Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Bulgaria Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Bulgaria Property Pack
Bulgaria entered the eurozone on January 1, 2026, making it a more accessible and transparent destination for expats looking to settle in the European Union.
This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Bulgaria in 2026, from monthly budgets and visa options to healthcare, schools, and real estate.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest data and insights so you always have fresh information.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Bulgaria.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Yeheli Samuels 🇧🇬🇮🇱
CEO and Founder, Dira Bulgarit - Israeli real estate in Bulgaria
Is Bulgaria a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Bulgaria is on a slightly upward trajectory, mainly because inflation has eased compared to the 2022 to 2023 peak and the country has now fully adopted the euro, bringing more financial predictability.
The most noticeable improvement over the past two to three years in Bulgaria has been wage growth, with average gross salaries rising by double digits annually and reaching around 2,550 BGN (about 1,300 euros) per month by late 2025, which has helped locals and expats alike keep pace with rising costs.
On the other hand, Bulgaria still struggles with air quality issues in Sofia during winter months, when wood and coal burning for heating creates smog that affects daily life, and this remains a persistent challenge that has not been fully addressed.
Overall, if you are moving to Bulgaria in 2026, you can expect a slightly better cost-to-comfort balance than a few years ago, though certain environmental and infrastructure gaps remain.
Are hospitals good in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospital quality in Bulgaria varies widely, with private facilities in Sofia often meeting Western European standards while public hospitals in smaller towns can feel dated and overcrowded.
Expats in Sofia commonly recommend Acibadem City Clinic, Sofiamed Hospital, and Military Medical Academy (VMA) for their English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and faster appointment scheduling.
A standard private specialist consultation in Bulgaria in 2026 typically costs between 80 and 140 BGN (about 40 to 70 euros or 45 to 80 USD), which remains affordable compared to Western Europe.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats living in Bulgaria, both because it speeds up access to quality care and because many residence permit applications require proof of health coverage anyway.
Are there any good international schools in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, Bulgaria has around a dozen reputable international schools, mostly concentrated in Sofia, offering English-language curricula such as IB, British, and American programs.
The most popular international schools among expat families in Bulgaria include the Anglo-American School of Sofia, the British School of Sofia, and St. George International School, all of which have established reputations and experienced teaching staff.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Bulgaria in 2026 typically range from 16,000 to 40,000 BGN (about 8,000 to 20,000 euros or 9,000 to 23,000 USD), depending on the grade level and specific school.
Waitlists at popular international schools in Sofia can stretch several months for sought-after grades, so applying six to twelve months in advance is wise, while public schools remain a viable option only if your child speaks Bulgarian or you are comfortable with a local curriculum.
Is Bulgaria a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Bulgaria is generally considered a safe country for expats, with the US State Department rating it at Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) and violent crime against foreigners being rare.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Bulgaria are petty crimes like pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, ATM skimming scams (Bulgaria has historically been a hotspot for card fraud), and occasional overcharging in taxis or nightclubs along the Black Sea coast.
Neighborhoods in Sofia generally considered safest for expats include Lozenets, Iztok, Oborishte, and Doctor's Garden, while in Plovdiv, Kapana and Karshiyaka are popular, and in Varna, Chayka and the Greek Quarter are well-regarded for their walkability and community feel.
Women can generally live alone safely in Bulgaria, with Sofia and Plovdiv being particularly comfortable for solo female expats, though standard precautions like avoiding poorly lit streets at night and staying aware of surroundings in crowded areas still apply.
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How much does everyday life cost in Bulgaria in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person can live comfortably in Sofia on a monthly budget of around 2,800 to 3,700 BGN (about 1,400 to 1,900 euros or 1,600 to 2,200 USD), which covers rent in a modern one-bedroom apartment, utilities, groceries, dining out occasionally, and some entertainment.
For a more modest but decent lifestyle in Bulgaria in 2026, a single person could manage on approximately 2,000 to 2,600 BGN per month (about 1,000 to 1,300 euros or 1,150 to 1,500 USD), especially in cities like Plovdiv, Varna, or Bansko where rent is lower than in Sofia.
If you prefer a more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Sofia in 2026, expect to spend 4,500 to 6,000 BGN per month (about 2,300 to 3,100 euros or 2,600 to 3,500 USD), which allows for a nicer apartment, frequent dining out, gym memberships, and weekend trips.
