How to buy property in Bulgaria as a Ukrainian citizen

Demand for property in Bulgaria among Ukrainians is steadily growing. The main reason is affordable prices and the geographical proximity of the two countries.

The events of recent years have strongly influenced the behaviour of Ukrainian citizens and prompted some Ukrainians to focus on buying property abroad, including in Bulgaria.

In 2015–2016, a record demand for property in Bulgaria was registered on the part of Ukrainians. Eight out of ten deals in the country were concluded with Ukrainian citizens. A new wave of buyers appeared on the market almost immediately after the events of 2014. Many of those who had planned to buy a villa outside their country have now decided to stay here for good.

Ukrainians, tired of elections and constant political friction, prefer to watch what is happening in their homeland from a great distance. Bulgaria is perfectly suited for relocation, permanent residence, obtaining a residence permit / permanent residence, and citizenship.

The Bulgarian Black Sea coast is a priority for Ukrainian buyers — the majority of deals involve holiday apartments in resorts and small towns, and residential houses/private houses in Burgas and Varna.

The average price tag for an apartment by the sea ranges from €25,000 to €60,000 depending on the location, the complex, and additional amenities.

According to experts, clients are generally willing to pay a higher price for housing in exchange for a higher-quality product with additional services included. Buyers are looking for properties with added value that, in addition to a full holiday, also give them the opportunity for a return on investment.

The most sought-after are two-room apartments of around 55–60 sq.m, with a good view from the windows — of the sea or of the courtyard — and with a terrace.

Property in Bulgaria for Ukrainians — features

The conditions for a Ukrainian citizen to buy property in Bulgaria are the same as for the local population. However, the sale of land to foreigners in Bulgaria is prohibited. The way out is to open a company and register the land in the name of a legal entity.

How a Ukrainian can buy property in Bulgaria:

- before purchasing, define the purpose of the purchase and the budget. A good ratio of price, location and quality is important. Liquid property is easily rented out, and if necessary it can be quickly and profitably sold.

- choose the property, check the documents, pay the deposit, sign the preliminary contract, make the payment, register the property, obtain the documents at Bulstat, transfer the utility accounts (electricity and water).

The first impression of housing in Bulgaria is given by photos and reviews. But they do not replace the real perception and emotions that can be gained on the spot by coming to Bulgaria, so property must be purchased and chosen during a visit, and not remotely.

A Ukrainian citizen can choose and buy in Bulgaria any type and location of property: a house with a plot of land, a house in a village, villas, apartments, flats, studios.

Grounds for relocating to Bulgaria from Ukraine and obtaining a residence permit / permanent residence:

• Opening a trade representative office of a foreign company in Bulgaria or being registered in an existing trade representative office.
• Holding a pension certificate. A pensioner from Ukraine can very easily obtain a Bulgarian residence permit on the basis of a “financially secured pensioner”.
• Investments in property amounting to 600,000 leva (€306,775).
• Marriage to a Bulgarian citizen.
• Admission to a higher education institution.

Bulgaria Avenue will be delighted to welcome you to our hospitable country, will work with you individually and will recommend in which city/resort it would be more interesting and profitable to buy, will carry out a price analysis with you, and introduce you to the best regions and districts on the primary and secondary market. We look forward to seeing you in our sunny Bulgaria. See you soon!