It is believed that emigration is the lot of the young and energetic. But if you wish, those who have already retired can also move to another country.

In Bulgaria, pensioners can easily obtain a residence permit (Residence permit), and subsequently permanent residence.
For people of working age, obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria is fraught with various difficulties: in order to settle in the country, you need to find a job here, open a business or become a representative of a foreign company. The requirements for pensioners are minimal: you just need to receive a pension from the state (it doesn't matter if it's old-age, seniority or disability) and want to live in Bulgaria.
The ease of paperwork is not the only advantage of moving to Bulgaria. This small but hospitable country has many other advantages.

Good ecology and mild climate

Moving to Bulgaria for permanent residence from Russian metropolises and cities with developed industry for health reasons is a common phenomenon. There are few enterprises that pollute the air, so even in large cities it is easy to breathe. And in rural areas, the air is even better, plus opportunities for walks and work on the site, beloved by many pensioners. In a word, expanse.
The products in Bulgaria are delicious and natural. If you wish, you can find soy sausage and unleavened greenhouse tomatoes brought from other countries, but there are always local products on sale – fresh, natural, environmentally friendly. Mechnikov also said that the Bulgarian "kiselo mlyako" is indispensable for those who dream of a long life and good health.
Separately, it should be noted the mild Bulgarian climate. Although there is winter here, it cannot be compared with Siberian or even Moscow. Even in the coldest regions, snow usually does not lie more than two months, and frosts are even rarer.

Wellness in Bulgaria

Bulgaria provides a lot of opportunities for recovery, and, characteristically, in many cases you can use these opportunities completely free of charge. A huge number of healing springs are used to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular, dermatological and digestive diseases.
Balneological resorts are located mainly in the mountains and on the coast. The most famous of them are: Hisarya, Kyustendil, Pavel Banya, Pomorie, St. Constantine and Helena. Whole lakes of therapeutic mud are located near the cities of Pomorie, Burgas, Balchik. Directly in the resorts, the cost of real estate is overpriced, but in neighboring cities and villages you can buy houses or apartments very inexpensively.

Cost of living

The country is famous for its low prices. Although the times when it was possible to live here perfectly on an ordinary Russian pension have already passed, in comparison with other countries, the cost of living remains low and affordable for Russians. Reviews about moving to Bulgaria always contain enthusiasm about the low prices here. And what is important, prices are not only low, but also stable: they change slightly over the years, which allows you to feel confident.
There is no definite answer to the question of how much money will be required to live in Bulgaria. It is difficult to live on a pension alone, but if there is real estate in your homeland that can be rented out, then you can live quite comfortably on this money. Many are helped by children – and even if they send small amounts, this is quite enough for a decent life in Bulgaria. And your own house in a Bulgarian village gives you additional opportunities: someone It is limited to planting apple and tomato trees, and someone starts a full-fledged farm.

Language and mentality

What else is important for pensioners planning to move to Bulgaria for permanent residence from Russia? Many people do not want to painfully overcome the language barrier in adulthood. Bulgaria is one of the few countries where knowledge of the language, although desirable, is not vital. Many people here understand Russian – at least the older generation – so you can always explain yourself. And mastering Bulgarian, at least at an elementary level, is not as difficult as, for example, Hebrew or even English.
As for the Bulgarian mentality, it is quite close to the Russian one, so a culture shock is unlikely to threaten those who have moved to Bulgaria for permanent residence. Of course, it has its own original traditions, but it will not be difficult to get used to them even for elderly and conservative immigrants.

Documents

So, what will it take to move to Bulgaria?
The standard list of documents (medical insurance, lease agreement or notarial deed, certificate of no criminal record, certificate from a Bulgarian bank) is supplemented by a translated and legalized pension certificate and a certificate of pension.
Full list of documents here.

Stages of obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria for pensioners.