sogy
Russian expat in Bulgaria
Forum posts
153
About me
Russian
Lives in Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Speaks English, Russian
Registration: 16 January 2018
What is the best bank for new comers by GuestPoster94290
In Sofia, Bulgaria ?
Any that will open the account for you. They don't like newcomers. Read More
Why people buy in Bulgaria has quietly changed - has the advice? by Andreas0172
Something has shifted over the last year, and I don't think the conversation here has fully caught up with it.For a long time the pull of Bulgaria was simple: it was cheap. Cheap property, cheap living, a place to stretch a pension or a budget ...
Hmmm... The EUR/BGN exchange rate has always been the same, since the EUR appeared. Read More
Does my rental contract have to be notarized by JuilaOui
In order to get the Residence Permit (Certificate) in Sofia, Bulgaria ? I am an EU citizen but my landlord lives overseas.Thanks for your feedback.Julia
@JuilaOui A classic trap. Hope they can make a Power of Attorney. Read More
Immigration Based on Disability Allowance by Tokyo99991
Hi,I'm a citizen of a non-EU country, looking to immigrate to Bulgaria.My sole income source is from a monthly disability allowance of about 800 Euro. I'm aware that it will be very challenging to live in Bulgaria with this amount, but my question ...
@JimJ Renewed in 2021, a got permanent residence in 2023! Read More
Immigration Based on Disability Allowance by Tokyo99991
Hi,I'm a citizen of a non-EU country, looking to immigrate to Bulgaria.My sole income source is from a monthly disability allowance of about 800 Euro. I'm aware that it will be very challenging to live in Bulgaria with this amount, but my question ...
@JimJ I am a British citizen and got my residence before Brexit "was done", so I always could work. Read More
Immigration Based on Disability Allowance by Tokyo99991
Hi,I'm a citizen of a non-EU country, looking to immigrate to Bulgaria.My sole income source is from a monthly disability allowance of about 800 Euro. I'm aware that it will be very challenging to live in Bulgaria with this amount, but my question ...
@Tokyo99991 I know a guy who got residence based on his (Israeli) disability benefits, although I don't know how much he is paid. You will need some savings too (thousands of euros, and it's linked to the Bulgarian minimum wage, which is increasing ... Read More
Pre Brexit Residency Card Renewal by cyberescue1
So, the time has come to renew my 5 year, EU, pre Brexit, residency card and obtain a 10 year permanent residency one.... Well, that's what I thought, but bureaucracy in Bulgaria reigns...I received my existing card in October 2020, but the expiry ...
@GuestPoster272 It may depend on where you live (which oblast), but in Plovdiv you need:If you own your flat or house - the deed (notarialen akt)If you rent, the landlord should either come with you to the Migration dept. and signs a special form ... Read More
Technopolis by POZA_76913
Does anybody have experience with buying stuff from technopolis or online retailer with delivery? My house doesn't have a address only thing i can give them is my coordinates on google since i don't drive
I buy online all the time, but our house does have a proper address. Read More
Cabled internet not WIFI by GuestPoster5763
Hi i'm looking to rent in Bulgaria for 6 months initially, i may buy accommodation after that. I work online and need very reliable internet connection, WIFI is not good enough, and wonder how easy is it to get fibre or cable TV type lined internet ...
@digitalnomad1 In cities, you can have that. Wghere do you plan to move to? Read More
Different Regions in Bulgaria - How do you decide? by Zooldrool
I was just reading this article (below) on the different economics of the different regions in Bulgaria and wondered how people here picked their place?Was it just ok price/availability or a feeling?.Have many gone for one area and then moved after ...
@Zooldrool We actually cam to Bulgaria for about two weeks, and travelled around it, seeing Sofia, V. Tarnovo, Varna, Burgas, and Plovdiv (which we chose). Read More
Advice on practicality please. by stansfieldsimon
Hi allI am considering retiring to Bulgaria with my wife. We have £35000 to spend on a property and around £1500 to spend on life per month. Is it possible to purchase a nice property and live comfortably for that in a region with an ...
And no, this is not Poland Read More
Advice on practicality please. by stansfieldsimon
Hi allI am considering retiring to Bulgaria with my wife. We have £35000 to spend on a property and around £1500 to spend on life per month. Is it possible to purchase a nice property and live comfortably for that in a region with an ...
