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@neilfrost38I don't know the specifics of Spain or Iberdrola. But, in general, folks are moving away from "net metering" type arrangements, where your usage is netted off against your consumption. Solar uptake has been so successful, that most grids ... Read More

@Alli EliIf you're Italian you enjoy Freedom of Movement and thus the right to move to Spain for any reason. The process you probably should do is the EU Citizen Registration which makes you a legal resident of Spain. They'll issue your NIE and it ... Read More

@AMK888I suggest you don't worry about BGP. Just get yourself a reputable Bulgarian attorney and get them to bring your companies up to date... and check on the property tax situation. (I'm happy to share mine if you PM me.)Also, 2007 is a long time ... Read More

@JimJGood luck with the TKR!It will be interesting to see how you get on... and we'd love to know why TKR rather than PKR, and how much it costs you. I got a quote for a THR (hip vs knee) from Tokuda in Sofia and (with my NHIF coverage) it was less ... Read More

@SaxioFibank... Bulbank... PostBank... UBB... DSK... all OK, any differences are very minor. Read More

@SaxioIt's rare that you need one (and I doubt you do), but if so you ask the Bulgarian tax office to give you one. You obviously can't get one until you've become a legal resident of Bulgaria and got your official tax ID... and then lived here for ... Read More

@JuilaOuiI think it's still possible to get a bank account for an EU citizen, but the KYC/AML stuff has been tightened up so it's easier if you already have your residence permit/EU Citizen Registration. Unless it's urgent, I'd recommend trying for ... Read More

@JimJMany EU countries, including Bulgaria, routinely accept a foreign EHIC as proof of health insurance. Even though, as you say, it's officially only for emergencies. In any case, the local policy here in Bulgaria is a very cheap policy that also ... Read More

@JuilaOuiYou are right, it's MUCH easier for EU citizens. You're entitled to live and work in Bulgaria by virtue of your passport, so the EU Citizen Registration step is just a formality that you SHOULD do, if you wish stay longer than 90 days. If ... Read More

@JuilaOuiSounds like a pain! Typically, you need a document to be NOTARIZED by your landlord. It can be EITHER the rental contract AND/OR the Landlord Declaration. If he's in the USA, my guess is that it's easiest if he does it at the Bulgarian ... Read More

@JanearnasalamIt's a comfy option, but it's not a standard type of installation in Bulgaria, especially if it's a renovation rather than a new build. And it's probably one of the more expensive heating options you could choose. From what I see, the ... Read More

@Geoff BeadleMy neighbour (near Shipka, Balkan Mountains) is a very good borehole contractor. He does travel around Bulgaria, but that obviously makes the job significantly more expensive. If you can't find a local guy, and you decide you want his ... Read More

@seamus452I doubt you need yet another currency exchange option if you already have Wise/Revolut.I don't know the current rules on property purchase (if that's what the large-ish sum is for), but I transferred direct to the buyer rather than ... Read More

@susanmcallisterTough ask, I'm afraid. Current AI tools are almost certainly better than you'll be after spending a year or two (and a bunch of money) learning your new trade. My guess is that you have more chance if you learn the latest wizzy AI ... Read More

@PepitoFiestaI get that. However, if you're mostly in Bulgaria, then your Bulgarian license should be accepted in USA for your short visits.If you really want to hang on to a foreign license, then it should be possible to simply apply for a brand ... Read More

@ZooldroolThere's also the Black Sea and quite a few reservoirs.While it's nice to be waterside, it might be worthwhile considering a smaller boat with trailer and/or the latest inflatable canoes/SUPs. Being, say, 5-15km from water would not be ... Read More

@Imelda CottleI don't think NIEs become invalid. But, as a guess, perhaps you're referring to your "Green NIE",  the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión which you received when you first registered in Spain (before Brexit)? ... Read More

@PepitoFiestaThere are (apparently) plenty of remote-only jobs. How easy it is to get one is a different story. The US ones probably pay more, but you can also work for remote employers in other countries. There are a bunch of freelancing platforms ... Read More

@PepitoFiestaIt kinda matters not what you "want" to do (or not do). if you're now a Bulgarian Resident, then the clock is ticking on your permitted usage (12 months) of your foreign driving license. As it's American, you can't even simply exchange ... Read More

