Buying property in Bulgaria as a foreigner
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Bulgaria, including citizens of non-EU countries: the Bulgarian Constitution sets conditions only for acquiring land, not apartments. The purchase is completed by a notarial deed, and if the buyer does not speak Bulgarian, the notary appoints a translator. Buying in the Municipality of Pomorie, you pay a 3 % local acquisition tax plus the notary and registration fees.
Can foreigners buy property in Bulgaria?
Yes. Article 22 of the Constitution covers land only: foreigners may acquire it under the terms of Bulgaria's EU accession, under a ratified international treaty or by inheritance. The Constitution sets no such condition for an apartment in a residential building.
Is it different for EU and non-EU citizens?
Only for land. Under the Property Act, EU and EEA citizens may acquire land subject to the requirements of the law; citizens of other countries — under an international treaty or by inheritance.
How does the purchase work?
Ownership passes by a notarial deed, which is entered in the Property Register. If a party does not know Bulgarian and the notary does not speak their language, the notary appoints a translator (Art. 582 of the Civil Procedure Code). Payments of €5,112.92 (BGN 10,000) or more, and all payments under one transaction with such a total value — including instalments for an apartment — are made only by bank transfer (Art. 3 of the Act on Limiting Cash Payments).
Which taxes do you pay when buying?
The local acquisition tax — 3 % in the Municipality of Pomorie — plus the notary fee and the registration fee. VAT is already included in the price of apartments at Solna 59.
What do owners pay every year?
Property tax and the waste collection fee. The tax rate is set in per mille of the tax valuation by the municipal council within the Local Taxes and Fees Act; the municipality also sets the fee.
Does buying property give you residency?
The Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act allows a holder of a type D visa to apply for extended (continuous) residence after investing about €306,775 (BGN 600,000) or more in Bulgarian real estate, paid in full through an account at a Bulgarian bank; with a mortgage, the outstanding part may not exceed 25 %. A smaller purchase is not a ground on its own, and the decision rests with the competent authority. If this matters to you, mention it in your enquiry and we'll point you to the right specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners own land in Bulgaria?
EU and EEA citizens can, subject to the law; citizens of other countries — under an international treaty or by inheritance.
Do I need a translator at the notary?
Yes, if you do not speak Bulgarian and the notary does not speak your language — the notary then appoints one.
Can I buy without travelling to Bulgaria?
Yes: a representative can sign the deal for you under a notarised power of attorney.
How much is the purchase tax in Pomorie?
The local acquisition tax in the Municipality of Pomorie is 3 %; the notary and registration fees are paid on top.
Can I pay in cash?
Not for the apartment: once the price is €5,112.92 or more, all payments under the transaction, including instalments, go by bank transfer.
Are there rules specific to Russian citizens?
Under EU Regulation No 833/2014, EU banks do not accept deposits from Russian nationals or residents above €100,000 per bank; this does not apply to EU citizens or holders of an EU residence permit. If this matters to you, mention it in your enquiry and we'll point you to the right specialist.