Болгария от А до Я: всё о стране, визах, учёбе, пляжах, климате и жизни, что нужно знать перед поездкой или переездом

A Country of History, good climate, and opportunity

Bulgaria is not just a country in southeastern Europe — it is a state with a millennia-old history. The Republic of Bulgaria was founded in 681 and is rightfully considered one of the oldest countries in Europe. Since 2007, it has been a member of the European Union, and since 2024 — part of the Schengen Area (initially by air and sea, now including land borders).

Capital and Accessibility

The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia — the largest city and the country's main business and transport hub. International airports operate in Sofia, Burgas, Varna, and Plovdiv. The seaside cities are connected by regular flights with dozens of countries across Europe: Austria, Germany, the UK, Finland, Sweden, Israel, France, and more. Seasonal charter flights are also common.

Population and Language

Bulgaria has a population of about 6.5 million. The official language is Bulgarian, but in tourist regions, Russian and English are widely understood. Bulgarians are renowned for their hospitality and are always ready to assist, even if you don’t speak Bulgarian. Statistically, 85% of the population speaks Bulgarian, 9% Turkish, and 4% Romani.

Location in Europe

Bulgaria is located in Southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. It borders Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. The eastern border lies along the Black Sea, with resorts such as Sunny Beach, Saint Vlas, Lozenets, Nessebar, and Golden Sands.

Mountains and Nature

Bulgaria is a land of mountains. The most famous ranges are the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina), the Rhodopes, and Rila. The highest point is Mount Musala (2,925 m), the tallest in the Balkans. Within a single day, you can swim in the sea and go skiing in the mountains.

Economy of Bulgaria

The country’s GDP is around 90 billion euros. Bulgaria's economy is based on tourism, agriculture, winemaking, machinery, and IT. Bulgaria is a global leader in lavender oil production, even surpassing France. It is also renowned for rose oil, and exports wine, grain, sunflower, rapeseed, and vegetables.

Each year, Kazanlak hosts the "Rose Festival" — celebrating the rose-petal harvest with parades, music, and the crowning of the Rose Queen.

As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage is 1,077 BGN (about 551 EUR), and the minimum pension (as of July 2025) is 618.89 BGN (316 EUR). The average salary nationwide is around 1,000 EUR.

Real estate remains among the most affordable in the EU. Buyers from Europe, Israel, Russia, and Ukraine actively invest in properties at Bulgarian resorts.

Currency and the Schengen Zone

Bulgaria follows a currency board system: the lev has been pegged to the euro since 1999 at a fixed rate of 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN. Before 2002, it was tied to the German mark. This model provides Bulgaria with financial stability and predictability.

Though the euro adoption is planned, the lev remains the official currency. Still, most bank accounts and cards operate in euros and are widely accepted.

Visa Requirements

For Israeli and Ukrainian citizens with biometric passports — no short-term visa (type C) is required (up to 90 days). A long-term visa (type D) is needed.

For Russian, Belarusian, and Kazakhstani citizens — both type C and type D visas are mandatory.

Holders of valid Schengen multiple-entry visas can enter Bulgaria without a separate visa. However, days spent in Bulgaria count toward the 90/180 Schengen rule.

Education in Bulgaria

The country has both public and private schools, including those offering international programs in English. Major universities include Sofia University, Plovdiv University, Varna University, and New Bulgarian University.

Tuition fees for foreign students start at 1,500 EUR per year. Children with residence permits can attend public schools for free.

What to See in Bulgaria

Natural Attractions:

Mount Musala — trekking and panoramic views

Devetashka Cave — natural wonder with vast arches

Raysko Praskalo Waterfall — the highest in the country

Seven Rila Lakes — glacial lakes in the Rila mountains

Strandzha Nature Park — vast reserve with ancient forests

Historical Sites:

Rila Monastery — UNESCO World Heritage Site

Old Town of Nessebar — open-air museum

Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo

Kazanlak Tomb — Thracian heritage

Perperikon — ancient rock city of Dionysus

Tourist Entertainment:

Waterparks at resorts and spa towns

Lavender and rose fields in summer

Mineral springs and spa towns: Hisarya, Devin, Sapareva Banya

Safari parks, zoos, and ethnographic parks

Ski resorts: Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo

Climate

On the coast: Mediterranean climate with hot summers (+25 to +33°C), sea temperatures up to +26°C, and around 300 sunny days a year. Spring and autumn are mild (+18 to +25°C).

Inland and mountain regions: temperate-continental climate. Winter in the mountains is snowy, with temperatures between -5 and -10°C — perfect for ski holidays.

Bulgaria has a healing climate, especially in Sandanski and the Rhodopes — ideal for people with asthma and respiratory issues.

Conclusion

Bulgaria is a country of rich history, cultural depth, and a comfortable lifestyle. With affordable real estate, good climate, healthcare, and education — it's an excellent destination for travel, relocation, and investment. If you're considering buying property or moving — Bulgaria deserves your attention.