Bulgaria Life in the country

Finding a place to live in Bulgaria is usually easier than in many Western European countries, but in Sofia, Varna, and Burgas, good apartments at attractive prices can be snapped up quickly. That’s why it’s a good idea to start looking for a place to live before you move.

Online platforms

• Imot.bg — one of the largest real estate websites in Bulgaria;
• OLX Bulgaria — private listings from owners and agencies;
• Facebook groups for Ukrainians in Bulgaria;
• local real estate agencies.

In Facebook communities for Ukrainians, you can often find housing without intermediaries, get reviews of neighborhoods, and receive advice on renting.

What you may need to rent

• a passport;
• a document confirming your legal status in Bulgaria;
• proof of income or employment (if required by the landlord);
• a security deposit equal to 1–2 months’ rent.

What to look out for

Before signing the contract, you should clarify:

• whether utilities are included in the rent;
• the terms for returning the security deposit;
• the availability of furniture and appliances;
• the possibility of registering at the residence address;
• the term of the contract, especially in resort towns.

If you are unsure about the terms of the lease agreement or are planning to apply for long-term residency in Bulgaria, we recommend consulting a Visit Ukraine immigration lawyer.

Compared to many EU countries, food costs in Bulgaria remain moderate. On average, a single person spends 200–350 euros a month on food, while a family of two adults spends between 400 and 700 euros.

Where to buy groceries

The most popular supermarkets are Lidl, Kaufland, Billa, Fantastico, and T Market.

In addition to supermarkets, many residents buy groceries at local markets. This is especially true for seasonal vegetables, fruits, honey, cheeses, and dairy products.

Bulgaria is known for its traditional foods—syrene (white brined cheese) and kiselo mlyako (Bulgarian yogurt)—which are part of the daily diet of many locals.

Price examples

• milk (1 L) — 1.5–2 euros;
• bread — 1–1.5 euros;
• eggs (10 pcs.) — 2–3.5 euros;
• chicken breast (1 kg) — 6–9 euros;
• sirene (1 kg) — 7–12 euros;
• apples (1 kg) — 1–2 euros;
• tomatoes (1 kg) — 1.5–3 euros.

Lunch at an inexpensive restaurant will cost 8–15 euros, and dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant — 30 to 60 euros.

Bulgaria has a well-developed transportation network. Sofia has buses, trams, trolleybuses, and a metro system, which is considered one of the most convenient ways to get around the capital.

- A single-ride ticket for public transportation costs about 0.80–1 euro. For regular travel, residents often use monthly passes.

For travel between cities, buses and trains operated by the Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) remain popular. Train tickets are usually cheaper than in most EU countries.

Many Ukrainians in Bulgaria use their own cars. As of 2026, fuel prices are:

• A95 gasoline — about €1.35–1.55 per liter;
• diesel — about €1.40–1.60 per liter.

❗Please note! To use most highways, you must purchase an electronic vignette.

If you plan to travel through Bulgaria in a car with Ukrainian registration, don’t forget to obtain a Green Card. For more information on the rules for entering Bulgaria by car, the necessary documents for the driver, and road requirements, see the section “Traveling to Bulgaria by Car”.

You may need a local bank account to receive your salary, rent an apartment, run a business, or handle everyday transactions.

The Largest Banks in Bulgaria

• UniCredit Bulbank — one of the country’s largest banks;
• DSK Bank — an extensive network of branches throughout Bulgaria;
• Postbank — one of the country’s leading banks;
• UBB (United Bulgarian Bank) — offers modern mobile banking and international money transfers;
• First Investment Bank — one of Bulgaria’s largest private banks.

Online financial services

Many foreigners also use international services:

• Revolut — for international money transfers and payments in various currencies;
• Wise — for receiving and sending international payments.

Documents you may need

• international passport;
• local phone number;
• document confirming the purpose of your stay in Bulgaria;
• depending on the bank — proof of residential address.

In some cases, the bank may additionally request proof of income or tax residency.

Despite the growth of cashless payments, cash is still frequently used in small towns, at markets, and in some local establishments in Bulgaria, so it’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you.

💡If you are planning to start a business or invest in Bulgaria, it is advisable to consult with a Visit Ukraine business lawyer in advance regarding local requirements and procedures.

