Real Estate In Sofia

Moving To Sofia in Bulgaria

First Published Date: Aug 7, 2010

One of the most beautiful countries in all of Eastern Europe is Bulgaria. A country that borders several countries, as well as the Black Sea, is a sight to see and when you are thinking of moving there, you cannot do any better than the capital city itself; Sofia.

Sofia is the largest city in Bulgaria, and the 12th largest in all of the European Union, with a population of 1.4 million people. Sitting at the foot of the Mountain Vitosha, it is the center for everything economic, educational and cultural within this country.

Sofia is a great place to live because it offers several opportunities to those living in the city. It has many historical sites, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Boyana Church, which was constructed around 1,000 years ago. As well, along with many great museums, theatres and more, there is the Sofia Zoological Garden, which was created in 1888. Sofia also has a very low unemployment rate of only 2.45 percent.

If you are going to buy property in Sofia, there are some things to consider. First of all, make sure you do the research about the city and the areas within it. You want to make sure you live in an area that reflects your tastes. It is a good idea to have someone you know, or a real estate agent, find homes for you that you can look at from where you are.

Once you have chosen an area to live in, you need to do some more things to ensure that you can buy property within Sofia.

First, you need to establish a LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) within the country of Bulgaria. Foreigners can only buy property within Bulgaria if they are the owners of an LLC. However, it is important to point out that unlike in the United States where a LLC prevents you from assuming the debt of the company; in Bulgaria you do assume the debt.

Second, you need to make sure that you clear your visa with the government before you stay there for too long. You need to have a D status visa from Bulgaria if you are going to be staying there, and in the city of Sofia, for longer than 90 days.

Lastly, you need to get a notary public to oversee the transfer of the home from whoever owns it and to yourself. Only a notary can legalize a property sale within Bulgaria.

All in all, Bulgaria and especially the capital city of Sofia are great places to live. That city has some buildings that are 500 years or more in age, and the history and culture is unmatched by many other cities, not only in Eastern Europe but in the rest of the European Union as well. So, when you decide to buy a home in Sofia, Bulgaria, just make sure you do it right and get the home that you are hoping for. After that, you just have to let this city enchant you so you fall in love with it.