Bulgaria is a country with a vibrant culture, a rich history, and a nice warm welcome for those who choose to live there, so it’s no surprise that the cities have large expat communities. If you’re looking to relocate, then there are a number of things you’ll need to consider, including when it comes to your finances. This article will take you through how to open a bank account in Bulgaria.   more ...

All those entering Bulgaria should have at least six months’ validity remaining on their passports, counted from the date they travel. Many nationalities will qualify for entry to Bulgaria without a visa for a period of up to 90 days, whilst for others it may only be up to 30 days, within each six-month period. This 30- or 90-day visa-free period does not entitle you to work, and is intended for tourism, recreation, or short-term visits to friends or family. In order to work in Bulgaria, citizens of most countries will require a visa and work permit.   more ...

If you have skills that are in demand in Bulgaria, then you will be welcome as a worker. Sofia in particular has a strong expat presence. This is because skilled Bulgarians tend to go abroad to seek wages commensurate with their skills, leaving a hole that is filled by skilled expats, who are content to earn less than they might in other countries, but live well thanks to Bulgaria’s low prices.   more ...

If you are an expat in Bulgaria and are concerned about the cost of your health insurance, you have a number of options. If you are working or have residence in the country, then signing up with the national health insurance scheme is compulsory.   more ...

Although conventional care in Bulgaria can be of variable quality, particularly outside the big cities, complementary therapies are flourishing in the country, with a growing number of holistic centres and spas.   more ...

Cancer treatment is a priority in both Bulgaria and the UK, but there have been suggestions that cancer care in both countries lags behind that of other European nations. Macmillan Cancer Support, the UK’s main cancer charity, notes that survival rates are not as strong in the UK as elsewhere in Europe, and a country profile report from the EC highlights issues with the overall quality of healthcare in Bulgaria.   more ...

The cost of healthcare in Bulgaria will depend on the type of insurance that you have. If you are an expat and are signed up with the national health insurance system, then you will be covered for a range of care and treatment which will be free at the point of delivery, but if you are not insured, either with public or national health insurance, then health care in the country can be costly.   more ...

Mental health issues are of course challenging wherever you are, and Bulgaria is no exception. If you are an expat resident in the country, therefore, and concerned about your mental health, what levels of care might you expect, and how can you best safeguard your own mental state?   more ...

It is critical for expats in Bulgaria to register with the state healthcare system, as medical costs here can be very high. In order for you to be eligible for public state health insurance, either your home country will need to have a reciprocal arrangement with Bulgaria or you will need to make national insurance contributions into the state system.   more ...

If you are intending to give birth in Bulgaria, you need to consider your health insurance status: whether you are prepared to give birth in a public hospital under the national scheme if you are eligible, perhaps with some top-up payments for extra facilities such as a private room, or whether you are taking out full private health cover.   more ...