposés about very dubious practices.Your best bet is to join SBA (sba.bg) ... Read More
UK/NZ to new life in Bulgarian. by Bizet Cottage
Hi everyone! 😊My husband and I are originally from the UK and New Zealand, and we’re currently living in New Zealand until my husband retires.We’ve recently purchased a home in the Pavlikeni Municipality, and we can’t wait ...
@Bizet Cottage My wife has a similar theory about me and our cats - I'm taking the Fifth on that one.It is unfortunately a fairly common practice in Balkan countries; you might be lucky but you should always be very aware of the danger. You'll find ... Read More
UK/NZ to new life in Bulgarian. by Bizet Cottage
Hi everyone! 😊My husband and I are originally from the UK and New Zealand, and we’re currently living in New Zealand until my husband retires.We’ve recently purchased a home in the Pavlikeni Municipality, and we can’t wait ...
@Bizet Cottage Be careful. She doesn't need to wander to find poison - if there's a poisoner in the neighbourhood the poison will come to her.. Read More
UK/NZ to new life in Bulgarian. by Bizet Cottage
Hi everyone! 😊My husband and I are originally from the UK and New Zealand, and we’re currently living in New Zealand until my husband retires.We’ve recently purchased a home in the Pavlikeni Municipality, and we can’t wait ...
@Bizet Cottage If your cat is a real member of the family, be prepared to keep him indoors. Pet poisoning is endemic here, and you'll very likely have to contend (as we do) with neighbours who think that cats are suitable airgun targets. Read More
UK/NZ to new life in Bulgarian. by Bizet Cottage
Hi everyone! 😊My husband and I are originally from the UK and New Zealand, and we’re currently living in New Zealand until my husband retires.We’ve recently purchased a home in the Pavlikeni Municipality, and we can’t wait ...
My two cents-worth is: "bring as little as possible". I blanch when I think of all the stuff that I brought over at comparatively great expense that's now been stored for well over a decade. I can't imagine what it costs to ship stuff over from NZ ... Read More
Navigating friendships as an expat in Bulgaria by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Moving to Bulgaria reshapes many aspects of life, and friendships are often one of the biggest changes. Whether you're maintaining lifelong bonds back home, building new local relationships, or forming connections with fellow ...
@Zooldrool "Reject" is a strong word. 😊 I have a circle of friends whom I've known for a long time, some over 50 years. As you've no doubt noticed, I can be pretty cantankerous, and I do tend to have strong views combined with a ... Read More
Navigating friendships as an expat in Bulgaria by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Moving to Bulgaria reshapes many aspects of life, and friendships are often one of the biggest changes. Whether you're maintaining lifelong bonds back home, building new local relationships, or forming connections with fellow ...
I tend to steer well clear of foreign residents in real life. We've got plenty of friends here in BG and in other countries.. Read More
Moving around in Bulgaria by stephen100gok
Been in Bulgaria for nearly 20 years and have been in 15 places to live and finally bought a house but renovating it proved to hard so I went on holiday and have not returned yet till I decide what to do and that has been 2 years now so I decided to ...
So you've lived in Bulgaria for 20 years, renting and moving between 15 places and only recently bought something?. Then the DIY reality of it made you go on holiday for 2 years 🤣... Sounds like your living the non commitment dream. - ... Read More
John from Rositsa by janemulberry
Hi, I'm in England at the moment, and my husband just had a visit from a Englishman from Rositsa called John, married to a Bulgarian, who says he knows me from the forum. Apparently I speak more to his Bulgarian wife.I'm really sorry but I'm not ...
@janemulberry "If you've got it, flaunt it..." 😎 Read More
John from Rositsa by janemulberry
Hi, I'm in England at the moment, and my husband just had a visit from a Englishman from Rositsa called John, married to a Bulgarian, who says he knows me from the forum. Apparently I speak more to his Bulgarian wife.I'm really sorry but I'm not ...
