Imagine waking up in a safe, free environment, with temperate climate, lovely, down-to-earth warm people, amazing local cuisine, and a beautiful, authentic European culture that really draws you in, slowly by slowly, until you are left dreaming for more. If you imagined the region of Eastern Europe, than you would be right on the money – once hidden to most of the western world by the closed-off nature of the Warsaw Pact, and the prevalence of communism in these parts, now this post-Soviet region of the continent has opened up to become arguably freer, and filled with far more opportunity than its western continental counterpart!
One of my favorite world regions, Eastern Europe, along with Southeast Asia and Latin America, I believe represent the three best places on the planet today for the prospective expat to move to, for pleasure, work, and play. I personally have lived in many countries in Eastern Europe, as well as trace my family roots there, which has given me a unique perspective that fuses my Western upbringing with my experiences back in the ‘homeland’, on what makes this region so special, and how it could be very well suited for your big overseas move as well.
With all that said, this small global region packs a huge punch, and with so much diversity on display per square kilometer, each nation has its own quirks, positive and negative alike, that help make each country the little gem that it is. To be fair, it was hard making this list, as there are many candidates that just barley missed out on making the cut, but for the lucky few, here are the picks that made it through – my top 5 places to consider for your move to Eastern Europe!
TURKEY
| Best For: | Expats of All Shapes and Sizes |
| Ease of Establishing Residency: | 7/10 |
| Language Barrier for English Natives: | Medium High to High |
| Affordability of Housing: | 7/10 for renting, 7/10 for purchasing |
| Affordability of Costs of Living: | 8/10 |
Starting in the furthest reaches of the European continent, most of Turkey is indeed located in Asia, and is culturally quite its own thing, especially when compared to the other 4 options on this list which are more similar to each other in temperament and culture. As this nations perfect fusion of east meets west is simply not found anywhere else in Europe, or anywhere else on earth, Turkey is almost like it’s own continent, so unique is its history, beauty, and culture.
But for me, that is part of Turkey’s broad appeal – for those looking for a taste of Eastern Europe but also with a desire for a touch of the exotic, the nation formerly known as the Ottoman Empire will heartily reward those willing to ignore all the negative media press the country has received in recent years, to show itself brilliantly to you!
I don’t say this lightly – Turkey has one of the most hospitable cultures towards foreigners on the entire planet, with a near obsession at trying to help make expats and tourists feel right at home, treated as honored guests in almost every interaction you can think of. It is this kind of warmth and welcome that can really make or break a place, especially when moving overseas, and with the authentic heart that the Turkish people wear on their sleeves proudly, it is quite clear that Turkey passes that barometer with flying colors.
Boasting some of the most interesting cultural sites on Earth, from Istanbul’s Aya Sophia to the ruins of Ephesus near Izmir only the very tip of the iceberg, as well as having some of the most varied and beautiful natural scenery anywhere in the world (think crystal clear blue waters of the coasts meeting amazing rock formations in Cappadocia), and you soon realize Turkey has so much to offer the prospective expat who wants to make this place their new home. Oh, and that’s even without mentioning that Turkey has some of the best food to be found anywhere in the region (or on Earth to be fair), and is one of the most affordable places to live on the planet – full stop!
What more, moving to Turkey is made very simple and streamlined (just another display of the very welcoming nature of the Turkish people), as various options exist to gain temporary and permanent residency, as well as eventually citizenship. In fact, for wealthier expats you could with an investment of around $250,000 USD in real estate, obtain immediate Turkish citizenship as well! And for expats who don’t have that kind of capital lying around, not to fear – it is still completely possible to obtain touristic residence for at least 1 year, and longer as well if you were to purchase a home of any value.
All in all, Turkey is an amazing country with tons of possibility, albeit one that has a confusing reputation not helped much by global media. However, if you are willing to be brave, and take a chance on Turkey, you will soon find your heart melt for these people, this culture, and this unbelievably beautiful nation – I know I did, and that is why to this day I am deeply overjoyed that one of my home bases is the eternal city of Istanbul. Maybe very soon, it can be your home as well too!
BULGARIA
| Best For: | Retirees Looking for Great Investments, Party Going Digital Nomads |
| Ease of Establishing Residency: | 5/10 |
| Language Barrier for English Natives: | Medium High to High |
| Affordability of Housing: | 8/10 for renting, 7/10 for purchasing |
| Affordability of Costs of Living: | 8/10 |
One of the least known countries in Eastern Europe, if you’ve heard of Bulgaria before, chances are you either learned about it through the nations incredible sporting exploits, both real and fictional, at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and Harry Potter novels respectively, or for the more sobering statistics that makes this Black Sea nation the poorest in the European Union, as well as having one of the fastest declining populations on Earth.
