🇧🇬 Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Bulgaria, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Bulgaria at a glance?
• Flag: 🇧🇬
• Population: ~6.3 million (national, 2025)
• Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN) — Prices are often compared internationally in EUR or USD.
• Average salary: around BGN 22,000 per year (~EUR 11,000 / USD 12,000)
• Live BGN ←→ Euro / Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
Reviewed by National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria (NSI), last updated in June 2025; Bulgarian National Bank, last updated July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Bulgaria?
The cost of moving to Bulgaria depends on shipment size and transport method. Typical market rates as of mid-2025 are:
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR or USD) |
| 20 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~3–5 weeks | USD 2,000–2,600 (≈ EUR 1,850–2,400) for a 20-ft FCL from Europe/USA to Bulgaria — BR LOGISTICS |
| 40 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~3–5 weeks | USD 3,300–4,900 (≈ EUR 3,000–4,500) depending on origin & route — BR LOGISTICS +1 |
| Air freight (~1 m³ / ~200 kg, door-to-door) | ~5–10 days | Typically higher; often several thousand USD depending on urgency & distance (insufficient public data for a stable benchmark) |
| Customs & duties fees | — | Bulgaria import duty rates range from 0–12% on CIF value, plus 20% VAT applied on the import value including duty & shipping costs — DHL +1 |
👉 Reviewed by Freight & Logistics market sources & Bulgarian Customs / National Revenue Agency guides, last updated mid-2025.
Use a real-time moving cost calculator for tailored quotes.
Real-life case:“I moved to Bulgaria in April 2025 with about 25 cubic meters of belongings in a 40ft container from Toronto, costing around USD 5,600 including door-to-door delivery and customs clearance.” — Mirela S., moved in April 2025
Importantly, many people moving to Bulgaria choose to relocate to one of the five most popular cities, including Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, and Ruse. These cities combine strong infrastructure, diverse job markets, and vibrant expat communities, making them ideal destinations for newcomers planning to move to Bulgaria.
What do I need to know about Bulgaria visas and residency?
Most foreigners require a visa or residence permit to live in Bulgaria. Options include: Work Visa, Student Visa, Family or Partner Visa, Startup or Entrepreneur Visa, and Residence or Long-Term Residence Permit options available after an extended stay.
Visa categories and eligibility check: https://www.mvr.bg/en/migration
Visa/residence permit application portal (for appointments and documents):https://www.mfa.bg/en
👉 Reviewed by Bulgarian Ministry of Interior & Ministry of Foreign Affairs, last updated June 2025.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
If you’re relocating to Bulgaria, you may qualify for duty-free import of used household goods under Bulgarian Customs regulations. To be eligible:
- Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months prior to shipment.
- Goods must arrive within 12 months of your arrival in Bulgaria.
At customs, present:
- Detailed inventory list of goods
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of prior residence abroad (e.g., rental agreement, utility bills)
⚠️ New items, vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, or commercial goods may be subject to Bulgaria’s import duties and 20% VAT, applied on the customs value including freight and insurance (CIF).
👉 Reviewed by Bulgarian Customs Agency, last updated mid-2025. https://customs.bg/en
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence?
If you’re moving to Bulgaria, you must declare your vehicle at customs. Import duties and 20% VAT may apply unless you qualify for relocation or returning resident exemptions. Vehicles must meet EU safety and emissions standards, and most imports require inspection and registration through the Executive Agency “Automobile Administration” (EAAA) before being approved for road use.
Driver’s licences from EU/EEA countries are valid in Bulgaria and can be exchanged without testing. Drivers from non-EU countries (e.g., the U.S., Canada, Australia, or Japan) may need to exchange their licence within 12 months of residency; depending on the country, a written and/or practical driving test may be required.
👉 Reviewed by Executive Agency “Automobile Administration” (EAAA) and Bulgarian Customs Agency, last updated July 2025.
How can I bring pets with me to Bulgaria?
Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an import permit issued by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. A valid rabies antibody (titration) test may be required depending on the country of origin.
Import requirements vary by species, and all pets must arrive through approved EU entry points, such as Sofia Airport (SOF) or other designated EU Border Inspection Posts for animals entering Bulgaria by air or road.
👉 Reviewed by Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA), Government of Bulgaria, last updated March 2025.
How do I open a bank account and get Bulgaria’s national identity number (Tax ID / Social Security Number)?
To open a Bulgarian bank account, you’ll need:
- Passport or valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of address in Bulgaria (rental agreement or utility bill)
- Sometimes proof of employment, student enrollment, or income source
The Unified Civil Number (EGN) is Bulgaria’s official identification number, used for taxation, social security, healthcare, and banking purposes.
Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Social Security Number are issued after registering your residence at the Municipal Administration Office and completing registration with the National Revenue Agency (NRA) or the National Social Security Institute (NSSI).
👉 Reviewed by National Revenue Agency (NRA) & National Social Security Institute (NSSI), last updated November 2024.
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Bulgaria?
In Bulgaria, renting usually requires a security deposit (normally one to two months’ rent) and proof of stable income or financial means. Utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet are often not included in the rent.
To rent, you’ll need:
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of income or employment/study contract
- Bulgarian residence registration (EGN or temporary residence certificate)
To buy property in Bulgaria, budget an extra 4–10% for transfer tax, notary fees, and transaction costs. Non-EU citizens may need permission from the Ministry of Justice or the Ministry of Defence before completing a property purchase, especially in protected or border areas.
Top areas for newcomers:
- Sofia – capital city and economic hub with international opportunities
- Plovdiv – second-largest city, known for its arts scene and Roman heritage
- Varna – seaside city with strong tourism and trade sectors
- Burgas – coastal city with industrial roots and family-friendly communities
- Ruse – Danube River city with rich architecture and cross-border connections
👉 Reviewed by National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria (NSI) & Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) / Real Estate Association, last updated March 2025.
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Bulgaria?
If you’re a tax resident in Bulgaria (living more than 183 days per year or having a permanent home there), you’re generally taxed on your worldwide income. Contributions to social security and pension schemes are mandatory for employees under Bulgarian employment contracts.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax | Flat rate: 10% on most income (covers both municipal and state tax) | Non-residents are taxed only on Bulgaria-sourced income |
| Social Contributions | Cover pension, healthcare, parental leave, and unemployment insurance | Employee contributes around 13.78%; employer contributes around 18.92% (percentages vary by sector and employment type) |
| Double Tax Treaties | Prevent double taxation | Bulgaria has agreements with 60+ countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, and all EU members |
👉 Reviewed by National Revenue Agency (NRA) & National Social Security Institute (NSSI), last updated 2025.
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, try a volume calculator, book a virtual relocation consultation, or explore international moving guides for Czech and Hungary.