Congrats - your very own stalker! Doesn't Expat have a special badge for anyone who passes this milestone? 😎 Read More
Gardening maintenance service in BG by knobworx
Just had a thought..... (dangerous I know...) Would there be any call for a mobile gardening / maintenance service for expats or for locals for that matter?Mainly aimed at expats who need to make sure that their gardens are kept down when they ...
Realistically, there's always someone in all but the tiniest of villages who's happy to take care of your land. We pay a guy in our village to keep ours under control since our house there is no longer occupied and our various health issues have ... Read More
Medical treatment in BG by JimJ
Stand by for more reporting on hospital treatment here in BG fairly soon...I'm going in for a TKR (Total Knee Replacement) on Tuesday and should be out of hospital in about 6 days, following a bit of rehab. First challenge will be getting up those ...
So do we call you the $6M man now? Congrats and I'll drink to a quick recovery tonight. - @grshaw30 The Memsaab isn't permitting me any alcoholic libation for the moment (darned ABs!), so sparkling water is the best I can manage...but I thank you ... Read More
Company query by jeanmandredeix
We are here on Visa D retirement from UK and I have noticed that our electricity and water bills are in the dormant company name.Is this correct? Or should it be in my name?
Depending on your supplier, you may have an uphill struggle to get the bill put in your name. Some electricity companies have a policy that since a company owns the property but rents it out, then they're still supplying a commercial entity, ie a ... Read More
Medical treatment in BG by JimJ
Stand by for more reporting on hospital treatment here in BG fairly soon...I'm going in for a TKR (Total Knee Replacement) on Tuesday and should be out of hospital in about 6 days, following a bit of rehab. First challenge will be getting up those ...
Well, I'm happy to say that I went up the whole 77 steps without a break on my return home today (actually not 100% true - I did stop once inside to cuddle the cats, before continuing up to the bedroom). I have new painkillers to try, which I hope ... Read More
(Dis)Organised Crime in Bulgaria.... by JimJ
A gang of Master Counterfeiters has just been busted in Bulgaria: apparently their fake banknotes are of "very good quality" but their education is clearly of a somewhat lesser standard*. They managed to call Aleko Konstantinov (whose portrait is ...
@JimJ I see the post I was talking about is now gone. Read More
(Dis)Organised Crime in Bulgaria.... by JimJ
A gang of Master Counterfeiters has just been busted in Bulgaria: apparently their fake banknotes are of "very good quality" but their education is clearly of a somewhat lesser standard*. They managed to call Aleko Konstantinov (whose portrait is ...
@biscamelot Seriously? You do know that it's the 21st Century, don't you? I can't believe that I'm reading such bigoted nonsense...😡 Read More
(Dis)Organised Crime in Bulgaria.... by JimJ
A gang of Master Counterfeiters has just been busted in Bulgaria: apparently their fake banknotes are of "very good quality" but their education is clearly of a somewhat lesser standard*. They managed to call Aleko Konstantinov (whose portrait is ...
@biscamelot In your dreams! While it's true that there aren't really any more Russian gangs operating here at street level, like there were in the 1990s and early 2000s, they're still very much alive and kicking. Groups like the Solntsevskaya and ... Read More
D Visa Guidance by gwynj
[b]INTRODUCTION[/b] I have posted much of this information in reply to several forum posts, but I think it might be helpful to have it one place. Following Brexit (and the end of the Transition period i.e. from 1/1/21), British citizens now need ...
@janemulberry Doing a pretty good impression of Chester in "Gunsmoke".. 🤠It's going slowly: my "good" leg has been bone on bone.for a couple of years and the new extra strain has tipped it over the edge. An intramuscular combination of ... Read More
D Visa Guidance by gwynj
[b]INTRODUCTION[/b] I have posted much of this information in reply to several forum posts, but I think it might be helpful to have it one place. Following Brexit (and the end of the Transition period i.e. from 1/1/21), British citizens now need ...