@Kit2001If you live way out in the sticks, there's gonna be some trade-offs. :-) Rather than chase after a mythical parking space, it's probably more productive to make your peace with an overnight somewhere, or find a local taxi service who can ... Read More

@frazer2022There's loads of info online, especially YouTube for solar panels installation.Last time I was there, Praktiker has a bunch of solar stuff, with inexpensive panels plus inverters and storage.I reckon the default option is an off-grid ... Read More

@karenselseaThe immigration process is much, much quicker and easier with your shiny new Irish passport (if you'll have it soon), rather than trying as a Brit.For EU citizens, the registration process is pretty much the same across the EU, and you ... Read More

@jeanmandredeixRevolut just got its UK banking license, so it is now officially a proper bank rather than an an e-money account like Wise. This means customer funds are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to ... Read More

@cyberescue1I'd guess it's not a Wise/UBB thing, it's a Bulgaria is now in the Eurozone thing. Read More

@Tokyo99991Others have already provided plenty of helpful responses, but here's my take...(a) A disability allowance will almost certainly be accepted instead of a pension, but it depends on what your official entitlement letter says, i.e. it should ... Read More

@JanearnasalamAs @jimj indicated, firearms licenses are probably a bit of a mission. As a lad, I quite enjoyed a bit of pigeon/rabbit shooting with an airgun, which typically requires no firearms registration (up to 24 joules, fairly hefty, in ... Read More

@JanearnasalamSorry to hear of your distressing stripping experience. I'm guessing your best protection will be physically occupying the property most of the year. It's not impossible to burgle someone while they're tucked up in their bed, but I ... Read More

@JanearnasalamThere are many Bulgarian immigration attorneys.@Vasilev is a member of the forum and posts helpfully. His firm is visahelper (dot bg).As mentioned by @janemulberry, Tanya Dimitrova has been used (and recommended) by many members of the ... Read More

@JanearnasalamThanks for providing some more details.As per my initial post, there are still several categories which you might qualify under.(a) Your property development company is not in itself a basis for the visa. However, there is a ... Read More

@cdw057For giggles, here's a very large 2 bed, looking out of over the Sea Garden. Only 1.15m euros (parking for 3 cars charged extra).https://www.alo.bg/luksozen-dizainerski … e-10880966 Read More

@JanearnasalamThere are several Visa D options...(a) Business-related. Unfortunately, I doubt the Bulgarian company will help you, unless you employ a bunch of Bulgarians.(b) Self-employed is possible in Bulgaria, but I believe there's a language ... Read More

@cdw057As @JimJ says real estate after sales is off the table here. Although I'm not actually quite sure what you mean, I reckon that in most places once you've purchased a property it's your problem. :-)I'm also not sure why you object to the ... Read More

@Daniel MalbasicYou are correct, but I'd say it's a teeny bit frustrating that Bulgaria doesn't have an equivalent to Spain's NLV (No Lucrativa Visa). While this is very similar to a pensioner visa, and is the option chosen by almost all pensioners, ... Read More

@janemulberryHindsight is a wonderfully accurate thing, and constantly beating yourself up about your missed opportunities is probably not the most constructive option! Especially as you will pretty soon (I think) qualify by the tried-and-tested TCN ... Read More

@JanearnasalamUnderfloor heating is a very nice solution, and you can hook it up to a pellet stove with boiler, or either an air or in-ground heat pump. My neighbour put in underfloor heating with in-ground heat pump, but he did all the work ... Read More

@Jatyler8Just to note that you're not required to engage an attorney, the local notary will handle the transaction. Or you can get a gestor to help you.Also, do you have your NIE already?Barcelona is a super (if pricey) city! Read More

@mmietz1954The attorney issue might be a confusion, as most folks are recommending them for a real estate purchase.You can look for local agents when you arrive in Varna, but, personally, I'd prefer to be looking online in advance. You might find a ... Read More

@Aidan in HCMCHindi? Are you sure it's not the Swedish Chef? Read More

@krisEtAlIn fairness, it's pretty typical as most (or a lot of) countries expect you to apply for a residence visa in one of their embassies in your country of residence. It makes a lot of sense this way too, as it avoids you rocking up at some new ... Read More

@SimCityATI suspect 2k/m2 is already in our rear view mirror. New builds in Sofia are routinely over 2k/m2, more typically in the 2.5k-3.5k range. And this is for the wonderful Bulgarian Standard finish which leaves another 500 euros (and up)/m2 for ... Read More