However, don’t let the lowering population and economic rankings fool you – Bulgaria still has plenty to offer the eagle-eyed expat, willing to look beyond the surface, to find a land absolutely bristling with opportunity. Long known by those behind the Iron Curtain as a lovely vacation destination, for its beautiful Black Sea coastal resorts, as well as for its gorgeous ski slopes and mountains, in the years since the fall of communism, Bulgaria has managed to attract a whole new kind of tourist, expat, and investor, who are starting to see the obvious benefits to moving to this underrated gem of Europe.
For the expats willing to go a bit off the beaten path, but still within the borders of the European Union, Bulgaria offers amazing deals on real estate and investments, as well as remaining one of the most affordable countries in all of Europe – all of which helps your hard earned money go much further here, and for great quality as well! This is part of what has fueled a huge influx of young millennial tourists, who have been flocking in droves to Burgas and Sunny Beach, in order to experience wildly inexpensive holidays, in an idealistic setting.
Meanwhile, expats looking to retire have found great joy in moving to cities like Varna, Veliko Turnovo, and Plovdiv, for their mix of modern rejuvenation and old-world charm. Even digital nomads and aspiring entrepreneurs can find opportunities galore in Bulgaria’s underrated capital of Sofia. Being of Bulgarian origin myself, I might be a little bit biased when it comes to saying this, but it really happens to be true – any city or region you visit in Bulgaria can serve as a great new home for a wide variety of expats, and I truly believe this trend will continue in the coming years and decades!
The only downside (or potential upside, depending on where you are coming from) is the fact that Bulgaria is indeed located within the confines of the European Union, which means that for immigration purposes, all rules that apply within the EU, also apply to this Eastern European country. For those within the EU, moving here is very simple, and with a 9% flat tax rate, Bulgaria pays host to some of the lowest taxes in the union. However for those coming from outside the zone, immigrating is still possible, albeit a bit more challenging, and more red tape needing to be cut before moving to Bulgaria can be a realistic possibility.
However, citizens of countries outside the EU are able to invest about $620,000 USD in Bulgarian real estate, and receive immediate permanent residency in the country. For expats outside the EU, with less money on the table, and still wish to make the move, the best way forward is obtaining a work permit and job within the country, which will give you the right to live and work in one of Eastern Europe’s true secret paradise’s, and easily one of the most underrated nations on the continent.
SERBIA
| Best For: | Young Expats Looking for Great Work Opportunities, Young Families |
| Ease of Establishing Residency: | 7/10 |
| Language Barrier for English Natives: | Low to Medium |
| Affordability of Housing: | 6/10 for renting, 6/10 for purchasing |
| Affordability of Costs of Living: | 7/10 |
A great alternative to Bulgaria, neighboring Serbia is conveniently located outside of the EU, which for all intents and purposes, is actually quite a great thing. For starters, this nation which makes up the backbone of the former Yugoslavia has actually become in its own right a true market of free enterprise, human rights, and economic possibility – signaling to the world its intentions as a beacon of light for the future.
Far removed from the days of Tito, as well as the dark days of the mid 1990’s during the Bosnia crisis, Serbia has developed into a very safe, very modern, very charming European country, with an added plus that almost everyone speaks pretty good English – meaning those with no experience with Slavic languages will have no trouble moving in, and understanding the locals.
In fact, I would argue that the local populace is actually the friendliest in all of Eastern Europe, always eager to help, to talk, and to connect with those open to them, and their country. I can’t count the amount of times I was treated with utmost respect, kindness, and politeness by these lovely people while I lived in the capital city of Belgrade – an amazing place, which some have even started calling the Paris of the East (for all the right reasons, of course!).
What is even more proof of the welcoming nature of the Serbian people is the relative ease of immigrating to this lovely nation, which also kept their borders open during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has remained a bastion of freedom and prosperity for their people, and the open-minded expats who decide to make the nation their new home.
Obtaining permanent residency (and eventually naturalized citizenship after holding it for 5 consecutive years) is as easy as purchasing a property of any value, and showing that you live there for some time. Other ways to immigrate to Serbia include investing in businesses in the country, as well obtaining a job and work permit from within the country as well.
Filled to the brim with interesting cultural sites, lovely landscape, diverse cities, and the best nightlife in Europe, Serbia offers a lot in a small, landlocked nation, and serves as a great stepping stone for those wanting to move to Eastern Europe, and maintain all the similar comforts of home in one, lovely package.
NORTH MACEDONIA
| Best For: | Middle-age Expats Looking to Enjoy Retirement in a Small but Up-in-Coming Country |
| Ease of Establishing Residency: | 6/10 |
| Language Barrier for English Natives: | Medium to Medium High |
| Affordability of Housing: | 6/10 for renting, 7/10 for purchasing |
| Affordability of Costs of Living: | 6/10 |
Another nation that was once part of the former Yugoslavia, the nation of North Macedonia, located in a beautiful, little chunk of the southern Balkans, is yet another country that I find absolutely amazingly suited for expats to be. A land that I believe is even more falsely underrated than even Serbia or Bulgaria, North Macedonia has quickly grown to be one of my favorite places in all of Eastern Europe.
