Public body: British in Bulgaria

Website: http:// www.ukinbulgaria.fco.gov.uk/

Since the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union, there has been a level of uncertainty among people wondering how to move to Bulgaria from the UK. Here is how you can do it.

Permanent residence

Permanent residence is available for British nationals who have arrived and settled in Bulgaria by the 31^st of Dec 2020.

The Withdrawal Agreement included a transition period up to the 31^st of December 2020 during which the EU rules for free movement of people will continue to apply to UK nationals and their family members. UK nationals who arrive in Bulgaria during this period shall visit the nearest Migration Office and apply for residence documents no later than 31.12.2020.

Applications are submitted in person to the Migration Directorate or the relevant Migration Office at the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior as per their address of residence. For more information see Permanent residence for EU nationals.

British nationals arriving in 2021 after the end of the transition period

For a short-term stay of up to 90 days in every period of 180 days, UK nationals shall enter Bulgaria with a valid passport without a visa. Their family members should present at the border control a valid passport, as well as a visa when such is required depending on their nationality.

On the other hand, for a stay longer than 90 days both UK nationals and their family members will need a valid passport and a visa for a long stay, or a valid residence permit issued by the competent Bulgarian authorities.

A long-stay visa is also known as a type “D” visa. It is usually valid for up to 6 months. In some cases, the validity is extended from 6 months to 1 year when issued to foreign nationals coming to Bulgaria to perform scientific research, or as students to complete a university degree. For more information please check the Bulgarian Exterior Ministry website. The fee for a type “D” visa is approximately 190 BGN.

Please note: a valid passport is one issued in the last 10 years and its term of validity should cover at least 3 months period after the planned departure date from Bulgaria.

You could be fined 500 BGN or more if you remain in Bulgaria past the expiration date of your visa.

British in Bulgaria

Veliko Tarnovo is a city in Bulgaria that attracts a large British expat community. Moreover, there are beautiful surroundings and most of the villages enjoy breathtaking views of Stara Planina mountain. There are a lot of cheap houses up for sale. Prices start from as low as €5,000 for properties in need of serious renovation and repairs up to about €50,000 for recently renovated and ready-to-move-in properties. Century Homes is a local estate agent that can offer a wide range of houses to suit different budgets and tastes.

If you want to experience life in Veliko Tarnovo area before you buy, and you like camping, search for Nick and Nicky award-winning campsite. The couple started from scratch when they moved to Bulgaria in 2007 and since then they built a successful business in the village of Dragizhevo.

Flights from London to Bulgaria

British Pubs in Bulgaria

Meet Darren the proprietor of Wolf Den, an English bar in the village of Velchevo.

British food in Bulgaria

“Little London” are British grocery stores in Sofia and Plovdiv. If you are planning a visit to the capital of Bulgaria, stop by and top up with your favorite PG Tips tea, McVitie’s Digestive Biscuits, Weetabix, Bisto Gravy, and many others. Their address is No.1 Krakra Street, 1504 Sofia. In addition, you can visit any of the big supermarket chains the likes of Lidl, Kaufland or Billa.

Useful links

UK Embassy in Sofia – https://www.facebook.com/UKinBulgaria/

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria.