How to Move to Sofia for Work: Relocation, Rent, and First Steps

Moving to a new EU country sounds intimidating until you break it into three calm phases: the two weeks before you fly, the first 72 hours after landing, and the first month.

Two weeks before you fly

1. 1Get the signed offer letter on paper or PDF.
2. 2Apply online to 3–5 long-term apartments (Imot.bg, Imoti.net, BazarSofia).
3. 3Notify your home-country bank you are moving and ask about EU debit-card fees.
4. 4Pack light. Sofia has every brand of clothing you already own.

First 72 hours

1. 1Land at SOF, take metro line M2 to the center (it really works).
2. 2Buy a local SIM at any kiosk — A1, Yettel, or Vivacom. 10–15 EUR buys generous data.
3. 3Visit your employer to sign physical paperwork.
4. 4Tour 3–5 apartments in person before signing anything long-term.

First 30 days

1. 1Open a Bulgarian bank account (UBB, Postbank, DSK, Allianz, Fibank, OBB — all support English).
2. 2Move into the long-term apartment, photograph the condition for the deposit return.
3. 3Register at the Migration Directorate.
4. 4Connect public transport monthly pass to your phone.
5. 5Find one local supermarket, one local cafe, and one local park you actually like.