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.

InterNations is 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. InterNations makes 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, InterNations allows 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.