Housing is by far the largest expense for expats in Bulgaria, typically eating up 40 to 50 percent of your monthly budget, while groceries and utilities remain surprisingly affordable compared to Western Europe.
What is the average income tax rate in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, the effective income tax rate for a typical middle-income earner in Bulgaria is around 10 percent on personal income, which is one of the lowest flat tax rates in the European Union.
Bulgaria uses a flat tax system, meaning everyone pays 10 percent on their taxable income regardless of how much they earn, though employees also pay mandatory social and health contributions of around 13 percent, bringing the total employee-side burden to roughly 23 percent of gross salary.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Bulgaria versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Bulgaria in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest groups of foreign residents in Bulgaria come from Turkey, Ukraine, Syria, Russia, and the United Kingdom, reflecting a mix of neighboring country migration, conflict-driven displacement, and lifestyle-seeking retirees.
Bulgaria had over 112,000 valid residence permits issued to foreigners by the end of 2024, representing a growing share of the country's population as more permits are issued each year for work, family, and long-term residence purposes.
Many expats from Turkey and neighboring countries are drawn to Bulgaria by geographic proximity and economic opportunity, while British and Western European expats often cite the low cost of living, EU membership, and affordable property as their main motivations.
The expat population in Bulgaria is quite diverse, including retirees from the UK and Germany, digital nomads attracted to coworking hubs in Sofia and Bansko, and working professionals in the tech and shared services sectors.
Where do most expats live in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, most expats in Bulgaria concentrate in Sofia (for jobs and international schools), Plovdiv (for a lower cost of living and vibrant cultural scene), Varna and Burgas (for Black Sea coastal living), and Bansko (for mountain lifestyle and a growing digital nomad community).
These areas attract expats because they offer the best combination of infrastructure, English-speaking services, international amenities, and community support, with Sofia providing the most job opportunities and Bansko offering some of the lowest costs plus excellent coworking spaces.
Emerging neighborhoods that are starting to attract more expats in Bulgaria include Krastova Vada and Manastirski Livadi in Sofia (modern developments with good transport links), and Banya near Bansko (a quieter spa village alternative to the main resort town).
Are expats moving in or leaving Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, Bulgaria is experiencing a net inflow of expats, with the number of residence permits issued growing year over year and work-related permits (especially the Single Permit category) showing particularly strong increases.
The main factors driving expats to move to Bulgaria right now are the country's entry into the eurozone, its Schengen membership since January 2025, the new digital nomad visa launched in December 2025, and the continued low cost of living compared to Western Europe.
Some expats do leave Bulgaria due to frustrations with bureaucracy, limited career advancement outside of tech and shared services, winter air quality concerns in Sofia, and the language barrier in daily life if you do not speak Bulgarian.
Compared to similar destinations in the region like Romania, Serbia, or Greece, Bulgaria is seeing relatively strong expat interest due to its lower property prices, flat 10 percent income tax, and recent euro adoption, which simplifies finances for many newcomers.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Bulgaria in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Bulgaria are the Type D Long-Stay Visa for work or family purposes, the EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals, and the brand-new Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers earning income from outside the country.
For the most commonly used work-based visa in Bulgaria, the main eligibility requirements include having a job offer from a Bulgarian employer, the employer obtaining a work permit approval from the Employment Agency, and providing proof of health insurance and clean criminal record.
Bulgaria launched its digital nomad visa in December 2025, which is open to non-EU citizens who work remotely for employers or clients outside the EU, earn at least 31,000 euros per year, and can provide proof of health insurance and accommodation in Bulgaria.
Most expat visas in Bulgaria are initially valid for one year and can be renewed, with the digital nomad visa allowing up to two years total (one year plus one renewal), while work permits can be extended for up to three years depending on the employment situation.
How long does it take to get residency in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain temporary residency in Bulgaria is two to four months for non-EU citizens going through the work-based pathway, including the time needed for the Type D visa application abroad and the residence permit application after arrival.
Common factors that can delay the residency process in Bulgaria include incomplete documentation, the need for apostilles and certified Bulgarian translations of foreign documents, employer delays in obtaining work permit approvals, and consulate workload variations in different countries.