The main mobile operators in Bulgaria are A1 Bulgaria, Vivacom, and Yettel.

❗Foreigners usually need to present a passport to purchase a SIM card.

Average plan prices:

• 5–10 euros — basic plans and tourist packages;
• 10–20 euros — plans with large mobile data allowances and additional services.

Bulgaria is also among the EU countries with fairly fast home internet. Fiber-optic connections are available in major cities at relatively low prices.

If you only need internet without a local phone number, you can use an eSIM.

Bulgaria offers an accessible system of preschool and school education for children of foreign nationals legally residing in the country. For Ukrainian families, one of the advantages is the use of the Cyrillic alphabet and certain similarities between the Bulgarian and Ukrainian languages, which often make it easier for children to adapt.

Kindergartens

Preschools primarily accept children aged 3 to 6. In major cities such as Sofia, Varna, and Burgas, spots in public kindergartens may be limited, so parents are advised to apply in advance.

Available options:

• public kindergartens;
• private kindergartens;
• private early childhood development and childcare centers.

The cost of public kindergartens is usually low and varies by municipality. Private institutions are more expensive and may offer instruction in English, additional classes, and expanded development programs.

Schools

School education in Bulgaria is compulsory. Ukrainian children can enroll in public schools on an equal footing with local students. Parents can choose between:

• public schools with instruction in Bulgarian;
• private schools;
• international schools with English-language programs.

💡 Tuition costs at international schools can range from several thousand to over 15,000 euros per year, depending on the program and city.

During the first few months of school, children may need additional language support to adapt more quickly to the Bulgarian education system.

Documents for enrollment

To enroll in a kindergarten or school, the following documents are typically required:

• the child’s birth certificate;
• a foreign passport or other form of identification;
• proof of residence;
• medical records or vaccination information.

The specific list of documents may vary depending on the educational institution and municipality.

Higher education

Bulgaria is also a popular destination for international students. Medical universities in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna, where programs are available in English, are particularly in demand.

If you are planning to study in Bulgaria, more information about admission and the required documents can be found in the section “Studying in Bulgaria for Ukrainians”.

Both public and private medical facilities operate in Bulgaria. Many foreigners prefer private clinics because of the faster appointment scheduling and the ability to receive consultations in English in major cities.

Bulgaria is also known for its balneological and spa resorts, which thousands of people visit each year for health improvement and rehabilitation. The most famous of these are located in Velingrad, Sandanski, and Hisarya, where modern wellness complexes based on mineral springs operate.

For long-term stays, processing certain documents, or receiving medical care, it is recommended to arrange insurance coverage in advance. Health insurance will help you avoid unexpected expenses for doctor consultations, diagnostics, treatment, and emergency care.

One of the main advantages of Bulgaria for Ukrainians is the use of the Cyrillic alphabet. Even without knowing Bulgarian, newcomers usually find it easier to navigate daily life, read signs, and use government services.

To adapt more quickly, it’s worth joining Ukrainian communities on Facebook and Telegram. The largest communities are concentrated in Sofia, Varna, and Burgas.

Before moving, it is important to keep in mind:

• in tourist regions, housing prices rise significantly in the summer;
• many government services are available online;
• English is spoken mainly by young people and those working in the tourism sector;
• in small towns, cash is used more often;
• Bulgarians value personal interaction and friendliness.

When planning your move, set aside a budget covering at least 2–3 months of living expenses and factor in costs for housing, transportation, insurance, and paperwork.

To make your move as smooth as possible, we recommend that you do the following in advance:

• check the current entry requirements for Bulgaria;
• obtain health insurance;
• prepare a Green Card for your vehicle;
• familiarize yourself with the rules for using electronic vignettes on toll roads in Bulgaria;
• consult with an immigration lawyer if necessary;
• book bus and plane tickets.

Moving to Bulgaria requires some preparation, but for most Ukrainians, the adjustment process is quite smooth thanks to the use of the Cyrillic alphabet, a similar mindset, a well-established Ukrainian community, and a relatively affordable cost of living. Planning your budget, housing, and necessary documents in advance will help significantly simplify the moving process and allow you to adapt more quickly to life in your new country.