Buying a seaside apartment in Bulgaria to let
A seaside apartment in Bulgaria can earn income in two ways — holiday lets in season or a long-term tenancy — and each has its own rules. If you are a Bulgarian tax resident, rent is taxed at 10 % after a 10 % deduction for recognised expenses — that is, 9 % of the rent; for a foreign person the tax is final, at 10 % (Art. 37 of the Personal Income Tax Act). To host tourists, the apartment must be registered under the Tourism Act, and a tourist tax is due for every night stayed.
Holiday lets or long-term rent — which to choose?
Holiday lets can earn a higher nightly rate, but occupancy follows the season and there is more to manage: guests, cleaning, registration and tourist tax. A long-term tenancy usually brings steadier monthly income with less work. Work out the return on a specific apartment yourself: annual rent minus costs, divided by the purchase price.
How is rental income taxed?
If you are a Bulgarian tax resident, under the Personal Income Tax Act taxable rental income is the rent received less 10 % for recognised expenses, and the tax rate is 10 % — that is, 9 % of the rent. Example: on €1,000 of rent, €900 is taxable and the tax is €90. For a foreign person the tax is final — 10 % of the rent (Art. 37 of the Act). If this matters to you, mention it in your enquiry and we'll point you to the right specialist.
What does the Tourism Act require?
An apartment that hosts tourists is an accommodation establishment. Guest rooms and guest apartments are registered with the mayor of the municipality; other establishments go through categorisation. Register before the first guests arrive — then the letting is lawful and your listing on booking platforms is on solid ground.
What is the tourist tax?
A local tax charged per night under the Local Taxes and Fees Act. The municipal council sets the amount depending on the town and the category of the property.
What are the owner's running costs?
Every year: property tax and the waste collection fee, plus shared building costs, furnishing and repairs. Holiday lets add utilities, cleaning and platform commissions.
Is Pomorie lively out of season?
Summer brings the most overnight stays, but Pomorie does not shut down after the season — see our guide to living in Pomorie all year round. That makes a long-term tenancy a real option, not just a fallback.
Investment property in Pomorie
Solna 59 is a two-storey building in Pomorie with eight apartments, 200 m from the sea: one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. An apartment here can be let both to holidaymakers and long-term. To work out the return with the formula above, ask for the price of a specific apartment.
Frequently asked questions
What tax do I pay on rental income in Bulgaria?
For a Bulgarian resident — 10 % on the rent reduced by 10 % expenses (9 % of the rent); for a foreign person — a final tax of 10 % (Art. 37 of the Personal Income Tax Act).
Does a foreigner pay tax on letting an apartment?
Yes: for a foreign person, rental income in Bulgaria is subject to a final tax of 10 % (Art. 37 of the Personal Income Tax Act).
Do I need to register to let to tourists?
Yes. A guest apartment is registered with the municipality under the Tourism Act before the first guests.
Who sets the tourist tax?
The municipal council — per night, depending on the town and the category of the property.
What return can a seaside apartment bring?
The return depends on the price, occupancy and costs. Send an enquiry and we'll give you the price of the specific apartment so you can work it out with the formula.