When it comes to moving to Bulgaria or any other foreign country for that matter, there is one very important thing to do before you take this leap of faith. People move to Bulgaria for different reasons; some come for an adventure, some to live here long term, for a new job or simply to start a family. Everyone's situation is unique. However, regardless of the reason why there is one thing that every Expat should definitely do before taking on this new adventure – check the validity of all your documents – your ID, your driving license, and your passport.
It is a very important thing to do before you come here no matter if you come from an EU country or a non-EU. It can get quite frustrating, time, and money consuming to renew your documents, especially with all COVID-19 regulations and restrictions. So, our first and most important tip for you is тo make sure all your documents are valid.
 

Bulgaria is not such a big country but despite its size, the country offers a variety of landscapes and areas where you can live.  There are areas and cities with big Expat communities, the cities at the sea coast such as Varna and Burgas, as well as some more rural places close to the mountains. All those places offer different atmospheres and lifestyles. it all depends on what you need and what are you looking for. The capital city Sofia is a vibrant city with a lot of nightlife, cultural events, and things to do, while Varna and Burgas offer different atmospheres with their seacoast location. By choosing to live and work in Bulgaria and for Yource Bulgaria now you have the opportunity to work from a different city by your choice. To avoid disappointments, we advise you to take some time and do some research (or even visit different places in Bulgaria) on which place will be the best fit for you.

Right before you move to Bulgaria, we advise you to prepare a realistic budget for your immigration to Bulgaria. As it is true that in Bulgaria the cost of living is significantly less expensive compared to western Europe, still do not underestimate the initial budget that you will need. If you are coming to start a new job here there several things you need to consider. Even if you start your employment right away, it will take a month before you receive your salary, so it’s is advisable to have in mind the expenses you will have. First and foremost, you will need to rent an apartment. Make sure you have enough money for the first rent, the agent commission, and the deposit you will need to pay. Do a research or ask already other expats that live here which areas are recommended, so you can make the best choice for yourself. Have in mind that you will also need to cover for your food, going outs, internet, etc.
 

If you have a permanent medication that you take or have health issues, we advise you to get in touch with your doctor and to make sure you bring enough medication initially with you. There are many good hospitals in Bulgaria where you can continue with your treatment if you have one, but it will be very useful if you have your medical documentation with you, which you can provide your local doctors with. When you start your employment in Yource Bulgaria you will also receive a free additional private health insurance that will give you the opportunity to cover your medical needs.  

Moving to work and live in another country can be challenging at first, especially if you expect everything to be the same as in your own country. Cultural differences are one of the things that you need to consider. One funny example about Bulgaria is that Bulgarians shake their heads for saying Yes and nod for No, which for a foreigner can be really confusing. So, if you encounter such a situation and if you’re not sure what the person means, just asked them politely.
 

Even if you don´t need a visa to live and work in Bulgaria it doesn’t mean that you can stay as long as you want. Have in mind that the allowed period without a long-term residence is 3 months. After that, you will need to go to the immigration office and apply for a long-term residence card. Make sure you keep track of your time here and get your residence card on time. When starting your job at Yource Bulgaria, our HR department makes sure that you will have all the necessary information and documentation required for the immigration office so that the process is simplified for you.

One of the most common mistakes Expats do when first coming to live in Bulgaria is the expectation that your life is going to be the same as it in your own country. Every country is different and unique and comparing it to your country of origin can be quite stressful and frustrating. When starting a new life here we advise you to come open-minded, take it easy, and go with the flow. Take your time to get to know your new environment, the rules, and the people. Everyone needs some time to get used to a new place, let alone a new country. It will usually take you 2-4 months to get used to the Bulgarian lifestyle, but it can get much faster if you make some Bulgarian friends who can give you more information or help you with a different experience.