Embark on your journey to Bulgaria with PIRGROUP and discover the beauty of this country with our assistance!
IMMIGRATION
PIRGROUP will navigate you through the immigration process in Bulgaria, providing customized solutions tailored to your specific needs:
For non-EU citizens
Short-term visa
The short-term visa to Bulgaria is the perfect option for third country nationals going to Bulgaria for tourism or on business.
Temporary residence permit
Foreign citizens wishing to stay in Bulgaria for more than three months and work in the country should apply for a Bulgarian residence permit. Several types of Bulgaria work permit and residence permit exist and will depend on the specific situation.
Permanent residence permit
After five years of living in Bulgaria, you can qualify for a permanent residence permit. Permanent residence permit holders also obtain a Bulgarian work permit.
Work permit and work visa
- The employment of third-country nationals in the Republic of Bulgaria is subject to obtaining a Bulgaria work permit from the Employment Agency and a type D Bulgaria work visa.
- Once the Employment Agency has issued the Bulgaria work permit, the Consular Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can issue the type D Bulgaria work visa for entry into the country and the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can issue a residence permit for the duration of the work permit.
- Foreigners can qualify for a Bulgaria work permit only in such cases when the job does not require the employee to be a Bulgarian citizen by law.
- A Bulgaria work permit for employing a foreigner under an employment contract may be issued on the basis of state, development and labour market interests.
- Once the employee has acquired a Bulgaria work permit, they must apply for a type D Bulgarian work visa, in order to be able to travel to country. Once the Bulgaria work visa has been issued, the employee may enter Bulgaria and obtain their residence permit. To finalise the process, the Bulgaria work visa is presented to the migration authorities.
For EU citizens
No visa is needed, but if you plan to work in Bulgaria for longer than three months, you need an EU residence permit.
When planning your relocation to Bulgaria, know that every situation is different and will be evaluated as such. Our immigration lawyers thoroughly review every case to ascertain whether it calls for a Bulgarian work visa, a specific type of Bulgarian work permit or an alternative.
RELOCATION
Make sure your employees enjoy moving to Bulgaria! With our tips and assistance, the process can be smooth and exciting.
Accommodation
Diverse housing options and work with trusted brokers
Understanding the real estate market dynamics is crucial for anyone planning their relocation to Bulgaria. The cost of living is generally reasonable, with housing costs varying, especially in major cities like Sofia.
Moving to Bulgaria could see you living in a trendy apartment in Lozenets – one of the largest and most modern neighbourhoods in Sofia, known for its excellent infrastructure, affordable housing and cultural richness. If seeking something more upscale, neighbourhoods surrounding the city centre like Ivan Vazov in the south, Iztok or Dianabad in the east provide luxurious residential options. Known for their tranquil family-centric ambiance, tree-lined streets and proximity to parks, these areas offer convenience with easy access to the city centre, whether by car or public transport, attracting expats seeking sophistication and ease.
For a quieter retreat from the bustle of the city, suburban areas beyond the ring road, such as Simeonovo and Dragalevtsi, offer spacious houses in serene surroundings. Nestled at the foot of the Vitosha mountain, these neighbourhoods epitomise a tranquil lifestyle, making them perfect for families or individuals who crave peaceful respite while still enjoying the best of Sofia.
It is important to work with reliable brokers when moving to Bulgaria and looking for a place to live. Unfortunately, some of the advertisements published online are unreliable or even fake. At PIRGROUP, we always work with trusted partners to ensure the best homes for our clients.
Healthcare
Recommendations for the local healthcare system
The Bulgarian healthcare system encompasses both publicly funded and privately-owned medical facilities. While there’s no doubt about the professionalism of the medical personnel, the facilities often suffer from inadequate infrastructure due to a lack of funding. If you are moving to Bulgaria, private health insurance is recommended for better access to specialised treatments and services.
We usually recommend clinics such as Tokuda and Sofia Med whose staff provide services in English as well as Bulgarian.
Transportation and travel
Efficient public transport with debit card tickets
Discover Bulgaria's well-organised public transport in Sofia, where you can effortlessly navigate the city using debit card tickets for electric buses, metro trains, trams and trolleys. Bulgaria's extensive road network includes limited-access highways, first, second and third-class roads.
While trains may not be the fastest, they are comfortable and perfect for longer distances, even if the journey takes slightly longer. The railway has received major investments for the comfort of passengers, and new routes and trains are expected to appear in 2025.
To expats planning their relocation to Bulgaria we suggest using Moovit to navigate the public transport system. It is a convenient app, providing routes and timetables in the main cities in Bulgaria.
Education
Diverse education options for students of all ages.
Options for education in Sofia are diverse and cater to students of all ages and interests. The city boasts a robust educational infrastructure, including public and private schools, universities and specialised institutions. The comprehensive curriculum is aligned with international standards, ensuring students receive quality education.
Anyone moving to Bulgaria with children will be happy to learn that many private schools in Sofia provide English, bilingual or multilingual programmes, fostering language proficiency and cultural understanding. One notable example is the Anglo-American School of Sofia, which provides an English-language education incorporating both the American and International Baccalaureate programmes. Another prominent institution is the American College of Sofia, renowned for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking and leadership development. The schools deliver a personal approach to every student, so that the relocation to Bulgaria is as seamless as possible for your children.