@stansfieldsimon Not any more (to buy a property, especially nice). But 1,500 a month is ok. Read More
How to get my stuff from UK to Bulgaria by wendygould2
Hello can anyone please tell me how easy it is to take all my stuff from UK to Bulgaria? Which is best way id like to take most of my belongings over there. Thank you any advice would be appreciated .
@wendygould2Quite expensive, and involves customs now. So try to travel light.For professional removal, recommend going to Facebook, and searching for "Expats Couriers". They cover the North of England and Scotland. Read More
Living in Bulgaria as a disabled American veteran by yasmin_bree
hi, I'm recently rated 100% permanent and total disabled American veteran. I'm hoping to change my situation and live a quieter less stressful life in bulgaria. i'm not quite retirement age, but I'll be updating with how this all works out trying to ...
Certainly don't recommend rural Bulgaria, if you need healthcare. Cities are better, they have hospitals, as well as private clinics and labs. But do you know that non-EU immigrants are not covered by the Bulgarian public health care system, at ... Read More
Living in Bulgaria as a disabled American veteran by yasmin_bree
hi, I'm recently rated 100% permanent and total disabled American veteran. I'm hoping to change my situation and live a quieter less stressful life in bulgaria. i'm not quite retirement age, but I'll be updating with how this all works out trying to ...
I know a guy who got a D visa and residence based on his disability pension, and not being pension age. Not from the US, but I don't think that matters. Read More
House Insurance by Kath948381
We need to insure our village home, now I tried a while back at m bank but their insurance is only for electric goods. Any ideas where we can get affordable house insurance. Thank you
SDI Brokers ? Read More
Need to renew my passport in the next year or two by Kath948381
So how do I do this ? I live in a village very close to Burgas.
The Embassy. Although I renewed mine when visiting the UK. Read More
Permanent residency application by kari2g
Hi, everyone! My boyfriend (from the UK) has a temporary residency in Bulgaria for 5 years which expires in January 2026. He is eligible to apply for Permanent Residency. Somewhere, I read that the process should be started two months in advance. ...
The big question is whether he got his long-term residence before or after Brexit? You can see it on his existing card (is there Article 50 TEU there?) Read More
Any help for EU Nationals in Bulgaria by jamieshiny38
Are there any NGO's or any Immigrant help groups for foreigners in Bulgaria?I just recently moved to Black Sea side in Bulgaria and I experience a lot of discrimination and hostality here. In fact, I haven't seen or heard of any foreigners living ...
@jamieshiny38What kind of job you are looking for? Some require speaking Bulgarian, others don't (in Plovdiv there are call centres that hire speakers of foreign languages).I have been here for 7 years, and never experienced serious hostility. ... Read More
Visa D / Residence permit for a very old non-EU pensioner? by sogy
Has anyone known a non-EU pensioner over 90 getting the D visa and then a residence permit in Bulgaria? Specifically have in mind my mother who is 92, a US citizen, and receiving a decent Social Security Benefit. The issue is that to get a residence ...
@janemulberry The UK is a different thing, there is S1. Read More
Visa D / Residence permit for a very old non-EU pensioner? by sogy
Has anyone known a non-EU pensioner over 90 getting the D visa and then a residence permit in Bulgaria? Specifically have in mind my mother who is 92, a US citizen, and receiving a decent Social Security Benefit. The issue is that to get a residence ...
@SimCityAT This is standard Medicare. Advantage (for which one has to pay extra) covers abroad. Read More
Visa D / Residence permit for a very old non-EU pensioner?
Has anyone known a non-EU pensioner over 90 getting the D visa and then a residence permit in Bulgaria? Specifically have in mind my mother who is 92, a US citizen, and receiving a decent Social Security Benefit. The issue is that to get a residence ... Read More
Do any regions do Bulgarian dance classes? by jeanmandredeix
I know a strange question but I do love dancing and in France I joined local traditional dance troops and we would dance at Fetes and old people homes and wondered if they have anything similar?
We have traditional dance classes twice a week right in our village. Read More
Pension time by Emipanteva
I will be 64 in 2027, and I plan to return to Bulgaria. Will I be eligible for a pension in Bulgaria? I have been in the UK for 22 years already. Thank you.
@Emipanteva If you buy an extra 5 years, your total will be 19, so a pension at 67. The UK pension can't be taken before the full state pension age, again 67 for you. Read More
Pension time by Emipanteva
I will be 64 in 2027, and I plan to return to Bulgaria. Will I be eligible for a pension in Bulgaria? I have been in the UK for 22 years already. Thank you.
