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Preparing to move to Bulgaria and find a property for sale
Moving abroad is a big step. Apart from any considerations concerning family and friends, there are issues about pensions, tax and health care costs that you will need to consider.
As a UK national, you have the right to live in any European Economic Area (EEA) country. If you intend to move to any other country, as is Bulgaria, you should speak first to the British Consul in Bulgaria and its consulate in the UK.
The EEA is made up of those countries who are full members of the European Union (EU). In 2007 Bulgaria will join the EU as new member.
Below is a checklist to help you prepare for a move to Bulgaria.
Tax, benefits and pensions
You can:
- calculate your retirement income
- contact your local Jobcentre Plus or benefits office
- obtain form BR19 from your local Jobcentre Plus or contact the Retirement Pension Forecasting and Advice Unit (RPFA) on telephone 0191 218 7585 for a state pension forecast, or the Inland Revenue if you are already living abroad. Entitlements can vary according to the country of residence
- ask the Inland Revenue for information about your tax liability on any income over the UK personal allowance. UK tax payable from abroad can vary depending where you decide to live
- seek independent tax advice about any benefits to you in offshore banking if you are retiring abroad as this could reduce your tax liability depending on where you are living
- inform your social security office, the Inland Revenue National Insurance Contributions Office (International Services) and the Department for Work and Pensions when you move and provide your contact details abroad. You should also tell them if you change address again or return to the UK to live
Tips for people retiring and travelling to Bulgatia
Health
Here are some of the things you could consider doing to protect your healthcare needs:
- find out about welfare rights abroad. Some UK benefits are not payable outside the UK, others apply only in the EU or in countries which have agreements with the UK
- find out about health care costs in the country you want to retire to. The Department for Work and Pensions will be able to advise on your rights in EU countries. You are strongly advised to take out health insurance to cover private medical and dental treatment, as well as medical repatriation to the UK
- inform your and your family GP, dentist and other relevant practitioners
Your home
Things to remember:
- arrange to sell your property or terminate the rental agreement as appropriate, and sort out removals. If you decide to keep your property in the UK and it is going to be empty or rented out, you will need to let your local council know, and you will also need to look at how the property can be kept secure while you are away
- contact your local council. The council tax department and the electoral registration unit will need to know when. They will need a forwarding address
- notify your utility companies that you are moving in order to get your final bills and provide a forwarding address for them to send you any outstanding payments or refunds
- tell your bank, building society or any financial institution that you have a policy or agreement with that you are moving abroad
- have your mail forwarded by asking for a re-direction form at a Post Office
- if you have children, notify the school and the local education authority of the date when you will be withdrawing them from school
Info About Bulgaria
Your vote You may be able to keep your vote in UK General and European Union Elections if you are moving or living abroad
Your new home
Bulgarian Properties market
Last year the property prices in Bulgaria increased in value more than 25 % in general and some have increased 50 % in the year in the Black Sea beach resorts.
Improved economic conditions, political and social stability in Bulgaria over the last 3 years has caused a real boom in both property prices and foreign investment in Bulgaria. Bulgaria is considered as the fastest growing tourism market in Europe. Together with the constantly rising prices, buying property in Bulgaria is one of the best investments that one can make these days.
This market is rapidly expanding and with European membership coming in 2007/8 prices are set to sail higher and higher.
- arrange to sell your property or terminate the rental agreement as appropriate, and sort out removals. If you decide to keep your property in the UK and it is going to be empty or rented out, you will need to let your local council know, and you will also need to look at how the property can be kept secure while you are away
- contact your local council. The council tax department and the electoral registration unit will need to know when. They will need a forwarding address
- notify your utility companies that you are moving in order to get your final bills and provide a forwarding address for them to send you any outstanding payments or refunds
- tell your bank, building society or any financial institution that you have a policy or agreement with that you are moving abroad
- have your mail forwarded by asking for a re-direction form at a Post Office
- if you have children, notify the school and the local education authority of the date when you will be withdrawing them from school
Buy a real estate property in Bulgaria - nice apartments, flats and studios on the Black Sea Cost 50 meters of a sandy beach. Property prices in Bulgaria offer excellent value for money compared to other areas in Europe - a good investment considering the long-term prospects for the country.
Bulgaria Property
Bulgarian Properties for sale - search, hot offers, buying guide, property market, legal advice, articles, news. Analysis of Bulgarian real estate market and offers.
Bulgarian Properties For Sale
Highlights About Bulgarian Property Market
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Travel to Bulgaria - information about Bulgarian nature, history and places to visit
Bulgaria offers pleasures for each one’s taste. Thinking of an active holiday? Bulgaria has it - swimming, skiing, riding, climbing, hunting, fishing... Thinking of relaxing - amazing nature, sunny beaches, healing spas, monasteries and churches, hospitable towns and villages...
English - Bulgarian Dictionary
Listing of Bulgarian Properties For Sale
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