What do you need to know about moving to Bulgaria and obtaining a residence permit?

General overview of Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a unique country on the Balkan Peninsula that attracts tourists with its beautiful beaches on the Black Sea and ski resorts. This region enchants not only with its mild climate but also impresses with the diversity of its traditional cuisine, which will delight even the most discerning gourmets.

Many who have visited this country dream of staying here forever, and it's easy to see why. There are many appealing aspects for migrants, including moderate housing prices and relatively straightforward procedures for obtaining residency.

Important points when moving

Are there important points to consider when moving? Do foreigners need to buy health insurance? How can I get permanent residence through investments? What is the cost of apartments in Sofia? Let's take a closer look at these questions.

Medical insurance

Medical insuranceis an important element that deserves attention when planning life in Bulgaria. People seeking tranquility will note that the pace of life here is much less stressful than in big cities.

It is recommended to carefully consider all the details in advance. Experienced travelers know that going on a trip without insurance is risky, and when it comes to immigration, it becomes a necessary condition. Without health insurance, you will not be able to obtain a visa or residence permit.

In Bulgaria, the government offers both citizens and foreigners access to private medical services, with exceptions for emergency calls and basic medical care. The health insurance contract must remain valid for the entire duration of stay in the country.

• To obtain a category "D" visa, the minimum validity period of the insurance is six months.
• It takes from six months to a year to process a residence permit.
• The minimum amount of insurance cover must not be less than €30,000.

Use of the healthcare system

Once you obtain permanent residency, you will be able to access free services from the public health system —"health insurance fund". Citizens pay monthly so-called zdravni osigurovki, which in 2019 amounted to approximately 22.40 leva (about 10 euros).

Unemployed individuals must pay this fee themselves, while employers cover it for their employees.

Housing question

Once all the immigration formalities are completed and the residence permit is obtained, the question of purchasing real estate becomes relevant.Personal space- is a cherished dream of many, regardless of where they live. In picturesque Bulgaria, famous for its roses and vineyards, there are many interesting offers on the real estate market along the coast.

However, it should be noted that when calculating the area of real estate in square meters, the following are also taken into account:

• balconies,
• walls,
• common spaces such as staircases.

This may result in the actual usable area being significantly smaller than stated. Be prepared for possible additional expenses: after the transaction is completed, you will need to pay about 2% of the purchase price of the property.

Taxes and utility payments

Speaking of taxes and utility payments, after purchasing a property, there arises a need for its maintenance. Property owners are required to pay an annual property tax, which is called“property tax”. This tax is compulsory and should be considered when planning your home maintenance finances.

Conclusion

Thus, Bulgaria offers numerous opportunities for migration and comfortable living, but it requires a careful approach to various aspects related to relocation and taxation. The pleasant climate, affordable real estate prices, and a comfortable standard of living make this country attractive for living and working.

Tax contributions in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, tax deductions depend on many factors, such as the location of the property, its characteristics, floor and other details. It is important to note that the country has some of the lowest tax rates in the European Union, only0.15%from the market value of the property. This tax is paid to the notary, not through purchase and sale transactions. For example, if an apartment is valued at€25,000the annual tax will amount to only40 eurosIt is also necessary to account for the costs of solid waste disposal, which amounts to about0.2%from the market value of housing.

Utilities and heating

In addition, property owners in Bulgaria need to pay monthly utility bills, including:

• electricity,
• water supply,
• gas,
• telephone and internet services,
• cable television.

A significant expense is heating, as centralized heating systems are not always available.

Conclusion

In concluding our article about Bulgaria, I would like to emphasize that this country is a true treasure for those seeking a new home. Every aspect of life here, from the warm climate and affordable housing to quality healthcare and a peaceful atmosphere, makes Bulgaria an ideal place to live and work. Just the mention of the soft sunlight touching your face during the winter months can evoke a desire to leave everything behind and start a new life on the Black Sea coast.

Reasons for moving

There are many reasons why foreigners decide to move here. And, as mentioned before, it's not just the beautiful views and the affordability of real estate, but also the relatively simple procedures for obtaining residency. An important aspect is...health insurance...without which it is practically impossible to legalize oneself in the country, which should be taken into account when planning a move.

Your new home

It is important to remember that Bulgaria is not just a tourist destination, but a country that opens its doors to everyone who is ready to leave everything behind for a new life. It is a place where you can enjoy comfort and tranquility while practicing an active life. And the possibility of obtaining a residence permit for investment adds additional prospects for new residents.

Recommendations

Before making a decision, I strongly recommend thoroughly examining all the details. Understanding the structure of property taxes and utility expenses will help avoid unnecessary surprises in the future. Of course, every step requires attention and care, but in the end, all these efforts will be worth it.

Result

Bulgaria is a country where dreams become reality, and I sincerely hope that everyone who decides to visit it will not only be able to enjoy all its charms, but also perhaps take a step towards a new life. Discover Bulgaria and maybe it will become your permanent home, filled with bright moments and new opportunities.