Reasons why we moved to Sofia, Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a country in Southeastern Europe which over the last decade has experienced one of the fastest population declines in the world, with an 11.5% decrease, equivalent to 845,000 people. Despite this trend, we decided to move and make Bulgaria our new home. Here’s why.

Freedom of Movement with EU Membership in Bulgaria

As a member of the European Union and, since 2024, the Schengen Zone, Bulgaria offers its residents visa-free travel across the EU. This was a key factor for us.

Many countries popular with digital nomads, such as Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia, offer straightforward residency options but lack the EU travel benefits. Holding residency in Bulgaria allows unrestricted access to Europe, a significant advantage for travelers.

Read more: Best City in Bulgaria for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers (2025)

Straightforward Residency Process in Bulgaria

Obtaining residency in Bulgaria is relatively simple, especially for EU citizens. The process takes about four business days, plus the time needed to gather documents.

For non-EU passport holders, options include long-term partner visas, trade representative visas, retirement-based residency and investment options. While the paperwork is more extensive, approval times are reasonable, typically 1-2 months.

(FREE) List of documents to apply for a Residency Permit in Bulgaria: https://olgapronkina.com/bulgarian-residence-documents

Affordable Housing Options in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s housing market is much more affordable than Western Europe’s, though prices are rising. In Sofia, you can rent:

• 1-bedroom apartments: Starting at €450/month near the city center.
• 2-bedroom apartments: Between €650-€750/month in good condition.

Older Soviet-era buildings might appear unappealing from the outside but often have renovated interiors, making them a hidden gem in the market. In smaller cities like Plovdiv or Varna, rental prices drop significantly.

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Cost of Living in Sofia, Bulgaria

While Bulgaria has the second-lowest cost of living in the EU, our experience has been nuanced:

• Groceries: Comparable to Germany.
• Dining out: €15-€25 per person.
• Coffee: €1.50-€2.50.
• Monthly expenses (excluding rent): Around €1,000 for two people.

Though not as cheap as Southeast Asia, Bulgaria remains significantly more affordable than Western Europe. And when you look at the big picture, for remote workers who want a home base where they can maximize productivity and savings, Bulgaria might be a better option with relatively similar living expenses.

Read more: SE Asia vs. Eastern Europe (Bulgaria) — Which Makes More Sense for Remote Workers and Expats in 2025?

Climate: A City for All Seasons

Sofia enjoys a continental climate with distinct seasons:

• Summer: Sunny and dry, averaging 30°C.
• Autumn: Mild with warm days averaging 17°C to 25°C in early autumn, gradually cooling to 5°C to 15°C by late November, and cooler nights.
• Winter: Snowy and crisp, with average temperatures ranging from -1°C to 4°C and many sunny days.
• Spring: Gradually warming with occasional rain.

Sofia’s high altitude and proximity to Vitosha Mountain provide cooler summers and heavier winter snowfalls, offering year-round outdoor activities.

Green Spaces and Natural Escapes

Sofia seamlessly blends urban life with nature. Some highlights include:

• Borisova Gradina and South Park, vast green spaces in the city.
• Vitosha Mountain, perfect for hiking and skiing, accessible by public transport.
• Nearby towns like Bankya and Pancharevo for tranquil weekend getaways.

Bulgaria’s beauty extends beyond Sofia, with beaches in Varna, historic towns like Plovdiv, and picturesque mountains in Bansko, all within a few hours’ drive.

Navigating Local Culture and Language in Sofia, Bulgaria

Bulgarians embody a mix of Balkan and Slavic cultures. While customer service can feel brusque, people warm up once you engage. The Cyrillic alphabet, invented by Bulgarian monks, might seem intimidating but is manageable with time.

A Growing Expat Community

Bulgaria attracts a diverse expat population, including students, professionals, and retirees. Sofia and Bansko are particularly popular, the latter being a hotspot for digital nomads thanks to its coworking spaces and low costs. Expats gather in local communities, creating opportunities to connect and network.

Modern Infrastructure and Accessibility

Sofia offers reliable and affordable public transport, including a clean metro system, trams, and buses. Specialty coffee shops and trendy restaurants are on the rise, adding a cosmopolitan flair to the city. Shopping malls serve as convenient escapes from extreme weather.

Healthcare and Insurance

Basic health insurance is affordable, starting at under €100 annually for emergency coverage. Private healthcare is reasonably priced, and as taxpayers, residents gain access to the national system.

Weekend Getaways from Sofia, Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s central location makes it ideal for weekend getaways:

• Flights: Budget-friendly trips to Italy, Germany, or Turkey.
• Overnight train: Direct service to Istanbul.
• Domestic travel: Explore Veliko Tarnovo, Burgas, and more within a few hours’ drive.

After years of living in diverse countries—Turkey, Vietnam, and stints across Europe and Southeast Asia—we chose Bulgaria for its affordability, travel opportunities, and overall quality of life.

With plans to stay at least a year and possibly longer, Bulgaria has proven to be a rewarding choice for us. Whether you’re seeking adventure, a new home base, or just curious about life here, Bulgaria might surprise you.