Five key steps to take after purchasing property in Bulgaria

After purchasing property in Bulgaria, it is important not to forget to take at least 5 more essential steps, otherwise you may face fines or lose access to basic services.

Registration and formalisation of ownership rights

Within 2 months after signing the notarial deed, you must declare the property at the town hall (municipality).

This is established by the Local Taxes and Fees Act (ZMDT) — Zakon za mestnite danatsi i taksi, Article 14:

• the new property owner is obliged to submit a property declaration to the municipality's tax department within 2 months from the date the ownership right arises (the date of the notarial deed).

To the tax department of the municipality where the property is located, you must submit a copy of the notarial deed, your passport and a completed declaration.

Why: so that the annual property tax (danak varhu nedvizhimite imoti) and the waste collection fee (taksa smet) are charged.

Registration with the cadastre (Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Agency)

After signing the notarial deed, you become the official owner of the immovable property. The notary registers the transaction and enters it into the Imoten registar (property register), but if your area is covered by the cadastre, the property additionally requires registration with the assignment of a cadastral number.

This is important for: resale, arranging a mortgage, obtaining permits for renovation or construction.

Transferring utility accounts into your name

After ownership has been transferred, you need to re-register the partidi (accounts) for water, electricity and heating in your own name. Usually this must be done within 30 days — you will need the original notarial deed and an identity document. Specific deadlines and requirements often apply for EVN and ViK. 

Payment of annual taxes and fees.

After the purchase, you become responsible for:

• Property tax — calculated by the municipality, usually around 0.15% of the taxable value.
• Waste collection fee — ranges from 1.6 to 5‰ depending on the location. 

In addition, maintenance costs may be charged — the taksa podderzhki (support fee) (for example, in condominiums or gated complexes).

If the property is located in a complex, you must sign a contract with the management company and settle matters related to servicing and maintenance.

Registration of a legal address (for foreigners)

You must register the acquired property with Bulstat (the Registry Agency) and obtain an EIK (Unified Identification Code). This is a mandatory procedure for foreigners who do not have an EGN and do not have the right to permanent residence in Bulgaria.

This concerns a legal address, because in Bulgaria, for foreigners who purchase property but do not hold resident status or an EGN, the state authorities must still have an official address for correspondence and for entry into state registers.

Also, if you need to obtain a residence permit, it is important to register an administrative address at the municipality (the very one that is noted in the cadastre) and, if necessary, activate it — this is required, for example, when applying to the immigration services. 

One more point is insurance. Although it is not mandatory, it is worth taking care of protecting your property (cost approximately: €100–200/year). 

Most foreigners who purchase property in Bulgaria face a language barrier and a lack of familiarity with local laws. That is why the Bulgaria Avenue agency offers a full transaction support service, including the subsequent stages of declaration, re-registration, and so on. With us, you can be confident that everything has been done correctly.