@Emipanteva In Bulgaria, the bare minimum you need to get a pension, and that at 67, is 15 years. For retiring at 64 you need a lot more years. So whatever UK state pension you have earned is likely to be it, and at the then state pension age ... Read More
Sofia Airport to the center by ButterMyPaws19
Are there regular buses from thr Airport and how long does the journey take from the airport to the city centre? I looked at getting a taxi but they wanted 130€ for the one way, thirteen minute journey 🤦♀️! I don't ...
@ButterMyPaws19 I don't remember exactly, but the ticket desk at the entrance to the metro may be accepting cards Read More
Sofia Airport to the center by ButterMyPaws19
Are there regular buses from thr Airport and how long does the journey take from the airport to the city centre? I looked at getting a taxi but they wanted 130€ for the one way, thirteen minute journey 🤦♀️! I don't ...
@ButterMyPaws19 No euros (yet), just levs. Read More
Sofia Airport to the center by ButterMyPaws19
Are there regular buses from thr Airport and how long does the journey take from the airport to the city centre? I looked at getting a taxi but they wanted 130€ for the one way, thirteen minute journey 🤦♀️! I don't ...
There are buses, and there is metro/subway (from Terminal 2, the new one, from Terminal 1 there's a shuttle bus to Terminal 2). It costs less than a euro per person.Also, there's a taxi desk in the arrivals hall, where you can request a taxi, and it ... Read More
Reliable Estate Agents? by xpatbg
What are the trusted or reliable Estate Agents of Bulgarian Property Market? How about the "Premium Properties BG" premiumpropertiesbg.com ? Any comments or experiences with them?
@LoveActually Yes, you will need an "official" interpreter, i.e., not just someone who knows both languages. Read More
Seeking advice about the Bulgarian housing market by GoingDutch
We, a family of 4, are struggling a lot with the Bulgarian housing market and are even considering leaving Bulgaria for this. We have been living (on and off) in Bulgaria for 4 years. We have been renting so far and have been trying to buy several ...
@GoingDutch The last few years have seen both inflation (influencing construction / renovation), and property prices going up. Nothing can be done about that now. The real estate agents are useless, at best.The rest of it isn't all true though. ... Read More
Registering my S1 by Kath948381
Living here in Bulgaria since late August last year and being a UK pensioner with a Bulgarian residency card what do I need to take with me to register my S1 health thingy?
@roywebb58 Nowadays you can scan from your phone. My boss taught me how to do it, and I do it this way now. Read More
Residency Cards by Kath948381
Our cards run out in February 2025 can anyone tell me when we should start the renewal process and what we'd need to take with us.
@Kath948381 It depends on whether you are EU citizens (or Brits registered in BG before Brexit "was done"), or not.Also, depends on how long you have had your residency cards (in total). If it's less than 5 years, you extend your long-time ... Read More
SIM card in Bulgaria by TonyFF
Hello, I need a quick advice. I have unlocked smart phone- need to buy a sim card in Bulgaria to last me a month and to be able to call USA. Can you advise on that please.
While still in the States, get yourself a Google Voice account and number, and install tand activate their App. Then you'll be able to call the US for free from anywhere, if you have WiFi or mobile internet. The latter is easy to buy for a month (no ... Read More
Burgundy EU British Passport by Grimsby girl
This may be more wishful thinking but, I still have a burgundy EU British passport. It is due to expire April 25 (I am aware you need to leave 6 months before this). Would I still be considered an EU citizen with this passport or, will I still ...
We are not EU citizens any more Read More
when visiting Bulgaria by KASANNSHARP
Hi Friends,I'm looking for some advice. My son and I have been in Bulgaria house hunting. We have now come to the end of our 90 days visiting. We will be leaving at the end of this month. The way we understand things is that we have to leave for 90 ...
90 days in any 180 days or so. so no, getting out for a day will not work. Read More
Renewal of lechna carta by horadada3
Wwe have a 5 year long term resident card which will expire on the 31st of October 2023.We are hoping to get a 10 year residency card. Has anybody since Brexit renewed their cards from 5 years to a 10 year card, if so how many days before card ...
@horadada3 When I went to ask for permanent residence (Plovdiv, June 2023), the only thing they asked for was proof of having a home (in my case, the deeds for own house). They didn't ask for health insurance or income/savings any more. This is what ... Read More
Renewal of lechna carta by horadada3
Wwe have a 5 year long term resident card which will expire on the 31st of October 2023.We are hoping to get a 10 year residency card. Has anybody since Brexit renewed their cards from 5 years to a 10 year card, if so how many days before card ...
