Why you should relocate to Sofia!
Are you ready for a new chapter, packed with rich history, buzzing culture, and exciting career opportunities? Say hello to Sofia, Bulgaria's vibrant capital city. 😍Whether you’re a Nordic language speaker, an expat seeking a fresh start, or a job seeker ready to dive into a dynamic work scene, Sofia might just be the perfect place to hang your hat.
In this blog post, we're spilling the details on why relocating to Sofia could be one of the best decisions you ever make. From fascinating fun facts and top sights to employment opportunities and a smooth relocation checklist—consider this your ultimate guide to making Sofia your new home.
Let's go! 👇
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Fun Facts about Sofia, Bulgaria ✨
1) Ancient Foundations
Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history dating back over 7,000 years. You'll be living among layers of ancient ruins and modern marvels.
2) Hot Springs Galore
Did you know that Sofia is home to several natural hot springs? Even the water in many public fountains comes directly from these thermal sources, naturally heated and rich in minerals.
3) Cathedral Wonder
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Its golden domes and stunning mosaics are an iconic part of the city's skyline.
10 Things to do and see in Sofia 👀
1) St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Explore this architectural masterpiece and its underground crypt housing a rich collection of religious art.
2) Vitosha Mountain
Just a short ride from the city, this mountain offers hiking, skiing, and breathtaking views of Sofia.
3) Boyana Church
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this medieval church is famous for its well-preserved frescoes.
4) National Palace of Culture (NDK)
A center for concerts, exhibitions, and events, it's a key part of Sofia's arts scene.
5) Serdica Archaeological Complex
Explore ancient Roman ruins in the city center, combined with modern Sofia.
6) Borisova Gradina
Walk or have a picnic in Sofia's oldest and largest park.
7) Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Watch a play or enjoy the stunning neoclassical architecture.
8) Sofia Central Mineral Baths
This historic bathhouse is now a museum about Sofia’s spa history.
9) Vitosha Boulevard
Shop, eat, or people-watch on Sofia's top pedestrian street.
10) Sofia Zoo
A great family outing, it’s one of the oldest and largest zoos in the Balkans.
Top 10 reasons to pack your bags and relocate to Sofia, Bulgaria 🏆
1) Affordability
Sofia provides a great quality of life for much less than other European capitals.
2) Rich History
From ancient ruins to Soviet monuments, Sofia is like a living museum.
3) Growing Job Market
With a booming tech sector and a need for multilingual workers, finding a job in Sofia is getting easier.
4) Welcoming Expat Community
Sofia is home to a growing number of expats, making it easier to settle in and find your tribe.
5) Great Location
Sofia’s central location makes it a perfect base for exploring the rest of Europe and beyond.
6) Delicious Food
From hearty Bulgarian cuisine to international restaurants, your taste buds are in for a treat.
7) Outdoor Activities
Whether you love skiing, hiking, or just a good walk in the park, Sofia’s natural surroundings have it all.
8) Cultural Vibrancy
Enjoy a packed calendar of festivals, concerts, and cultural events year-round.
9) Reliable Public Transport
Getting around Sofia is a breeze, thanks to its efficient and affordable public transport system.
10) Safe and Family-Friendly
Sofia is considered one of the safest cities in Europe, with plenty of family-friendly neighborhoods and activities.
Employment in Sofia, Bulgaria ⚡
Sofia is quickly becoming a center for international businesses, especially in tech, finance, and customer service. Its friendly tax policies and growing startup scene attract both experienced professionals and new entrepreneurs. There is a high demand for Nordic language speakers, as many companies want to strengthen their customer service and technical support teams for the Scandinavian market.
Job Opportunities for Nordic Language Speakers in Sofia, Bulgaria 🌍
For Nordic language speakers, Sofia offers a variety of job opportunities, particularly in customer service, IT, and finance. Companies like Telus, HP, IBM, and Oracle have established offices in Sofia, where they actively seek employees with multilingual skills to support their European operations. Whether you’re fluent in Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, or Finnish, your language skills can open doors to exciting career opportunities in Sofia.
Cost of living in Sofia, Bulgaria
To help you understand the cost of living in Sofia, we have shared numbers provided by Numbeo. We always recommend you to have a look at the cost of living numbers when you are moving to another country.
*These numbers are estimated numbers and can change due to various factors.
**The currency they currently use in Bulgaria is called Bulgarian lev (BGN).
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant 20.00 лв 🍣
Cappuccino (regular) 3.06 лв ☕(Restaurant)
Water (0.33 liter bottle) 1.33 лв 💧(Restaurant)
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter) 1.67 лв 🍺
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 12.00 лв 🍷
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 1.13 лв 💧
Rent a month an apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 824.60 лв or Outside of Centre 621.40 лв 🏠
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 1.60 лв 🚎
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) 1.07 лв 🚕
Gasoline (1 liter) 3.08 лв ⛽
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 56.19 лв 💪
Monthly Internet (60+ Mbps, Unlimited Data) 22.49 лв 🌐
Map of Sofia, Bulgaria📍
Checklist for a smooth relocation to Sofia:
Visa and Work Permit
Ensure your visa and work permit are sorted before your move.
Housing
Research neighborhoods and secure accommodation in advance.
Luckily, we collaborate with Spotahome, one of the best online rental platforms. As a linkAnordic user you will get 20% off the reservation fee on Spotahome with the code LINKANORDIC20 + you will also get a dedicated booking agent to help you find an accommodation in Sofia if needed.
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Healthcare
Register with a local healthcare provider and consider private health insurance.
Banking
Open a local bank account for easier transactions.
Language
While many Bulgarians speak English, learning some basic Bulgarian can be helpful.
Networking
Join expat groups and professional networks to ease your transition.
Transportation
Familiarize yourself with Sofia’s public transport system.
Emergency Contacts
Keep a list of important contacts handy, including your embassy.
FAQ about Sofia, Bulgaria
Is English common in Sofia?
Yes, especially in business and among younger people. It's helpful to know some Bulgarian phrases.
What about healthcare in Sofia?
There are both public and private healthcare options. Expats often choose private care for quicker service.
How safe is Sofia?
Sofia is mostly safe with low crime rates, but it's smart to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Is finding accommodation in Sofia easy?
Yes, there are many choices from modern apartments to traditional homes, with prices varying by neighborhood.
Get 20% off Spotahome's reservation fee with code LINKANORDIC20 + a dedicated booking agent to help you find an accommodation in Sofia.
Get 20% off the reservation fee and a dedicated Booking Agent.
Ready to make the move? 🤩
Sofia is waiting for you with open arms and endless opportunities. Pack your bags and get ready for a life of adventure, culture, and career growth in Bulgaria’s bustling capital!