Moving to Bulgaria and into your new Bulgarian property

The stress of moving home in the UK is well-known, so it stands to reason that relocating to a new Bulgarian property would multiply the hassle several times over. It is a big step, certainly, but moving to a new home in Bulgaria does not have to be a traumatic experience. Recent interest in moving to Bulgaria from the UK has led some international removal companies to open permanent offices in Bulgaria.

There are a number of options for getting you, your family and your possessions safely to your Bulgarian property. Which option you choose will largely depend on the amount of belongings you want to take to your new home in Bulgaria.

Moving to a Bulgarian property by car

The journey from London to Sofia is just over 1,500 miles long so moving to Bulgaria by road is not for the faint-hearted. However, this option does have the benefit of allowing you to carry a good few personal possessions to your new home.

If crossing the Channel into Calais via a ferry or Eurotunnel, the most appropriate route takes in Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Serbia. If your Bulgarian property is in the mountains, add three hours´ drive from Sofia. If your new home is on Bulgaria´s coast, add five hours.

If you elect to drive all the way to your new Bulgarian property, you will need to budget for your Channel crossing, petrol, insurance, refreshments and accommodation en route.

To bring your car into Bulgaria you will need either a UK photocard driving licence or an International driving licence, your car´s registration documents, and an International Green Card from your insurer.

Moving to a Bulgarian property by air

Flying is a fast alternative if you plan to travel light. However, you must think about how you will get around once you land. Car rental costs about 30-40 Euros a day.

People with their own home in Bulgaria can usually book flight-only deals on charter planes to Burgas and Varna in the summer. In winter, these charter flights typically fly into Plovdiv and Sofia.

Currently the only scheduled flights between the UK and Bulgaria are operated by BA, Balkan Bulgarian Airlines and Wizz Air. All use Sofia airport, from where there are connections to regional airports.

Moving to a Bulgarian property with the professionals

If you plan to move to your new home in Bulgaria with more than just the essentials, you will probably want to instruct a professional company with a reputation for international removals.

This option, although more expensive, takes care of many of the worries associated with moving to Bulgaria.

Moving to a Bulgarian property - freighting your belongings

You may consider using air freight and sea freight when moving to your new home in Bulgaria. Most people use air freight for the most necessary items and then wait for two to three weeks for sea freight to arrive.

Be aware that you have to get your belongings to the port in the UK and from either Varna or Sofia to your new property.

What to take with you when moving to a Bulgarian property

Everyone is different. Some people decide to take nothing, or as little as possible, to their new home in Bulgaria, and start anew. Others bring as much as they can, in order to recreate the feeling of home as soon as they move in.

Think about what clothing you need - a lot will depend on where your new home in Bulgaria is located. Consider also the amount of storage space in your new home. Think about what furniture you will need, what can be replaced after moving to Bulgaria and what items are of particular sentimental value to you.

When moving to Bulgaria, remember to have the following items with you:

Photocard driving licences or International driving licences
Car insurance papers
Birth-marriage certificates
Passports and visas
Several photocopies of all of the above.

And make sure you´ve got enough money to get back to the UK - just in case!

Moving to a Bulgarian property with pets

Your pet can move to your new home in Bulgaria without being quarantined. However, before a pet passport is granted a number of procedures and immunisations need to be carried out and verified. More information for pets moving to Bulgaria can be found on the website of the Department for Environment, food and rural affairs.