@horadada3 It depends on when you got your long-time residence (the "five-year card") first, and whether you have replaced it with a new long-term residence card right after Brexit. You need more than 5 years (e.g., 5 years + 1 day) of long term ... Read More
Looking for advice for possible move to Bulgaria by maxpaul8223842
Hello Everybody.My wife and I are seriously considering a permanent move to Bulgaria possibly in the new year. We both have had enough of the UK. So we are trying to get as much information as possible.Looking for some advice regarding purchasing a ...
@maxpaul8223842 Having an EU wife, you should get residence easily. And your wife can buy even residential land. What you need to do first is to travel a bit around Bulgaria, to see if it's ok for you, and where would you want to live. The house ... Read More
Confused,nieve by biergatecanine
Hi. I have just started looking at possibly relocating to Bulgaria from U.k. i am wanting to move permanently to bulgaria. As i am researching, i maybe misunderstanding it. Can anyone answer. If and when i have bought a property in bulgaria. Can i ...
Yes, 90 days out of any 180. And you will have problems buying a house with land. That's the reality after Brexit "was done". Those of us who have moved in time are exempt. Read More
Clearing out a Property by GuestPoster357
I'm going to be clearing out / cleaning up a Property and garden when I arrive in Bulgarja I know normal household waste is collected in villages but what do I do if I have a lot of stuff to get rid of like garden waste and stuff from an old barn - ...
When you see a "person of Roma heritage" passing in his horse cart along your street, just ask him to take your garbage. It's cheap, and if you go to walk around your village you will lee it all dumped somewhere :) Read More
Adress registration and more. by RalphNord
I am planning to go to Sofia, Bulgaria in two weeks. I hope to be able to rent an apartment, to open a banking account and also to get basic insurance for foreigners, as I have seen posted here.For the apartment, I am thinking about getting a ...
Opening a bank account will be a nightmare, even when you get your residence card, and next to impossible before you get it (Catch-22). That being said, I have shown them several British bank cards (and gave them a photocopy of them), and that was ... Read More
Karlovo/Plovdiv
I used to, but not any more. I live near Asenovgrad (Stanimaka) Read More
Bulgarian Myth- Food Prices by johnsimpson511
Id been looking at Properties in Bulgaria for about a year and i finally travelled there to look at some houses. One of the reasons i wanted to live in Bulgaria was i had been told it was the cheapest place to live in Europe but boy was i surprised ...
If structurally sound, reforming an old house (provided that it's the right size for you) should be cheaper, and in some part of the country the downstairs walls are built of stone, not brick. The house that we bought (close to Plovdiv) has such ... Read More
Impossible to open a bank account? by Chrisjo1
Came to Sofia a couple months ago and got a residence permit and am employed here. Went to UBB and Fibank. Filled the form for the pre application and KYC. Weeks have passed since and when I ask there still "additional checks" pending. Anyone else ...
@Chrisjo1 It is a common problem here, some banks flatly refuse, others demand money upfront for the checks.The first account I managed to open, 4 years ago, was at Texim (a smaller bank with fewer branches, and the only Bulgarian owned bank, ... Read More
Planning the move and panicking by Suzi Masterson
Ok so I’m being paranoid after my parents moving my family to France as a child. The area loathed outsiders (English, French, anyone from outside their village). Someone even tried to trick me into adopting my son when he was newborn because ...
I'd say moving the ponies and getting residence are the only really tough bits, now that Brexit "is done". Read More
Finding building materials in Bulgaria by greenergrass
Hello Thought it would be interesting to start a discussion around sourcing materials for renovation and allow people to share thier experieces and clever ways of saving money. I know there are the big DIY stores in towns but what about out in the ...
Sounds a bit expensive. We got our rewiring for a third of this (but the engineer was Bulgarian, and more or less local) Read More
Overstayed Visa by MangoTango123
Hello! I am British and I am in Bulgaria with my Bulgarian fiancé. We have done all the necessary paperwork to get married, all we need to do now is set a date to sign. [b]However[/b] I have misunderstood how long I could stay here. I believe ...
