Expat Stories: A British Family’s Experience Moving to Bulgaria
When the Wilson family packed their belongings in rural Devon and set their sights on Bulgaria, most of their friends were surprised. Why Bulgaria? Why leave the UK at all?
For Helen and James Wilson, both in their early 40s with two school-aged children, the answer was simple: “We wanted a slower pace of life, more time together, and the chance to raise our kids with a stronger connection to nature.” What began as a three-week road trip across Eastern Europe turned into a life-changing decision to relocate permanently to a small village outside Veliko Tarnovo.
The Allure of Bulgaria
The initial attraction was affordability. “We could sell our modest home in the UK and buy a house here outright with land, and still have savings left,” James says. Their new home—a traditional Bulgarian stone house with a large garden and mountain views—cost less than a third of what a small UK property would have.
But beyond economics, they fell in love with the country’s natural beauty, slower rhythm, and deeply rooted traditions. “People grow their own food, bake their own bread, and spend hours talking over coffee. It’s a world apart from the UK rat race,” Helen shares.
Language and Bureaucracy: The Toughest Hurdles
The transition, however, wasn’t without its bumps. Language was a major challenge. “We came with almost zero Bulgarian,” Helen admits. “At first, even simple tasks like getting groceries or setting up Wi-Fi were daunting.”
The bureaucracy, too, tested their patience. “From registering our car to sorting out residency permits, we spent hours in government offices with paperwork we barely understood,” James recalls with a laugh. “It helps to find a bilingual local or a fixer—we couldn’t have done it alone.”
Despite the obstacles, the family stayed committed. They enrolled in language classes, slowly picked up vocabulary from neighbors, and taught their kids basic Bulgarian phrases.
Finding Community
One of the biggest surprises, they say, was how welcoming locals were. “At first, people were curious but cautious,” Helen explains. “But once they saw we were serious about staying, we were invited to everything—weddings, harvest festivals, even funerals.”
Their children, at first hesitant, quickly adapted. They now attend a bilingual school in Veliko Tarnovo and have made friends with both Bulgarian and international classmates. “It was harder for us adults, honestly,” James jokes. “Kids are adaptable.”
They’ve even started participating in village life—helping with the grape harvest, learning to make rakia, and donating time to renovate the local community center.
Would They Do It Again?
“Absolutely,” Helen says without hesitation. “It’s not always easy, but our lives are richer here. We have time for each other. We eat better. We’re less stressed.”
James agrees. “We still miss family and the occasional British pub meal, but we’ve found something here we didn’t even know we were looking for.”
Their advice for others considering the move? “Do your homework. Learn the basics of the language. Be flexible. And don’t expect things to work the same as they do back home—but that’s kind of the point, isn’t it?”