@mmietz1954As an EU citizen you can move to Bulgaria (or any other EU country) for any reason.However, if you want to stay more than 3 months, you should do the EU Citizen Registration step. It's pretty quick and easy (proof of address, proof of ... Read More

@SimCityATI'm not aware of any "rules" which stop EU citizens from exercising their right to Freedom of Movement to any EU country, for any reason.There are some light-touch rules (e.g. proof of means, proof of health insurance, proof of address) ... Read More

@souvrAs @JimJ says, for your real world adventures you'll be better off with proper coverage, either by buying a true private medical policy (not the cheap and inadequate Health Insurance for Foreigners) or getting yourself enrolled in NHIF ... Read More

@SamsonteshIf you've got money/passive income, it's good. If you have to work, it's bad. :-) Read More

@colleenlewis386You can obviously make trips to Spain and view potential properties without your NIE. Once you've found the one, you proceed to get your NIE. I believe the proof is usually stronger than a letter from an agent that you're looking... ... Read More

@dtramposhTax abroad is always a bit scary for Americans are you pay taxes based on citizenship (to the IRS)... but also potentially to your new country (by virtue of your physical presence / legal residence). However, unless you're extremely ... Read More

@Kates3474I'd start with Idealista. It has lots of property all over Spain so you can quickly see what's available for your budget in a particular area (and spot the local agents). Read More

@Christopher BowlesVery nice region, and moving/residence is very easy for EU citizens. However job searching remotely is very tricky, and I suspect you'd find it a lot easier to relocate first, brush up your Spanish, and then apply/interview. Good ... Read More

@dtramposhAs you would have both social security income and savings, I'm sure you'd qualify for the NLV (No Lucrativa Visa). This requires about $37k in income ($3k ish per month) OR savings.This is a non-working visa typically for retirees and the ... Read More

@ltoby955The EU supports social integration and mobility for Long Term EU Residents as well as EU citizens. it's not exactly Free Movement, but most EU countries have a streamlined process for would-be residents who have already lived in another EU ... Read More

@Bee EaterSorry to hear that your GP isn't sympathetic. They are gatekeepers of the public system, as in the NHS, so if they think you're fine (or too old), you can be a bit stuck. My (very) old dad had a similar problem in the UK, but I told him to ... Read More

@JimJIn fairness, 2.5k euros for a PRIVATE total knee replacement is actually a great deal! It's more like £14k in the UK. And there are very few (any, other than Bulgaria?) countries that routinely accept an S1 for a private hospital op with ... Read More

@Bee EaterPrivate ops can be very expensive, it usually pays to go via the public health system, if you qualify. I suggest you don't get put off by a long potential wait, but discuss with your GP and get an x-ray and specialist consultation so that ... Read More

@AnnaprgWelcome to the forum and good luck with your potential move.You make a quite wide-ranging post, but I'll try to give some feedback on some of the issues you raise.Before that, let me just say that I love living in Bulgaria, and I'm very ... Read More

@MountainLifeIt has been simplified for "dormant"/inactive companies. My understanding was that a one-time declaration of this was fine, but perhaps that's partially correct, and an annual submission is required by a different agency.These links ... Read More

@junefranceWe like the Alicante area too, great city and some lovely Costa Blanca beaches. We're also inland... in UNESCO-listed Elche. We like it a lot and have found it to be a very livable city, with much lower property prices than downtown ... Read More

@Snowball6I had my dad here with me in Bulgaria for a couple of years, after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The unfortunate thing with Alzheimer's (and dementia in general) is that there's not a whole lot in terms of cures/treatment, especially ... Read More

@jeanmandredeixIt's a big detour (with, I'd guess, a long/tedious ferry ride)... especially considering that transiting Germany is only 4-5 hours of speedy autobahn. It probably only makes sense if you love Italy and fancy a couple of days ... Read More

@FredBrother do some "tank" printers where you refill with bottles of ink. They're a bit pricier to buy, but unlike most inkjets, these work out pretty inexpensive to keep printing. Read More

@rachelbates1I had not seen this website (properties dot bg) before, but @janemulberry spotted that it's another website/domain of Bulgarian Properties (dot com and dot bg). I'm not convinced that it's as up to date as their main website, so I would ... Read More

