Living in Sofia

Sofia is a welcoming city, standing out among the European capitals with its ancient history and culture, young and talented population, dynamic lifestyle and artistic evenings. Sofia has an impressive atmosphere attracting even the pickiest tourist.

The city has well-functioning infrastructure, a strong educational system, vibrant startup and business community that can make living and working in Sofia an amazing experience for you and the family you may want to bring.

Are you curious about living and working in Sofia? Follow the links below for general tips and information about the city.

Sofia at a Glance

Housing

In Q1 2019 106 new residential buildings entered into service in Sofia and Sofia’s region. In Q4 2018 there were 115 new single-family and multi-family buildings. As of the beginning of the 2018 there were 788 403 residential buildings in Sofia and the region. You can read more about the real estate market in Sofia on our dedicated web page.

Buying Property

In May 2019 interest rates on mortgage loans in Bulgaria start from 2.9% annually. These depend on the bank you choose, the amount of money borrowed, repayment period length, borrowers’ income level and other factors. Non-EU residents can experience certain restrictions on acquiring properties. There are multiple real estate agencies in Bulgaria that can help you with the process. You can find additional information in the links below:

Renting Property

Renting a private accommodation in a city with a growing population can be stressful. In general, city dwellers in Sofia prefer the southern neighborhoods that are closer to Vitosha mountain. However, a real estate agent can save you a lot of time and stress. You can still connect directly to a private landlord by looking for real estate listings on the websites below.

Living Costs

International Schools

Check out the list of digital academies in Sofia, some of which are geared towards children.

Weekend Getaways

Culture Life & Foreign Cultural Institutes