Life in Sofia: Everything you need to know
As Bulgaria’s capital, the city offers plenty of opportunities for expats, from finding the perfect neighborhood to fit your lifestyle to career options and entertainment.
We’ve gathered insights from fellow expats in Sofia to highlight both the advantages and challenges of life in the city. We also cover answers to the most common questions expats may have about life in Sofia. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with our welcoming international community and discover upcoming events!
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Edmund Taylor
What makes 51ԹϺreally special is its great member base. All truly global minded people willing to support you.
Annabelle Molenaar
At my first Sofia Get-Together I already met other Dutch women to chat with. 51ԹϺmakes the expat life so much easier.
Why you'll love 51ԹϺin Sofia
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
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Before making a big move, it’s always good to weigh the pros and cons. Here’s a quick look at the ups and downs of living in Sofia, along with advice from the international community to help you get started!
Pros
- Rich Culture, Tasty Food: Art, music, or theatre, there's a lot to do and explore. Think of hearty traditional dishes like banitsa (salty pastry with a filling) and musaka (a dish made with layers of potatoes and meat), and lots of fresh produce. There are also plenty of festivals you can join and local traditions you can experience.
- Nature & History: Sofia’s perfectly located for outdoor activities. Vitosha Mountain is awesome for hiking and skiing. Not to mention, Bulgaria has a long history, so there are plenty of small towns to visit where you can explore the past. Also, you will be only a few hours away from the Black Sea, which is perfect for summer weekends.
- Jobs for Every Skill: Sofia's job market is growing, especially in areas like IT, customer service, and marketing. Whether you're looking for full-time or part-time work, there's something to match your preferred hours, location, and salary expectations. With the rise of digital work, remote opportunities are also becoming more common.
- Real Culture, Real People: Bulgarians are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you’ll meet. It’s the kind of place where you can get to know real local life. The authentic feel of the city is far from the touristy vibe of other places.
- Living Cheap: Sofia is an affordable place to live in Europe. The cost of living is much lower compared to other big cities, and the tax rates here are pretty low. It means you can stretch your budget further while still enjoying a good standard of living.
Cons
- Corruption Issues: Unfortunately, corruption is something you’ll have to deal with. It’s not uncommon to feel like some things are a bit shady, especially when it comes to access to information or resources. It’s not always easy to get things done without encountering bureaucratic roadblocks.
- Dirty Air: Sofia’s air quality isn’t the best. It’s known for being one of the most polluted capitals in Europe. The city’s location in a valley doesn’t help, and sometimes the pollution just hangs around for days. If you're sensitive to air quality, this could be a downside.
- Slow and Outdated System: The public services here can be frustrating. Everything from getting documents sorted to simple administrative tasks can take forever. The country is still catching up to the digital age in some areas, which can make everyday tasks frustrating.
- Lower salaries: Wages are generally lower compared to other European cities, particularly in certain sectors. It's common to see salaries much lower than what you might expect elsewhere, which could be a shock for those used to higher pay.
- Racism Still Exists: You should have in mind that some older Bulgarians may still hold traditional views shaped by the past. If they make any comments, it’s usually out of misunderstanding or outdated ideas, not personal intent.
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Join Our Exciting Events in Sofia
Joining events for newcomers hosted by InterNations is a great way to get started and connect with other expats. The city is full of exciting opportunities to meet new friends, whether you're into art exhibitions, language exchange, or going for a hike at Vitosha Mountain. You can discover something new every week, from enjoying Sofia's nightlife to uncovering hidden spots that only locals know. Whether you're into culture, history, nature, art, or parties, you can find an already organized event just for you.
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Frequently asked question about expat life in Sofia
Most pressing questions about moving to Sofia are answered in this section. From pre-move knowledge about visas to day-to-day essentials like cost of living, healthcare, safety, accommodation, and transportation, we cover it all.
Yes! Sofia’s a solid choice for expats. It’s not as flashy as some other European cities, but it’s got a lot going for it — cheap living, decent job options, and a good mix of history and nature. The city’s not huge, but that might be exactly the place that some expats are aiming for. People are friendly once you get to know them, and the expat community is growing.
To live in Bulgaria as an expat, you'll need to apply for a residence permit, which requires a Type D visa if you're staying for more than 90 days. You can apply for this visa at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country.
After arrival in Bulgaria, you’ll need to submit your residence permit application at the Migration Directorate within 60 days. Residence permits are typically valid for one year, and after five years of continuous residence, you may be eligible for a permanent residence permit. In terms of the visa type, there are options based on:
- employment
- retirement
- investment
- specific permits for freelancers
During the application process you’ll need to gather the necessary documentation, such as:
- proof of income
- proof of employment (if applicable)
- biometric data
You can access the process in detail here:
To find a place to live in Sofia, you can search through the following platforms:
- and - Ideal for short-term rentals while you're searching for something permanent.
Most expats live in these areas:
- Lozenets: A high-end residential area close to the city center.
- Dragalevtsi: A peaceful, residential neighborhood at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, known for scenic views and spacious homes.
- Vitosha Boulevard: Sofia's main shopping street, full of shops, bars, and restaurants, popular with locals and tourists alike.
- Oborishte: A central area, just a 15-minute walk from Boris Garden.
- Boyana: A quiet neighborhood far from the city center, requiring a car for easy access.