@janemulberryWell spotted!https://www.imidaily.com/europe/bulgaria-launches-the-eus-latest-digital-nomad-visa/https://www.newbalkanslawoffice.com/bulgarias-digital-nomad-visa-a-new-chapter-for-remote-workers/Main points: 31k euros annual income ... Read More

@digitalnomad1If you're Irish, I guess you have an EU passport, which means you can go hang out in Sweden for any reason at all. So you can easily check it out for a couple of months. The residence permit for EU citizens is typically fairly ... Read More

@damnmorningstarWelcome to the forum. I'd guess most of us would suggest that you keep life simple and have everything work, home, family, bank, doctor, etc. in one place. :-)In any case, these days, it's pretty easy to find ebanks/emoney options ... Read More

@digitalnomad1I'm not sure if you're getting the point (or at least one of the main points) of being a Digital Nomad, as per your handle. :-) That is you work remotely for employers in HIGH INCOME locations (e.g. UK, USA, etc.) but hang out in ... Read More

@JimJhttps://www.novinite.com/articles/235904/Experts+Warn%3A+Euro+Adoption+in+Bulgaria+Will+Hit+the+WalletsYou'll be pleased (frustrated? outraged? apoplectic? totally unsurprised?) to hear that Bulgaria's date with eurozone destiny remains on ... Read More

@JimJSometimes, you rather seem like a glass 95% empty kinda guy. :-) You're seriously suggesting that they suspend a plan years in the making/planning, just a couple of weeks before its implementation? I guess you might be a very influential voice ... Read More

@Melvyn DawsonAfter 20 years, I'd expect you to have your 10-year Permanent Residence card by now, rather than a 5-year card. But no matter, that's what you should probably get next renewal.I think there's an application form, and I'm pretty sure ... Read More

@POZA_76913I order loads of stuff online all the time, with no issues at all.They don't really care where the house is (exactly, just the village) and won't pay any attention to coordinates or google maps links.They want a Bulgarian mobile phone ... Read More

@digitalnomad1You might perhaps be a little confused by WiFi. If your apartment has internet installed, then there's an "internet box" put there by the service provider. It's connects to the outside world via cable, phone line, fibre optic line, or ... Read More

@MountainLifeThe property-owning company is a common device here as it's required by all non-EU citizens wanting to own a house with some land. Typically, these are non-trading entities as they merely hold the asset (or assets, if you have several ... Read More

@ZooldroolThis article is a Bulgarian perspective, so, of course, there are bound to be significant differences between the main cities (Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas) and everywhere else. But from a more international perspective (e.g. for a Brit ... Read More

@MountainLifeHow big is your company? If it's not some high-powered multinational it's usually most cost-effective to do your own bookkeeping. There are loads of desktop and web accounting apps. You might still want a professional to help you with ... Read More

@mikefl69Yes! No! Maybe? :-) Read More

@SimCityAT"Must" is maybe a bit strong. But, yes, it's probably sensible for Brits to get their TIEs sorted before EES.To be clear, such TIE-less Brits are those who, like me, are beneficiaries of the Brexit/Withdrawal Agreement and are still ... Read More

@key2codeAs the husband of a Spanish citizen, I doubt you'll have any significant problems. For residence, you have two options - Family Reunification or NLV (No Lucrativa Visa, as a retiree) - and both are straightforward.Healthcare is good, and ... Read More

@JimJFirstly, this guy is an Ultranationalist (Revival) and one of the organizers of anti-Euro protests, so his articles are hardly objective commentary.Secondly, comparing Bulgaria and Greece is preposterous, there's such a massive difference in ... Read More

@ZooldroolThey make bathroom boilers and electric heaters. Read More

@behrooz ghasemiThey're a big company, so their contact info is easy to find. You'll have to ask them directly for a factory visit. It seems like an unusual request, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Read More

@Koprivets 25You can't (reasonably) expect a property agent to be involved in any way with your post-purchase works.You also can't (reasonably) expect a builder to honour his renovation quotation several years later. The Covid Pandemic is ancient ... Read More

@trishnasuthar46BulgariaDirect are a popular company with Brits, especially as they have a lot of pay-monthlies. Their properties usually go quickly, and, yes, if you want it you need to pay a deposit to reserve it. It's standard, not something to ... Read More

@RstefanovaMy GP is Dr. Jonov who has a daily clinic (M-F, 2-5) at Medline (decent private hospital in central Plovdiv). His private consult is around 50 lv. You can have him as your official GP if you are enrolled in NHIF (which you should be, if ... Read More