@sammibenfell18 He'd still need to register a company is he's a TCN.Make sure that you give him a notarised tenancy agreement specifying that he will immediately leave the property at the end/cancellation of the agreement. Get a competent Bulgarian ... Read More
D Visa Guidance by gwynj
[b]INTRODUCTION[/b] I have posted much of this information in reply to several forum posts, but I think it might be helpful to have it one place. Following Brexit (and the end of the Transition period i.e. from 1/1/21), British citizens now need ...
@sammibenfell18 Having an address is only part of the requirements - things have tightened up quite a bit over the past few years and there are quite a few additional hoops to just through (nothing like in other, stricter, countries like Greece etc, ... Read More
Scaffolding vailable in Bulgaria? by cs75
Hi , are tube and board type scaffolding available in Bulgaria or is it mostly ally towers etc ?Ive seen some fb marketplace adverts for steel tube priced per foot but can't see any boards or fittings for this type of scaffold ?
Just type скеле под наем and your location into Google Maps or one of the big sell/buy sites (bazar, olx et al) and Bob's your uncle.. Read More
D Visa Guidance by gwynj
[b]INTRODUCTION[/b] I have posted much of this information in reply to several forum posts, but I think it might be helpful to have it one place. Following Brexit (and the end of the Transition period i.e. from 1/1/21), British citizens now need ...
@sammibenfell18 Be careful! As regards the post-Brexit property, legally-speaking your husband doesn't own it; it's owned by the company. He can't rent it out, the company does. If the company rents it out, it is no longer non-trading, will have to ... Read More
Medical treatment in BG by JimJ
Stand by for more reporting on hospital treatment here in BG fairly soon...I'm going in for a TKR (Total Knee Replacement) on Tuesday and should be out of hospital in about 6 days, following a bit of rehab. First challenge will be getting up those ...
Okay - The Eagle Has Pooped! Only a couple of walnuts but I'll take what I can get..After that I did a few rounds of the ward with my walker but the novelty soon wore off, so I managed to do a couple more with my jolly old bastoun..Now huffing and ... Read More
Medical treatment in BG by JimJ
Stand by for more reporting on hospital treatment here in BG fairly soon...I'm going in for a TKR (Total Knee Replacement) on Tuesday and should be out of hospital in about 6 days, following a bit of rehab. First challenge will be getting up those ...
Good news! I've been unable to produce even a flicker of life from my thigh muscles, let alone raise my straight leg even a millimetre, and the physios don't work at the weekend ( and aren't much cop here anyway). I've had to improvise a sling to ... Read More
Medical treatment in BG by JimJ
Stand by for more reporting on hospital treatment here in BG fairly soon...I'm going in for a TKR (Total Knee Replacement) on Tuesday and should be out of hospital in about 6 days, following a bit of rehab. First challenge will be getting up those ...
I'm not sure how devout Muslims, Jews or veggies would fare here: some form of pork is served for pretty much every meal - apart from chicken a coupleof times. Read More
Medical treatment in BG by JimJ
Stand by for more reporting on hospital treatment here in BG fairly soon...I'm going in for a TKR (Total Knee Replacement) on Tuesday and should be out of hospital in about 6 days, following a bit of rehab. First challenge will be getting up those ...
I may have solved the Cardie Case - she came in this morning without it; both arms are covered in tats. She put in a new canula yesterday evening, which promptly fell out during the night - it took three tries to get another one in..I was also ... Read More
Medical treatment in BG by JimJ
Stand by for more reporting on hospital treatment here in BG fairly soon...I'm going in for a TKR (Total Knee Replacement) on Tuesday and should be out of hospital in about 6 days, following a bit of rehab. First challenge will be getting up those ...
@SimCityAT Mine's midway between the last two: I told my wife that my.life depended on slurping down a few cold beers but she looked as unconvinced as the nurses... Read More