Housing
Bulgaria’s rental market saw noticeable price increases in 2024, especially for studio and one-bedroom apartments, which rose by 10%. The demand is primarily driven by urbanization, foreign professionals, students, and remote workers, with Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna being the most active markets. Bulgaria's entry into the Eurozone could further enhance the attractiveness of its rental market, especially for EU investors. A proof of long-term accommodation is required for the residence permit application.
Average monthly rates in Sofia
Studio
$500–$660
$850–$1,600
$1,250–$2,600
$2,100–$4,200
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$600–$900
Three-bedroom apartmen
Four-bedroom apartment
Key Trends:
- In 2025, mid-sized and secondary cities are expected to offer strong returns for affordable rental investments.
- Students and remote workers have also significantly boosted the rental market, especially in cities with universities and coworking spaces.
- Veliko Tarnovo and Ruse are gaining attention for affordable rental options with solid investment potential.
Challenges:
- Parking shortages in Sofia remain a challenge, even in new residential areas.
- Secondary cities are emerging as viable alternatives, but infrastructure development remains a factor.
- Most properties are listed through agencies and brokers, who take times to complete the lease signing
- The Bulgarian Riviera is highly competitive, making long-term rentals harder to secure during peak tourist seasons.
Immigration
Since March 2024, Bulgaria has been part of the Schengen Zone, allowing visa-free entry for citizens of 137 countries and implementing Schengen visa rules. A Bulgarian Schengen visa grants access to the entire Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. As of January 2025, land border controls between Bulgaria and other Schengen countries have been removed.
EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit to be employed in Bulgaria but must obtain an EU Registration Certificate if staying for more than 90 days. Non-EU nationals typically require a national D visa, followed by a Single Permit, ICT Permit, or EU Blue Card.
The Single Permit is a combined work and residence permit for locally hired non-EU employees with skills unavailable in Bulgaria. Employers must ensure that foreign workers do not exceed 20% of the workforce (35% for small and medium enterprises). The permit is valid for up to 1 year and extendable to 3 years. The ICT Permit (Intra-corporate transfer) allows temporary transfers within multinational companies, requiring pre-employment of 12 months for managers and specialists and 6 months for trainees. It is valid for up to 3 years for managers and 1 year for specialists and trainees.
The Blue Card can be issued to third-country nationals for the purpose of performing highly skilled work. Long-term residence and work permit is issued for a period of up to 5 years with the possibility of prolongation. The gross salary stated in the foreigner's employment contract should be at least 1.5 times the average salary in the Republic of Bulgaria.
EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit to be employed in Bulgaria but must obtain an EU Registration Certificate if staying for more than 90 days. Non-EU nationals typically require a national D visa, followed by a Single Permit, ICT Permit, or EU Blue Card.
The Single Permit is a combined work and residence permit for locally hired non-EU employees with skills unavailable in Bulgaria. Employers must ensure that foreign workers do not exceed 20% of the workforce (35% for small and medium enterprises). The permit is valid for up to 1 year and extendable to 3 years. The ICT Permit (Intra-corporate transfer) allows temporary transfers within multinational companies, requiring pre-employment of 12 months for managers and specialists and 6 months for trainees. It is valid for up to 3 years for managers and 1 year for specialists and trainees.
The Blue Card can be issued to third-country nationals for the purpose of performing highly skilled work. Long-term residence and work permit is issued for a period of up to 5 years with the possibility of prolongation. The gross salary stated in the foreigner's employment contract should be at least 1.5 times the average salary in the Republic of Bulgaria.
Moving
Transportation: Bulgaria's household goods transportation primarily uses trucking. The main seaport is in Varna. The primary airport for international shipments is Sofia Airport (SOF).
Customs Duties: incoming shipments are subject to a 20% VAT. Diplomatic missions are exempt from duties.
Customs clearance typically takes 2-5 working days.
Customs Duties: incoming shipments are subject to a 20% VAT. Diplomatic missions are exempt from duties.
Customs clearance typically takes 2-5 working days.