Your stay in Egypt is subtracted from the 90 days, but it doesn't start a new 90 days. Read More
How to exchange a uk driving license without education? by HopefulHollie
Hi all, How do I change my UK Driving License for a Bulgarian one without Education documents? I've got my Bulgarian residency ID card, and a Clean, Full UK driving license, I understand that I am only able to drive on the roads with the UK ...
Honey, I'm not getting a new license. Unlike in the UK, there is no address on the Bulgarian license. All I want (and probably supposed) to do is update my address in their own records. Don't get on your high horse before you understand what ... Read More
How to exchange a uk driving license without education? by HopefulHollie
Hi all, How do I change my UK Driving License for a Bulgarian one without Education documents? I've got my Bulgarian residency ID card, and a Clean, Full UK driving license, I understand that I am only able to drive on the roads with the UK ...
This is a brick wall. No diplomas, no license. KAT is an interesting institution. I have exchanged my UK license for Bulgarian before Brexit happened, and now went there just to change my address. Guess what? I need a new medical certificate (just ... Read More
Bulgarian property by Roger Rogo
Hello - has anyone been closely following the Real Estate situation in Bulgaria? I'm curious, as I recently scanned a few listings - not having done so for some months. It appears that land and house prices have gone up considerably??
Otherwise than retired, it's more difficult. Read More
Covid Vaccines
I hate the anti-vaxxers! I want to get my Covid only from a fully vaccinated responsible person, with a couple boosters, allowed into the mall without any tests. Also, although I'm an accountant, and don't know much about science (and how it ... Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ?
@SimCityAT I'm all against censorship. Let the Yankee carpetbagger rant. I don't think any one takes his claims at face value. Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ?
"so it's not gonna be all wine and roses. :-)" It actually is all wine and roses, but many other things are missing :) Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
Sure! Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
@KingaCo. Clare There is one (posted the link here), but I would not recommend this particular one. Since you are already decided to be near VT, I fear it'll be a waste of time to explain why we are where we are (and it's far from VT). If, ... Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
There are some great advantages here over the British Isles. There is summer. There is a sea you can actually swim in (I go to Burgas sometimes, and use their city public beach, it's a lot less crowded that those at the resorts). We love ... Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
It doesn't have to be porcelain. Granitogres can be textured and not slippery at all. And it's much more practical on the lower floor. For the upper floor I already have well dried pine planks, ready to be layed over the new subfloor. Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
People have illusions :) Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
@gwynj :) Unless you want an internal staircase, a central heating system, powered by your pellet stove, solar panels, etc. :) Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
@gwynj No, this is not porcelain, it's a newer material, and more durable. Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
Yes, the rubble. And the previous owner's old stuff they never bothered to remove. Several skips already filled and removed (you can get offers from Gypsies to do it cheaper in their carts, but then i all just ends up behind the village, along ... Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
@gwynj Same thing, except what they had on the lower floor was wood flooring! Now removed, replaced with a proper waterproofed concrete pad and "granitogres" (don't even know it's name in any other language). The large storeroom ... Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
The roof was completely replaced, the floors as well. Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
Some probs with these houses: 1. A leaking roof 2. Floors rotten because the rain water collects near a wall 3. Crumbling wall renderings Well, the possibilities are endless, but these are the ones we have experienced Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
Oops... I mentioned a mahalla, but was afraid to say who lives there, lest I be censored :) Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
Unlikely to be possible. Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
Here is the one and only house currently for sale in our village: https://www.olx.bg/d/ad/prodavam-kascha-100kv-s-1420kv-dvor-v-s-kozanovo-obsch-asenovgrad-CID368-ID8FhRR.html#c53cb1baa1 You can see that it is not cheap, and the renovation is ... Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
A very good description of the situation. The pictures show the better half of the story. It's better to check if there is a "mahalla" close to the house. Renovation is a daunting task, dealing with Bulgarian "maistori", ... Read More
is there a house for sale in your village ? by KingaCo. Clare
Is there a house for sale in your village?
Not in our own, but there is one coming soon in a village of Dalbok Izvor, some 10 km from ours. It is being reformed by my English friend, who is also working on our house, and I can testify that he knows what he's doing. It's not that big, ... Read More
Buying a car in Bulgaria by KingaCo. Clare
If I am a EU member can I buy a car in Bulgaria?
It's scary to drive on the "wrong" side, but people get used to it. Read More
Buying a car in Bulgaria by KingaCo. Clare
If I am a EU member can I buy a car in Bulgaria?
Depends on whether you want new or used. Dealers generally help with documentation. There are lots of small used car dealerships. But you have to bear in mind that there are fewer cars brought here now, less choice, and higher prices. BTW, ... Read More
Buying a car in Bulgaria by KingaCo. Clare
If I am a EU member can I buy a car in Bulgaria?
Yes you can. Read More
Choosing the right village by KingaCo. Clare
Hello globetrotters :) I am so glad this website actually exist :) I am looking for recommendations about nicest regions /villages to live. Call us crazy but my husband is going to Sofia on Saturday house searching. We have looked thru many many too ...
We bought in a village near Asenovgrad (South of Plovdiv). No sea, but the Rhodope mountains are really close. So far happy. Read More
I overstayed my tourist VISA, need to get US passport renewed here... by JLivingstonBG
I’m in a bit of a pickle, I’m an American who fell madly and deeply in love with a Bulgarian girl here, we married and I have over-stayed my tourist VISA by several years. We were going to travel in early 2020 and apply for my Bulgarian ...
It is rather unlikely that the US Embassy would deny you a passport renewal (although some countries do just that), you should just try. Reporting you to the Bulgarian authorities is even more unlikely, and you would sooner or later be detected ... Read More
Plovdiv Real Estate by lukejngodley
Hi everyone, I have been reading through the threads on this forum and have found it extremely helpful. Myself and my wife who is a European citizen are looking at moving to Plovdiv. Looking for a reliable estate agent or the possibly purhasing a ...
Right now there's a veritable property boom in Plovdiv and around it, so the prices are up and the choice is down. Read More
Bulgaria and the UK by SimCityAT
So Bulgaria has banned people from the UK from entering the country. It will mean that only Bulgarian citizens, long-term residents and their immediate family members will be eligible to enter the country from the UK.
If you don't have a residence permit, and need to do something in Bulgaria now, you have 2 options: 1. Make a Bulgarian Power of Attorney, apostille it, and send to your attorney (I have once done that in the UK for Lithuania, and it worked) 2. ... Read More
renewal of residency permit by eugiebear
Hello guys, According to the GOV.UK we must apply for a new residency permit before 1 January 2022. Still, some Bulgarian sources say it must be done within this year. Any comments? Tnanks.
The 5-year one (often issued for less that 5 yrs, and then needed to be renewed) is a Long Term Residence. The 10-year one is Permanent Residence, given after you have been long-term resident for 5 years. Read More
Misleading guidance re residency in Bulgaria by David0000
I am UK citizen living in the UK, with property in Bulgaria. The UK FCDO’s guidance around Brexit has always been that “If you were [u]legally resident[/u] in Bulgaria before 1 January 2021, your rights will be protected by the ...
Mostly it is. Minor corrections: 1. You would need to buy private health insurance, most likely. 2. This would be residence in Bulgaria, not in the wider EU. Read More
Buying property and residency
You don't need to own to get the residence permit. But then you need to rent, and make sure that the landlord is available to visit a notary. Read More
Writing a will by GuestPoster110520
Hi, Does anyone know where I can find a template for a will? My partner and I are not married so I understand if one of us were to die the other would not automatically inherit their half of our Bulgarian house unless a will is in place. ...
And no, you don't have to store your handwritten will with a notary, although it is convenient and safer to do so. Let your executor know which notary keeps your will. Read More
Writing a will by GuestPoster110520
Hi, Does anyone know where I can find a template for a will? My partner and I are not married so I understand if one of us were to die the other would not automatically inherit their half of our Bulgarian house unless a will is in place. ...
https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/bulgaria/money/pensions-wills/wills I have seen other sources with the same info. You can write a will in English, but it has to be ENTIRELY hand-written. Also, if you have children, etc., your partner cannot get ... Read More
notarizing a document in english language?
I have had big trouble trying to do this, ended up doing in the the UK. Read More
Pre-paid data card problems
Go to a Telenor shop, thy should activate it for you. Read More
Buying New Household Furniture in Bulgaria. by ScubadiverG
Hi all, I was just thinking about when moving to Bulgaria, instead of all the Emotional upheaval and paying for transportation of household furniture, Bedding etc , are there Major Stores ( like in UK ) that deal in New Suites , Beds and Flat pack ...
