Bulgaria vs Ukraine: A Realistic Comparison for Expats and Investors (2024 Update)
Bulgaria and Ukraine: Spot the Similarities and Differences. Part 1
Ukrainians often compare our country to Bulgaria. Many myths and stereotypes exist that I aim to dispel here. Therefore, let’s delve into how life in Bulgaria truly compares to life in Ukraine based on my personal experience.
Today, we will discuss the tax system, language and culture, education, and real estate.
The Tax Jungle
Bulgaria’s tax system is notably more favorable for individuals and businesses compared to Ukraine. The personal income tax rate in Bulgaria is just 10%, while in Ukraine it is 18% plus a 1.5% military tax. Furthermore, corporate income tax in Bulgaria is also lower—10% versus 18% in Ukraine.
Employee social contribution costs in Bulgaria are approximately 18%, whereas in Ukraine, employers pay 22%. The overall tax burden in Bulgaria is around 27%, making it significantly more attractive for business and investment compared to Ukraine, where the rate reaches 41%.
A deeper analysis of the tax system will be covered in future articles.
From Cyrillic to Traditions: A Linguistic Journey
As of 2023, over 100,000 Ukrainians reside in Bulgaria, promoting the growth of the Ukrainian diaspora and cultural exchange. You will certainly find your compatriots here; some do not even bother learning Bulgarian, continuing to communicate in Ukrainian or Russian.
However, Ukrainians generally adapt to the Bulgarian language quite quickly, largely due to its similarity to Ukrainian. Moreover, the shared Orthodox traditions and cultural values make Bulgaria feel very familiar to Ukrainians. For deeply religious Christians, especially those who know prayers and psalms in Old East Slavic, Bulgarian will pose little to no surprise. For others, it will not be much more difficult either.
Why is that? Because the similarity rate between Ukrainian and Bulgarian languages is approximately 60–70%. Both belong to the Slavic language group, but Bulgarian incorporates more South Slavic elements and features a grammar structure significantly different from Ukrainian. Major differences particularly exist in verb tenses and syntax. Nevertheless, a substantial number of words sound similar, facilitating basic communication.
Bulgarian Education: What Will Surprise You If You Studied in Ukraine
Higher Education
Bulgarian universities, such as Sofia University and Varna Medical University, offer programs in English, with tuition fees ranging from €2,500 to €8,000 per year. In comparison, education at prominent Ukrainian universities, such as Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv or Lviv National University, costs approximately €1,500–€3,000 annually.
Secondary Education
In Bulgaria, there are both public and private schools. Tuition fees in private institutions range from €3,000 to €10,000 per year. In Ukraine, secondary education remains free, although private schools are gaining popularity, with fees ranging from €1,000 to €4,000 annually.
Inclusivity and International Students
In 2023, the number of Ukrainian students in Bulgaria grew by 20%, as many educational institutions adapted their programs to accommodate Ukrainians and created favorable conditions for foreign students. In Ukraine, although the number of international students is also increasing, the interest from European students has somewhat declined due to the political situation.
Language of Instruction
In Bulgaria, students can study either in Bulgarian or English, granting access to international student programs.
In 2023, approximately 2,500 Ukrainian students were studying in Bulgaria. In Ukraine, there were about 25,000 foreign students, mostly from India, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.
Additionally, degrees from Bulgarian universities are recognized throughout the European Union.
Comfort or Savings: The Housing Reality in 2024
In 2023–2024, Bulgaria became particularly attractive for Ukrainians thanks to affordable real estate prices, especially in resort areas. On the Black Sea coast, new apartments start at €700 per square meter, which is cheaper compared to resorts like Odesa or Kherson. Even in Varna, the average apartment price is around €1,300 per square meter, while in Odesa it exceeds €1,200.
Housing Quality
New developments often include leisure infrastructure such as swimming pools, gyms, and security services. Although Ukraine is seeing an increasing number of such residential complexes, older buildings still dominate the market.
In Bulgaria, residents pay an annual maintenance fee (approximately €500, depending on the complex) and can then enjoy facilities like pools and gyms without additional charges.
Legal Aspects
Buying property in Bulgaria is more transparent and straightforward for foreigners. In 2023, over 3,000 Ukrainians purchased property in Bulgaria, most of them on the Black Sea coast.
While buying real estate in Ukraine is relatively straightforward, bureaucratic delays are still common.
Investment Potential
Bulgarian real estate offers strong rental income prospects during the holiday season. In 2023, rental yields on the Bulgarian coast ranged from 5% to 9% annually. Ukrainian resort real estate is still developing in this regard.
Would you like to learn more similarities and differences?
In the next article, we will discuss climate and ecology, safety and internet infrastructure, the resort business, and the banking system.
We will find out whether there is an equivalent of “Diia” in Bulgaria, whether Ukrainians struggle with poor internet there, and where crime rates are lower.