For starters, this tiny nation is covered from head to toe with gorgeous mountains and rivers, making it one of Eastern Europe’s most picturesque landscapes, let alone laying claim (along with Albania) to the amazingly beautiful Lake Ohrid, which is Europe’s oldest and deepest lake! In fact, Albanian culture, along with Turkish, Serbian, Greek, and Bulgarian, have all left a mark on this young nation, and as a result Macedonian culture has become an amazing amalgamation of all the best the region has to offer!
This kind of seamless fusion is evident in cities like the capital of Skopje, where old Yugoslavian buildings blend together with Greek-inspired neo-classical statues and facades, while people can stroll down the old streets of the charming Turkish bazaar, and enjoy delicious Albanian cuisine, all in the space of a few city blocks!
And if city life isn’t really you’re thing, than think to check out the beautiful southern part of the country in the ruins of empires long gone, such as Heraclea near the town of Bitola, or for a peaceful, blissful stroll down the docks of one of the most picturesque lakes on the continent, in the aforementioned town of Ohrid.
What’s even better news is that though North Macedonia used to make it quite difficult for people not already related to, or having vested interests, with Macedonians to immigrate to the country, the signs are that this will be changing very soon. There are high-level talks nearing the stages of completion already of creating a citizenship-by-investment scheme, as well as one for permanent residency, and we at Eureka Expat will be keeping a close eye on these developments, so we can update you here once the rulings come through on that!
Until then, paying a visit to North Macedonia should be at the top of any prospective expats priorities list, as this truly unique, beautiful option in Eastern Europe begins finally opening up itself to a brave, new world – and perhaps to you as well, in your brand, new home.
ALBANIA
| Best For: | Adventurous Expats Looking for Unique Investments in an Undiscovered Market |
| Ease of Establishing Residency: | 7/10 |
| Language Barrier for English Natives: | Medium High to High |
| Affordability of Housing: | 8/10 for renting, 8/10 for purchasing |
| Affordability of Costs of Living: | 8/10 |
The last (but certainly not least!) Eastern European country on this list, is also the only country on this list I have not actually lived in…yet! However, this is not because of a lack of wanting – Albania is perhaps the most misunderstood nation in Europe today, as it holds a reputation as being one of the continents poorest. And yet despite the public media perception of a nation filled to the brim with the kinds of terrorists seen in Liam Neeson action movies like Taken, the truth on the ground could not be more different.
In all honesty, Albanian people are actually some of the warmest, kindest, and most hospitable people in all of Eastern Europe, and they are immensely proud to share their country, and their love for it, with you. A land laying claim to the ancient Illyrian people, that some claim are the earliest Europeans on record, this beautiful little nation has so much packed into it, from gorgeous mountain scenery, to its amazing coastline on the Adriatic Sea.
Albanians also value freedom, prosperity, and open economic markets deeply, as they have not forgotten what life was like under the long reign of the infamous Enver Hoxha, who ruled the country with an iron fist for 44 years. The nation during this time was known for its complete isolationism, as well as for employing an even more extreme form of communism found in the region, which led to many comparisons to it being a European version of North Korea.
Now days, communism is nothing more than a bad nightmare, one of which the people of Albania have been more than grateful to shake off. This is evident in the way that the country has gone about its gradual rebuild – from the colorful painted walls and buildings of the capital of Tirana, to the way that all the little concrete ‘bunkers’ built during Hoxha’s reign, have been repurposed or disposed of, as little reminders of this nation choosing to move ever forward from their dark days.
What remains today is a hopeful, youthful country, with the youngest population in Europe, looking outwards towards the world, and offering up themselves as a free, open nation, in a planet seemingly going often in the other direction. Not only is this evident in Albania’s immigration policies, which kept the country open during the pandemic, but also towards their very liberal visa policy, giving some nationalities (such as the USA) a 1 year tourist visa right off the bat.
It is also very easy to immigrate to and invest in Albania, and though this country still suffers from a bit less infrastructural stability that the other nations on the list can muster, the potential for continued development and growth is certainly picking up steam. Life in Albania can be incredibly affordable, and for the adventurous expat, rentals and real estate in very desirable locations can be had for very little, amongst the backdrops of gorgeous vistas and scenery, that give neighboring nations on the Adriatic a true run for their money.
What do you think about these places? Have you gone to any of the countries on this list? What are your experiences with life as an expat in Eastern Europe? Let us know in the comments section below!
Whichever nation you pick, whichever corner of this beautiful region you plant your flag, Eastern Europe will provide an unforgettable experience, and give you the true meaning to the word home away from home – a kind of thing that I know every expat, myself included, loves to feel and understand.