Back to results
Bulgaria
Sofia · Bulgarian
Bulgaria offers the EU's lowest income tax (10%), Black Sea beaches, mountain skiing, and some of Europe's most affordable living — all within the EU.
Cost of living
$560/mo
Rent (1-bed)
$520/mo
Income tax
10%
Currency
BGN (Bulgarian Lev)
Safety
8
Internet
100 Mbps
Quality of Life
6
Pros
- Flat 10% income tax (lowest in EU)
- EU member (Schengen from 2024)
- Affordable coast (Black Sea)
- Beautiful nature (mountains + sea)
- Low cost of living
- Growing Sofia tech scene
Cons
- −Developing infrastructure
- −Language barrier (Cyrillic)
- −Brain drain
- −Corruption concerns
- −Cold winters in Sofia
Visa Options
Schengen 90-day (Schengen joining 2024)Long-term Residence PermitWork PermitFreelancer / Self-Employment Visa
✈️ Pre-departure checklist
- ✅Visa-free entry: up to 90 days — no visa needed
- 🏥Get health insurance (~$30–80/mo premium; coverage limit from $50,000)
- 💳Notify your bank; get a no-foreign-fee card (Wise, Revolut)
- 📱Get an eSIM or local SIM on arrival (avg internet 100 Mbps) get eSIM →
- 🏠Book accommodation for first 3–7 days (easier to find long-term rental on the ground)
- 📄Make copies of passport, insurance, bookings — store in cloud & email to yourself
- 💰Bring some BGN (Bulgarian Lev) cash for the first few days
Planning your move to Bulgaria? Everything you need
AdFrequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Bulgaria?
The average cost of living in Bulgaria is about $560/month per person, with rent from $520/month. The exact amount depends on the city and lifestyle.
What is the tax rate in Bulgaria?
The income tax rate in Bulgaria is 10%. The country is considered tax-friendly for expats and entrepreneurs.
Is Bulgaria safe?
The safety index of Bulgaria is 8/10. Very safe.
How fast is the internet in Bulgaria?
The average internet speed in Bulgaria is 100 Mbps, great for remote work.