To become eligible for permanent residency in Bulgaria, an expat must generally live in the country continuously for five years on a temporary residence permit, after which they can apply for long-term resident status and eventually citizenship if desired.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Bulgaria. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Bulgaria in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three industries hiring the most in Bulgaria are IT and software development (including outsourcing centers for Western European companies), shared services and business process outsourcing (finance operations, customer support, HR), and tourism and hospitality (especially along the Black Sea coast and in ski resorts).
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Bulgaria without speaking Bulgarian, but mainly in specific sectors like IT, multinational shared services centers, and English-language customer support roles, while outside these niches, Bulgarian language skills become a major advantage.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Bulgaria include software developers, DevOps engineers, data analysts, multilingual customer service representatives (German, French, Dutch, and Nordic languages are particularly valued), and project managers at international companies with offices in Sofia.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical salary range for expats working in Bulgaria varies widely by sector, but most expats in professional roles earn between 3,000 and 6,000 BGN net per month (about 1,500 to 3,100 euros or 1,700 to 3,500 USD), with tech roles often paying significantly more.
Entry-level or mid-level expat positions in Bulgaria in 2026, such as junior developers, customer service agents, or operations specialists, typically pay between 2,000 and 4,000 BGN net per month (about 1,000 to 2,000 euros or 1,150 to 2,300 USD).
Senior or specialized expat roles in Bulgaria, particularly in IT, fintech, and management positions at multinationals, can command salaries of 6,000 to 10,000 BGN net per month (about 3,100 to 5,100 euros or 3,500 to 5,800 USD) or even higher for leadership positions.
Employers in Bulgaria commonly sponsor work visas for foreign hires in in-demand sectors like IT and shared services, especially at multinational companies that are already accustomed to international compliance, while smaller local firms rarely offer sponsorship.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Bulgaria right now?
What do expats love most about living in Bulgaria right now?
The top things expats love most about living in Bulgaria in 2026 are the exceptional value for money (especially compared to Western European capitals), the easy access to nature (mountains, beaches, and hiking trails within short drives), and the growing modern amenities in cities like Sofia and Plovdiv (good coffee shops, coworking spaces, and international restaurants).
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Bulgaria is the work-life balance, with shorter commutes in most cities, affordable leisure activities, and the ability to enjoy ski slopes or Black Sea beaches on weekends without breaking the bank.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Bulgaria is the low cost of living combined with fast and affordable internet, which makes it an ideal base for remote workers and digital nomads who can earn Western salaries while enjoying Bulgarian prices.
Many expats find Bulgarian social life enjoyable because of the strong cafe culture, the tradition of long meals with friends, and the welcoming attitude toward foreigners, especially in Sofia's international community and Bansko's digital nomad scene.
What do expats dislike most about life in Bulgaria right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Bulgaria in 2026 are the heavy bureaucracy for any official paperwork, the winter air pollution in Sofia (caused by coal and wood heating in some neighborhoods), and the language barrier outside of major expat hubs since many locals outside Sofia do not speak English.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Bulgaria is dealing with inconsistent service quality, whether it is unreliable building maintenance, unexpected closures of businesses, or the sometimes brusque customer service style that can feel unwelcoming to newcomers.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Bulgaria is the residency and work permit process, which often requires multiple visits to different offices, certified translations of every document, and patience with slow-moving administrative procedures.
Most expats find these frustrations manageable rather than deal-breakers, especially once they build local connections, learn some basic Bulgarian, and accept that some processes simply take longer than in their home countries.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Bulgaria right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Bulgaria in 2026 are the reversed head gestures for yes and no (a head shake means yes, a nod means no), the direct and sometimes blunt communication style that can seem rude at first, and the relationship-driven approach to business and official processes where who you know often matters as much as what you need.
The social norm that surprises newcomers the most in Bulgaria is the importance of personal relationships in getting things done, whether it is finding a good apartment, navigating bureaucracy, or getting a doctor's appointment quickly, and this can feel unfamiliar to expats used to more transactional systems.
The aspect of daily routines that takes the longest for expats to adjust to in Bulgaria is the pace of service and administration, which often runs slower than in Western Europe or North America, requiring patience and flexibility that can be frustrating during the initial settling-in period.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Bulgaria compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Bulgaria in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Bulgaria is generally allowed for apartments and buildings, but restrictions apply to land ownership depending on your nationality and residency status.