@james1992mainThe steps outlined by you (ChatGPT) seem about right. HOWEVER, I think it has fudged over HOW you qualify by virtue of your Bulgarian EOOD, as simply having a Bulgarian EOOD is not enough on its own. You can have the EOOD be a proper ... Read More

@stevedgreenwoodWell done looking after your mum. I spent the last couple of years caring for my father, and I found it very time-consuming and stressful. But I was helped by Bulgarian live-in carers, not doing it all myself like you seem to be ... Read More

@michael 450I think the key risk in Spain (but also in some other places) is that someone who has access/possession, can turn into "okupas" making no payments. They're difficult to remove, and this is perhaps the main reason why folks are so nervous ... Read More

@AshAduI've been, as the Rodopes are just outside Plovdiv. And they're very scenic.But I'm (churlishly) inclined to say that when you've seen one Bulgarian mountain range, you've seen 'em all. :-) And you're living next to the spectacular Pirin ... Read More

@Sleep NearOf course! Got a big chain supermarket(Billa) and its very own rock festival too. It's a civilized little town, innit.There's a couple of doctors/clinics in Bansko, and several in nearby Razlog. Razlog also has a small regional hospital ... Read More

@TonyFFI'd be shocked if a Bulgarian car dealer cares where your money comes from! :-) They'd probably prefer cash rather than Wise, but if they'll accept a card payment or bank transfer, then Wise would work as well as a Bulgarian bank/card.In ... Read More

@duggy38If you're buying, it's pretty straightforward: find a property you like, go to the notary and do the legal purchase (and pay the seller). You don't strictly need a solicitor/attorney, and most dodgy dealings occur because the buyer gives a ... Read More

@Kath948381You certainly don't "have to return" to the UK if you have legal residence here. Many do because of missing family or Tetley's Tea, or wanting access to the NHS, or elderly care. If you're happy here, you can stay for the rest of your ... Read More

@KATA08163100Most of Spain is hot, you'll probably need some good AC units. It's cooler up in the mountains (e.g. Pyrenees) or on the Bilbao/Atlantic coast. Read More

@Charli949494Yeah, that's what I'd guessed, but wanted to check. They ask for (and check) your supporting documents (e.g. proof of family relationship) at the appointment, and they won't accept your application if it's not complete/plausible. I ... Read More

@alamaza(a) Talk to the consulate to clarify the reason for the delay (i.e. what update do they need), (b) talk to the university and their immigration/student visa advisors, (c) talk to a good immigration attorney to review your situation and ... Read More

@Charli949494My understanding is that you need to stay in Spain and get her TIE before travelling. We did our family reunification in Spain many years ago, and it certainly didn't take 5 months (more like a few weeks), I'd be surprised if you didn't ... Read More

@linsaywvIf you have friends/relatives who own a Spanish property you can certainly ask them to provide you with a letter / quasi rental contract that confirms that you have a room in the property for the next year. This should be accepted for most ... Read More

@KATA08163100As an EU citizen you enjoy Freedom of Movement in the EU and can relocate and purchase property with minimal aggravation. I doubt that buying an apartment in Spain is much more problematic than buying one in Romania (or elsewhere in the ... Read More

@TonyFFAre you sure Germany's too much aggravation? The EU has Freedom of Movement for cars and people. :-) There's no import restriction and VAT/duty does not apply, so it's WAY less trouble than a non-EU vehicle. You just have to drive it back ... Read More

@alanjolly65(a) I think the official system is now electronic, at least from your official GP (if you have one). This ensures you don't sneakily repeat your prescription. :-) However, many docs are still writing paper ones.(b) Most/many pharmacies ... Read More

@Juan PulidoFirst, when you say "Long-Term Residence (LTR) permit" do you mean the 10 year card / permanent residence? i.e. you've already been living in Italy for 5 or more years and have the Soggiornante di lungo periodo – CE. Or you have a ... Read More

@stansfieldsimonThe 1,500 quid is not bad at all. True, it's not a life of luxury and fancy dinners every night, but you should easily meet your basic needs without any stress. With a property paid for, you'd have no rent or mortgage, and ... Read More

@SimCityATI agree... there are a ton of cheap houses to renovate in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and more. But renovation costs can be huge, even more crushing than Bulgaria! We had a "bargain" house in the former East Germany, and the utility ... Read More