Your complete 2026 guide to retiring in Sofia, Bulgaria. Costs, visa options, healthcare, safety, and quality of life — all in one place.
| Category | Single | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR / 2BR) | $450 | $630 |
| Groceries | $200 | $300 |
| Utilities | $80 | $104 |
| Transport | $30 | $60 |
| Healthcare | $45 | $76 |
| Total | $805 | $1,170 |
Based on current cost of living in Sofia, here's how long different savings amounts will sustain you:
| Savings | Single | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | 20.7 yrs | 14.2 yrs |
| $300,000 | 31.1 yrs | 21.4 yrs |
| $500,000 | 51.8 yrs | 35.6 yrs |
| $750,000 | 77.6 yrs | 53.4 yrs |
| $1.0M | 103.5 yrs | 71.2 yrs |
Assumes current costs, no investment returns or inflation adjustment. Calculate with your exact numbers →
Here are the visa programs available for retiring in Bulgaria:
Tax rates are indicative. Your actual liability depends on residency status, tax treaties, and personal circumstances. Consult a tax advisor.
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Try Wise for Free →A single retiree needs approximately $805/month in Sofia, covering rent ($450), groceries, utilities, transport, and healthcare. A couple needs about $1,170/month.
Bulgaria offers 1 visa programs for retirees. The most accessible is the Bulgaria Type D Long-Stay Visa.
Sofia has a safety score of 65/100, ranking #68 out of 182 retirement destinations in our database.
Sofia scores 62/100 for healthcare quality, ranking #117 out of 182 cities. Private health insurance for retirees 60+ costs approximately $60/mo.
With $500,000 in savings, a single retiree can expect their money to last approximately 51.8 years in Sofia. For a couple, approximately 35.6 years.
Inheritance tax in Bulgaria: 6.6%. Capital gains tax: 0.1%. No wealth tax.
Our retirement data is compiled from multiple authoritative sources, cross-referenced for accuracy:
All data is for informational purposes only and updated periodically. Individual circumstances may vary. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personal retirement planning. Last updated: March 2026.