The specific restrictions for foreigners buying property in Bulgaria are that non-EU citizens cannot directly own land, though they can purchase apartments in buildings or buy land through a Bulgarian-registered company, while EU citizens have full property rights including land ownership.
Foreigners can freely own apartments and buildings in Bulgaria in 2026, but purchasing a house with land requires either EU citizenship, permanent residency in Bulgaria, or setting up a Bulgarian company to hold the land portion of the property.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Bulgaria.
What is the average price per m² in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Bulgaria is approximately 1,650 euros nationally (about 1,900 USD or 3,230 BGN), though this varies dramatically by city, with Sofia averaging 2,000 to 2,200 euros per square meter and rural areas as low as 300 to 500 euros per square meter.
Property prices in Bulgaria have risen steadily over the past two to three years, with Sofia seeing annual increases of 12 to 16 percent and coastal cities like Varna and Burgas experiencing even faster growth of 18 to 20 percent, driven by euro adoption expectations, low interest rates, and limited supply of quality new builds.
Want to know more? We give you all the details you need about the housing prices in Bulgaria here.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Bulgaria here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Bulgaria in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Bulgaria are available but limited to certain banks and typically come with stricter conditions than for local buyers.
Banks in Bulgaria known to offer mortgages to foreigners include UniCredit Bulbank (which explicitly offers products for customers without permanent residence), DSK Bank, and Postbank, though product availability and terms can change.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Bulgaria in 2026 include a down payment of 30 to 50 percent (compared to 10 to 20 percent for locals), interest rates of 2.5 to 4 percent, and maximum loan terms of 20 to 25 years depending on the bank and borrower profile.
To qualify for a mortgage as a foreigner in Bulgaria, you typically need to provide proof of stable income (often from abroad with certified translations), a clean credit history, valid identification and residence documentation, and sometimes a local bank account with transaction history.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Bulgaria.
Buying real estate in Bulgaria can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Bulgaria, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria National Statistical Institute (NSI) - Wages | Bulgaria's official statistics office providing baseline wage data. | We used it to anchor typical gross pay levels entering 2026. We then converted that into realistic net pay using Bulgaria's tax rules. |
| ECB Data Portal - Bulgaria HICP Inflation | Official primary-source inflation data from the European Central Bank. | We used it to verify inflation readings through December 2025. We used it to calibrate 2026 cost-of-living expectations accurately. |
| European Commission - Bulgaria Economic Forecast | The EU's official macroeconomic forecast for member states. | We used it to set expectations for 2026 inflation and GDP growth. We connected quality-of-life assessments to official economic projections. |
| Bulgaria Ministry of Finance - Personal Income Taxes | The government's finance ministry explaining tax framework. | We used it to anchor the income tax rate section in official guidance. We avoided relying on secondary summaries for core tax rules. |
| Bulgaria Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa Information | Bulgaria's official foreign ministry visa page. | We used it to define visa categories and entry rules for 2026. We cross-checked visa requirements with the dedicated Type D document. |
| Bulgaria NSI - Residence Permits for Foreigners 2024 | Official NSI release measuring permits issued in Bulgaria. | We used it to describe what kinds of foreign residents Bulgaria issues permits to. We validated expat migration claims with hard counts. |
| Bulgarian National Bank - Economic Review 2/2025 | The central bank's quarterly review for macro and credit conditions. | We used it to ground 2026 economic outlook discussions. We supported statements about credit conditions and housing financing context. |
| Associated Press - Bulgaria Euro Adoption | Globally recognized wire service reporting major national events. | We used it to confirm Bulgaria's euro adoption on January 1, 2026. We explained practical implications like dual pricing and currency conversion. |
| UniCredit Bulbank - Mortgage for Non-Residents | Major Bulgarian bank stating product availability for foreigners. | We used it to support the claim that some banks lend to non-residents. We reality-checked vague claims about foreigners not getting mortgages. |
| US State Department - Bulgaria Travel Advisory | Official US government travel safety assessment. | We used it to establish Bulgaria's safety rating for expats. We identified specific safety concerns mentioned by official sources. |
| Fragomen - Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa | Leading immigration law firm providing authoritative visa guidance. | We used it to explain the new digital nomad visa requirements and timeline. We verified eligibility criteria and application process details. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Bulgaria. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.