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Bulgaria

Bulgaria
	Capital	Sofia
	Population	7,204,687
	Area	110,910 sq km
	Language	Bulgarian
	Currency	Bulgaria, Lev (BGN)
		100.000000Lv (BGN) = 69.052267$ (USD)

Since joining the EU in 2007 Bulgaria is slowly but surely throwing off its communist past and embracing a free market and, hopefully economic growth.  Situated in South-Eastern Europe and bordered by Greece, Romania, Turkey, Serbia and Macedonia, it combines the beauty of the mountainous interior with a Black Sea coastline and adjacent lowlands.

Once a satellite of the old Soviet Union, democratic elections were first held in Bulgaria in 1990; there is still a long way to go to eradicate a high level of corruption and organized crime, and achieve a level of political stability, but in the meantime it presents itself as an interesting and not too expensive retirement option.

There are some lively tourist areas, particularly in the coastal resorts, and some fascinating medieval architecture to be found in old monasteries and mountain towns.

After Spain and France, Bulgaria is now the most popular country in Europe for British expats; in the Dobrich area several thousand have bought retirement homes as the area is generally unspoilt and the cost of living very low. However, away from the coast, in the unattractive and densely urban areas outside the characteristic and architecturally fascinating old town centres, pollution, water shortages and the lack of decent healthcare are issues that foreigners find hard to adapt to.

Health and Senior Living
You can visit for 30 to 90 days, depending on your country of residence.  However, should you wish to stay longer, or even permanently, you will need a long stay or D visa.  This has to be applied for through the Bulgarian consulate in your own country before going to Bulgaria.  For US citizens, the visa is free of charge, though there is a $25 processing fee.

The type D visa is for single entry only, valid up to 6 months - it is issued to people intending to apply for a long-term or permanent residence permit in Bulgaria.Once you have the D visa, be aware that you cannot leave Bulgaria for 3 months. You then have to apply to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for a long term or permanent residence visa.

You cannot enter Bulgaria without showing proof of adequate medical insurance to cover all health eventualities for the duration of your stay, including repatriation of remains. Residents of other EU member countries can move to and live easily in Bulgaria.

There is no specific retirement plan, but if you are retired, and are able to financially support yourself you can apply for a 1 year visa.  You must have your insurances and accommodation already arranged.  You can extend this to an indefinite length if you have lived legally in the country for 5 years, or have a familial relationship with a Bulgarian, or have invested over $US 250,000 in the country.

Healthcare in Bulgaria is generally of a low standard...other European residents, with reciprocal health agreements, such as the British, will receive free medical and dental care in emergencies. A greatest number of expatriates in Bulgaria currently, are British.  However, if you are going to live semi-permanently or permanently in Bulgaria it is prudent to take out private health insurance. The state system is under funded and not particularly efficient, especially in rural areas. Most medical staff do not speak English and a translator is normally needed.

Safety and Infrastructure
Telephone services are adequate though not entirely modern; internet is becoming increasingly popular and services are increasing...many people use internet cafes; and like everywhere, mobile phones are the mainstay of communication.

The general infrastructure in terms of gas, water and electricity is mostly good, although it is advised that bottled water is used especially in rural areas.

Most locals traverse the country by bus...the services are good and cheap.  Driving is somewhat hazardous-the roads are generally poorly maintained and it is recommended not to drive at night to avoid the potholes.  There is a rail system, but it is generally only good between the main big cities.

Crime is a big issue in Bulgaria; a left over from the communist years, corruption has not been stamped out since EU accession despite a commitment by the government to target organised crime. The EU has recently suspended some large EU grants as the local ‘mafia’ have found ways to line their own pockets and fraudulent applications for grants is a big problem.

For foreigners, with an outside income, the very low cost of living in Bulgaria, together with low property prices, was extremely attractive and led to an influx particularly of Britons buying second or holiday homes.  However, a foreigner with a moderate income is seen as a millionaire in this the poorest country in Europe and this has led to an increase in burglaries and other crimes in the areas most populated by foreigners. Recently British families in the coastal areas along the Black Sea have been targeted by gangs of thieves.

In the tourist areas and cities, petty crime and pick pocketing is something to be aware of.

Buying property
Bulgaria has one of the most liberal foreign investment laws in the region regarding real estate and foreign investors; therefore buying real estate as a foreigner in Bulgaria is extremely easy; gone are the days of bureaucratic nightmares and setting up corporations in order to purchase land with your home.  However, it should be noted that as a result of the fallout from the economic downturn, the property market in Bulgaria is stagnant after the rapid increase in prices immediately prior to EU accession. There are some big developments in the coastal areas that have either gone bankrupt or development has stopped due to lack of buyers. The market in the bigger cities for completed or refurbished apartments is more buoyant, but generally over the last year property prices across the country have fallen by about 20%.

The people are generally friendly and welcoming with a love of music, dance and fine wine, which is produced here. They are hardworking and struggle to maintain a decent living, but will always be helpful to foreigners. Very few Bulgarians speak English, especially in the outlying rural areas, so it is incumbent upon visitors to at least learn a few words of the local language.