gwynj
Welsh expat in Bulgaria
Forum posts
2572
Contacts
60
About me
Welsh
Lives in Bansko, Blagoevgrad
Speaks English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese
Registration: 30 June 2020
Activity
Just hello by mmietz1954
I am not in Varna yet; I will arrive on August 29th, 2026. I have reserved a hotel room for 14 days, and during this time, I hope to find an apartment to rent somewhere in the Mladost or Troshevo area, preferably near a bus stop.By then, I should ...
@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
Lets crack a joke in this stress life by Guest6847
Many of us struggle with stress–at work and in our personal life. Like any problem, stress requires a strategic approach to conquer, or at least manage. Stress is real, but we always have a choice–we can let it consume us or we learn to ...
@Aidan in HCMCHindi? Are you sure it's not the Swedish Chef? Read More
Preparing for the move – budget and language concerns by krisEtAl
I am still stateside, and trying to figure out logistics (and learn the new language!) Aside from landing over there, everything is up in the air. This site has already been helpful, learning about the switch to Euro. I hope that won't make things ...
@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
Vacationing in Bulgaria. by Samsontesh
I live in BC, Canada.I want to know about life in Bulgaria for expats.TIA.
@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
Just hello by mmietz1954
I am not in Varna yet; I will arrive on August 29th, 2026. I have reserved a hotel room for 14 days, and during this time, I hope to find an apartment to rent somewhere in the Mladost or Troshevo area, preferably near a bus stop.By then, I should ...
@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
Preparing for the move – budget and language concerns by krisEtAl
I am still stateside, and trying to figure out logistics (and learn the new language!) Aside from landing over there, everything is up in the air. This site has already been helpful, learning about the switch to Euro. I hope that won't make things ...
@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
Renewing BG ID card by DSinghDhillon
Hi All, I have a BG ID card that I made in 2018 (pre Brexit). It is due to expire in June this year as it was a 5 year card. I have been fully employed in BG since early 2021 and have contributed towards BG taxes, health, etc. My question is that as ...
@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
Vacationing in Bulgaria. by Samsontesh
I live in BC, Canada.I want to know about life in Bulgaria for expats.TIA.
@SamsonteshIf you've got money/passive income, it's good. If you have to work, it's bad. :-) Read More
Nie number by colleenlewis386
Hi I know I can apply through the Spanish embassy in Cyprus for this. However they require proof of what you biit for! Has anyone asked an easte agent for a letter to prove you want to buy a property. It's a catch 22. Can't view without the nie ...
@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
Starting a new chapter by dtramposh
I have travelled to Spain in the past and am now finding myself in position to be able to relocate there from the U.S. many years later! Semi-retired but still teaching movement classes virtually, and doing some volunteer work. I would welcome any ...
@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
Andalucia estate agents by Kates3474
Hi, we are living in Uk as British and American couple. One of us has EU passport, both looking to retire to Spain in 5 years but buy now as holiday home. Andalucia offers affordable houses to buy in good locations, Cordoba, Granada? We are ...
@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
Looking at Employment Opportunities by Christopher Bowles
I am a Newbie. I am looking to move to Spain Valencia Region. I am a Duel National having a British Passport and Irish Passport (EU) Have lots of friends in this Region perhaps Rent until get all my life in the UK sorted. Wish to Speak Spanish and ...
@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
Starting a new chapter by dtramposh
I have travelled to Spain in the past and am now finding myself in position to be able to relocate there from the U.S. many years later! Semi-retired but still teaching movement classes virtually, and doing some volunteer work. I would welcome any ...
@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
Income requirements for a residency visa. by ltoby955
Good evening i was wondering what the required income is for a residency visa.
@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
Hip/knee joint replacement by Bee Eater
Hello everyoneI am looking for advice about accessing hip/knee replacements through private clinics/hospitals.I had a knee replacement through the Spanish Health Service a few years ago and the care and expertise were first class; however, the ...
@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