There is only one IKEA, but there are many JYSKs, and a lot of local furniture stores. Look out for their promotional sales! Read More
Plovdiv here we come! Removal recommendations
Have you joined the FaceBook groups "Living In & Around Plovdiv" an "Expats in Plovdiv"? You can get a lot of advice there. Read More
Looking for new friends by devi.q
Hello!! My name is David I come from Albania and i live in Plovdiv for 8 months. I speak English, Greek Looking for new friends
Tomorrow at 7 pm there'll be a social for English speakers at Terzo Mondo in Kapana, and everyone is welcome. Read More
Plovdiv by Dhampton20
Hi All My names Dave, I have been offered a position in Plovdiv and I'm trying to find out the realities of living in Plovdiv with my wife and 2younf children 5 & 3 none of us speak Bulgarian. We have visited Plovdiv a few times however we ...
Plovdiv is the best! Been here for 5 months an love it. There are a few "mahallas" to avoid (the largest one is Stolipinovo), but most of the city is good. Search for "expats in Plovdiv" on Facebook, and join those groups - ... Read More
New Member by sajumct
Hi All, Let me introduce myself as Saju, Indian origin, resident of Oman. I would like to Bulgaria with my own business! Could anyone throw some light on the country, residence ,cost of living, preferred place of stay etc. Thanks Saju
1. Bulgaria is not in Schengen 2. The transport links from most of Europe to Bulgaria are rather tenuous On the other hand, if you need to be based in the EU, Bulgaria is the lowest tax option (except for the poor people, who are still ... Read More
New Member by sajumct
Hi All, Let me introduce myself as Saju, Indian origin, resident of Oman. I would like to Bulgaria with my own business! Could anyone throw some light on the country, residence ,cost of living, preferred place of stay etc. Thanks Saju
Burgas and Varna are quite similar. Read More
New Member by sajumct
Hi All, Let me introduce myself as Saju, Indian origin, resident of Oman. I would like to Bulgaria with my own business! Could anyone throw some light on the country, residence ,cost of living, preferred place of stay etc. Thanks Saju
Please feel free to ask specific questions! Read More
New Member by sajumct
Hi All, Let me introduce myself as Saju, Indian origin, resident of Oman. I would like to Bulgaria with my own business! Could anyone throw some light on the country, residence ,cost of living, preferred place of stay etc. Thanks Saju
The best location depends on you business. The country is nice and relatively cheap, but immigration will take some effort, unless you have an EU passport. Read More
English Bulgarian language barrier by guest1232
Good afternoon, As a native English language speaker the prospect of having to learn a new language with a different alphabet in order to go about effectively living in Bulgaria is somewhat doubly daunting. Even if one does not need Bulgarian ...
You are right about the main difference between Bulgarian and Russian. Read More
English Bulgarian language barrier by guest1232
Good afternoon, As a native English language speaker the prospect of having to learn a new language with a different alphabet in order to go about effectively living in Bulgaria is somewhat doubly daunting. Even if one does not need Bulgarian ...
English is certainly most useful so far, but those who think it's a license not to learn the local language are doing themselves a disservice. I have been there before... when many Russians in the non-Russian parts of the USSR were too arrogant ... Read More
New members of the Bulgaria forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Bulgaria forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Ah, if only I could go to Senegal! But I'm not good enough for that great country :) Read More
Register for more than 3 months by trnrger
Hi everyone. For the benefit of anyone thinking to register in Pleven for the first time, I give you the benefit of my experience this week. Requirements : 1. Application form. Help needed with an English speaking person. 2. Copy of National ...
Without money? If you mean Communism, then no, it wouldn't. Been there, one that :) Read More
New members of the Bulgaria forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Bulgaria forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Get an EHIC card too, and take it with you! Read More
New members of the Bulgaria forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Bulgaria forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Izabela, try the Rodopi mountains. There are coniferous forests, ski resorts, and hot mineral springs there. Read More
English Bulgarian language barrier by guest1232
Good afternoon, As a native English language speaker the prospect of having to learn a new language with a different alphabet in order to go about effectively living in Bulgaria is somewhat doubly daunting. Even if one does not need Bulgarian ...
It's not vastly different. It is another adaptation of the Greek alphabet, just as the Latin one is. Again, you will need a lot of effort to learn the language itself, but the alphabet is the least of your worries. Let's start now :) 1. ... Read More
English Bulgarian language barrier by guest1232
Good afternoon, As a native English language speaker the prospect of having to learn a new language with a different alphabet in order to go about effectively living in Bulgaria is somewhat doubly daunting. Even if one does not need Bulgarian ...
Indeed, why doesn't everybody speak and write Chinese? Well, that may come soon :) Read More