Buying and renting property in Bulgaria: questions and answers

Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Bulgaria?

Yes. A citizen of any country can buy an apartment, a house as a building, or other buildings.

Land is different. EU and EEA citizens can buy land on the terms set by law. Citizens of other countries, for example Israel, Ukraine or Russia, cannot acquire land directly, only under a ratified international treaty or by inheritance. Agricultural and forest land have separate rules. If a property comes with a plot, I tell you in advance what that means for your citizenship.

How does a purchase work?

Usually a written preliminary contract is signed first and a deposit is paid. If the buyer does not perform the contract, the seller may keep the deposit; if the seller does not perform, the buyer may claim double the deposit.

The deal is then executed before a notary in the district where the property is, and the notary deed is entered in the Property Register.

Do I need a Bulgarian ID number or an interpreter, and can I buy remotely?

A Bulgarian personal number is not required to buy: the deed can state your place and date of birth instead. A foreigner without a Bulgarian number registers in the BULSTAT register within 7 days of the purchase; the state fee is €5.11.

If you do not speak Bulgarian, the notary appoints an interpreter. You can also buy remotely through a representative, with a power of attorney whose signature and content are notarised.

Can I see a property without travelling?

Yes. I do viewings in person and online, by video. Most properties on the site have a 360° tour.

What does a purchase cost on top of the price?

When buying in Varna you pay three amounts, each on the contract price or on the tax assessment if that is higher: the local acquisition tax of 3%, the registration fee of 0.1% (at least €5.11), and the notary fee under the official tariff.

For an apartment at €260,000 that is roughly €9,000, about 3.5% of the price. By law the buyer pays the acquisition tax unless the parties agree otherwise; how the other costs are split is written into the contract. I give you the exact figure for the chosen property before you sign.

What are the yearly costs?

In Varna the property tax is 0.2% and the waste fee 0.15%, both of the tax assessment, not of the purchase price. Together that is €35 a year per €10,000 of tax assessment. Residential complexes also charge a maintenance fee, set by the complex itself.

Can I rent the property out, and what is the tax?

Yes. If you are not a Bulgarian tax resident, rental income is subject to a final tax of 10% on the full rent.

Nightly lets to tourists are allowed only after the property is categorised or registered with the municipality; without that it may not be offered online, including on booking platforms.

Does buying give me a residence permit?

No, buying a home does not by itself give a visa or a residence permit. A citizen of a non-EU country may stay in Bulgaria up to 90 days in any 180 days if their country is visa-exempt.

For a property investment of at least €306,775 the law provides a separate ground for a long-term stay of up to one year, with a D visa and further conditions. None of this applies to EU citizens.

What currency are prices in?

Euro. Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026.

Can I pay in instalments?

For new builds, developers often offer flexible payment plans. Terms depend on the project, and I check them for the specific apartment.

Which languages do you work in?

I work with clients myself in English, Bulgarian, Russian, Hebrew and German, from the first message to the notary.

Can I rent an apartment from you?

Yes, I also have apartments for rent, long-term and short-term. Prices are per month; the summer season is usually by agreement.

Which areas do you cover?

Varna and its resorts St. Constantine and Helena and Golden Sands, as well as Balchik, Sveti Vlas and Kranevo.

What does “Sold” or “Rented” on a property mean?

The property has already been sold or rented. I keep it on the site as an example. Tell me what you are looking for and I will find you something similar.

How do I book a viewing?

Write to me on WhatsApp or call: +359 899 980 771, or email info@tami.estate. I usually reply within a few hours.

Who answers in the chat on the site?

Mila, an AI assistant, not a person. She answers questions about the properties and passes your enquiry on to me. I always confirm the details of a deal myself.