Handbook for New Residents (Part 4): Bureaucracy, Health and the Internet – how to survive administratively

Living in Bansko is easy, but settling in officially requires a little patience. The system in the small town works slower than in Sofia, but the people are more responsive.

In this guide, we will cover the three pillars of a peaceful life: healthcare, internet connection, and address registration.

Life in Bansko: healthcare, internet and address registration

1. Healthcare: Doctors and Hospitals

The hope is that you won't have to, but you should be prepared.

Emergency assistance

There is a branch of Emergency Care in Bansko itself, but the large hospital (MBAL Razlog) is located in the neighboring town of Razlog (5 km away). It is well equipped for a regional hospital and takes care of all emergencies, including injuries from the ski area.

General Practitioner (GP)

If you are planning a long stay and pay health insurance in Bulgaria, you should choose a personal doctor.

• Holy Annunciation Medical Center: It is located in the center of Bansko. Some of the most recommended jeeps operate here.
• Policy for foreigners: Many doctors speak English, accustomed to tourists. If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), it is valid for emergency care, but for regular check-ups it is better to have additional health insurance or pay cash (prices are affordable – 30-50 BGN per check-up).

Dentists

Bansko has excellent dental clinics with modern equipment that operate at prices significantly lower than Western European ones.

2. Internet and Connectivity

For the digital nomad, internet is more important than hot water. The good news is that Bansko is one of the towns with the fastest internet in the mountains.

Home Internet (Fiber Optic)

Don't rely on the landlord's Wi-Fi if it's basic. Get your own line.

• Main suppliers: A1, Vivacom and Yettel offer optical connectivity.
• Local heroes: There are also smaller local providers who often respond faster to emergencies. Ask the coworking community for up-to-date recommendations.
• Speed: Expect a stable 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps.

Mobile Internet

The 4G/5G network coverage in the city is excellent. In the mountains (on the slopes and high huts) the signal is also surprisingly good, allowing you to work even from the lift (if you need to).

3. Address registration (Settlement)

If you are staying for more than 3 months, the law requires you to register.

For Bulgarian citizens

• Current address: You are going to Bansko Municipality with the lease agreement and the notarial deed of the owner (or with the owner himself). You fill out an address card. This is important in order to receive correspondence and to use parking preferences in the “Blue Zone” (if you have one).

For EU Citizens (Long-term Residence Identity Card)

The procedure is handled by "Migration" at the Ministry of Interior (Bansko Police Department).

1. Documents: Rental agreement (notarized), passport, proof of income (bank statement) and health insurance.
2. Deadline: You will receive a certificate immediately, and the plastic (card) in about a month.
3. Important: This card gives you rights almost equal to those of locals – including lower prices for some services.

4. Logistics: Couriers and Deliveries

Since there are no large malls in Bansko, online shopping is the main way to get supplies.

• Econt and Speedy: They have several offices in the city. They work extremely reliably. You can order anything – from equipment to nutritional supplements – and it arrives the next day from Sofia.
• Amazon.de: Deliveries from Germany to Bulgaria are becoming faster (through intermediaries such as Gabco/GGBG or directly), but still take about 7-10 days.

Next step: We have arranged the documents and the internet. And if you are coming with the family? Bansko is a great place for children – fresh air and freedom.

???? Read Part 5: Family in the mountains – kindergartens, schools and activities