- Mladost: A growing area popular with young families and students, known for apartment blocks, good subway access, and the nearby Business Park Sofia.
Bulgaria has a public healthcare system that is primarily funded through mandatory health insurance contributions. The system is regulated by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which covers the majority of medical services for those who are registered. Here’s how it works:
- Mandatory Health Insurance: Employees and self-employed individuals must pay into the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for coverage.
- Public Healthcare: Offers basic services (e.g., doctor visits, hospital treatment) but may require out-of-pocket payments for some treatments or medications.
- Private Healthcare: Available for faster, higher-quality care but not covered by NHIF; expats may need private insurance.
- Emergency Care: Available, but response times may vary.
- Medication: Affordable, with partial coverage for insured individuals; non-insured must pay full price.
- Registration: Expats should register with NHIF or obtain private insurance for coverage.
Getting around Sofia is easy and affordable with a variety of transportation options.
- ճ mٰ is one of the most efficient ways to travel, with four lines covering key parts of the city. A single ride costs around 1.60 BGN (approx. 1 USD), and a monthly pass is approximately 30 USD.
- Buses and trams also provide extensive coverage of Sofia, and the single ride costs around 1.60 BGN (approx. 1 USD) as well.
- Taxis are generally inexpensive compared to other European cities, but it's important to be cautious of potential scams. Using trusted apps like o is highly recommended to avoid overcharging.
- If you enjoy cycling, Sofia has bike rental services such as , with dedicated bike lanes in certain areas of the city.
It’s helpful to learn Bulgarian if you’re staying in Sofia for the long run. English is not common with the older generation, especially those over 40. So, you can get by with English at first, but knowing a bit of Bulgarian will make things smoother when dealing with daily tasks or getting to know locals.
Sofia is generally safe, especially in the main areas. Of course, like any city, there are some spots you might want to be cautious about after dark. Areas like Sveta Nedelya Square and parts of Lyulin aren’t the safest. Stick to the city center or places with more people around, and you should be fine.
Yes! The expat community is growing, and locals are welcoming, though some people might have a cold face at first, but they’re often much kinder once you get talking. While some may hold conservative views and appear reserved initially, they’re still open to sharing their culture and traditions. It just takes a little time to warm up with each other.
Try joining local clubs or activities that match your interests, such as sports, hiking, or creative hobbies. There are plenty of opportunities to connect through cultural festivals, concerts, or casual meetups. Many companies in Sofia also organize social events or team-building activities, making it easier to connect with colleagues outside of work. Networking events and expat-friendly coworking spaces also provide great opportunities to meet new people. You can also consider joining our 51ԹϺcommunity where you can meet fellow expats in Sofia online or in our event and hobby groups.
Here’s a general overview of typical living expenses in Sofia, keep in mind that these can vary based on your personal circumstances (like the cost of public health insurance, which depends on your salary) or your preferences (such as how much you spend on groceries).
| USD per month | Local currency per month BGN | |
Average monthly salary Net | 1,700 | 2,800 |
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 600 | 960 |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 950 | 1,600 |
Utilities (electricity, water, etc.) | 160 | 260 |
Mobile phone & internet | 30 | 60 |
Basic health insurance | 8% of your income | |
Public transport | 30 | 60 |
Groceries | 160-250 | 300-500 |
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 10 | 20 |
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Our Global Partners
Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
Through 51ԹϺGroups, you can dive into activities that match your interests and meet new people. Whether you're into exploring the city with fellow adventurers, discovering local food through a foodie group, practicing Bulgarian with casual walks in the park, or attending art exhibitions with like-minded culture lovers, there's something for everyone. Sofia also has groups for nightlife enthusiasts, where you can party with new friends, or even a book club if you're into quieter activities. Whatever you're passionate about, it's a great way to experience the city while meeting people who share your interests!
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What to Expect from Expat Life in Sofia?
Sofia may not be the largest or wealthiest of the European capitals, but the city has seen considerable growth and development since the end of communism in the 1990s. Located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, near Bulgaria's western borders with Serbia, the city offers an intriguing blend of influences, with Ottoman mosques sharing a skyline with imposing Soviet-era tower blocks and sleek modern hotels and malls. Many expats are drawn to the city for its affordable property — indeed, Bulgaria as a whole is considered one of the world's foremost property hotspots. Tourism and services are also major growth industries for the city, and many leading electronics, manufacturing and communications companies also have operations in the country. Due to the relatively low cost of living, a significant number of western retirees also travel to Bulgaria to invest in property or to make their savings go further than they might at home. Whatever your reasons for visiting the city, you'll find a warm welcome and a diverse, forward thinking culture in this jewel of the Balkan region.
51ԹϺis the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. 51ԹϺmakes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Riyadh or Shanghai, 51ԹϺallows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.
Get Involved with Our Sofia Community
At InterNations, we host a member-driven community of expatriates united under the guiding principles of trust, honesty and being welcoming to people of other cultures. Our platform is your space to interact with fellow global minds in a safe and welcoming environment. Don't hesitate to pose any questions you might have about living in Bulgaria, from practical concerns like accessing healthcare, enrolling your children in an international school or finding an English-speaking legal advisor, to networking and social activities such as organizing wine tasting events, forming a ten pin bowling team or finding a personal trainer. At InterNations, we also arrange larger events for our members, in which you can mingle with fellow expat Sofia residents over a friendly drink in a fantastic local venue.
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