Transferring Money to Bulgaria for a Property Purchase: Legal Routes by Country
I get asked about this every week. Sometimes several times a day. “Vikki, I want to buy an apartment in Sveti Vlas — but how do I actually get the money to Bulgaria?” After 2022, this question became practically the first one in the queue.
Every route described below is legal. I do not discuss grey-market schemes, I do not advise on circumventing tax authorities, and I do not help anyone conceal funds.
In brief: Since January 2026, Bulgaria is in the eurozone — all transactions in euros. From EU countries: SEPA, next day, minimal cost. From Ukraine: via a European bank account or developer instalment plan. From other countries: standard SWIFT route with documentation.
What Every Buyer Needs
Since January 1, 2026, Bulgaria is officially in the eurozone. All property transactions take place in euros, and transfers within the EU are SEPA operations.
Three things every buyer needs:
- A Bulgarian personal identification number (PIN/EGN/BULSTAT) — obtained at the local police directorate, required before the notarial deed
- A Bulgarian bank account — most notaries insist on this
- Documents proving the origin of funds — without these, transfers will be frozen
From EU Countries: the Simplest Route
A transfer from any eurozone country is a standard SEPA Credit Transfer. Money arrives in one working day, often faster via SEPA Instant. Fees are minimal or zero.
Wise and Revolut also operate within SEPA. One note: for amounts above €30,000 they will request documents proving the source of funds — this is a standard AML procedure.
This route is the cleanest, fastest, and least expensive option available.
From Ukraine: Possible, With Restrictions
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has restricted certain foreign currency transactions under martial law conditions. SWIFT for purchasing foreign real estate falls within the restricted zone — although there is no outright ban. In practice, most Ukrainian banks will not process such payments without individual authorisation.
What actually works:
An account with a European bank. If you have an account with a Polish, Czech, German, or other European bank — transfer from there via SEPA. This is the cleanest and most transparent route. A Bulgarian bank accepts SEPA without question.
Cash up to €10,000. Bringing euro cash into Bulgaria without declaration is permitted up to €10,000 per person. Amounts above this must be declared at customs. This works only as a supplement, not as the primary payment for a property purchase.
Developer instalment plan. An initial payment of 20–30%, with the balance payable over up to 7 years — no bank involvement required. For many Ukrainian clients, this is the most practical solution.
Raiffeisen Bank. Operates in both Ukraine and the EU. Confirm applicable limits with your branch at the time of the transaction.
I recommend consulting a Ukrainian tax lawyer before the transaction — NBU rules change several times per year. For more context: buying an apartment in Bulgaria as a Ukrainian citizen.
From Russia: More Complex, but Routes Exist
Since December 2025, the Bank of Russia has partially lifted restrictions — transfers of up to $1 million per month are permitted. But the difficulty is on the receiving end: European banks are required to conduct Enhanced Due Diligence on all transactions with Russian origin.
What works:
Transfer via an intermediary country. Armenia, Kazakhstan, Serbia, the UAE — banks in these countries accept transfers from Russia and can send outgoing SWIFT payments to the EU. A real account with a transaction history is required.
European residency. A residence permit in an EU country allows you to open a European bank account. This changes the position fundamentally.
Cash with declaration. Physical import of euro cash with customs declaration for amounts above €10,000. AML checks apply on deposit.
I do not work with clients who cannot document the origin of their funds. The Bulgarian notary and bank are legally required to refuse a transaction if the documentation chain is broken.
From Israel, Kazakhstan, and Other Countries
Standard SWIFT process:
- Open an account with a Bulgarian bank (DSK, UniCredit, UBB)
- SWIFT transfer from your home bank
- Timeline: 2–5 working days
- Fee: $20–60 per transfer
For Kazakhstan: Halyk Bank and Kaspi conduct SWIFT transfers to the EU. For large amounts, notify your bank in advance. For Israel: standard SWIFT with no specific restrictions — one of the cleanest non-EU routes.
Developer Instalment Plan
A route that removes the problem of a single large transfer:
- Initial payment: 20–30%
- Term: up to 7 years
- Interest rate: from 0% (during construction) to 3–6% (after completion)
- Payments: monthly or quarterly
For Ukrainian buyers gradually accumulating funds — often the best solution. For buyers from Russia with limited transfer capacity — also works.
For more on the purchase process: remote property purchase guide.
What the Bulgarian Bank Will Require
| Source of funds | Documents |
|---|---|
| Property sale proceeds | Sale contract + payment confirmation |
| Savings | Bank statements for 12–24 months, tax returns |
| Business sale | Corporate documents |
| Salary or dividends | Payslips, income statements |
| Inheritance or gift | Notarial documents |
The governing principle: the bank needs an unbroken documentary chain. A gap in that chain is the most common reason transfers get frozen.
Prepare the documentation folder before initiating the transfer — not after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Bulgarian bank account strictly required?
Not always required by law — but most notaries insist on it. A non-resident can open an account with a passport and identification number.
How long does a transfer take?
SEPA from EU countries: 1 working day. SWIFT: 2–5 days. With a compliance review request: up to 10 days.
Is there a limit on the amount?
For EU countries — no. Cash above €10,000 must be declared. For Ukraine — NBU restrictions apply. For Russia — Central Bank limits plus sanctions screening.
Do Wise and Revolut work?
For transferring funds to a Bulgarian account — yes. As a replacement for a bank account at the notary — no: notaries require an IBAN from a regulated bank.
Can cryptocurrency be used?
Directly through the notary — no. Converting crypto to euros with a subsequent transfer is technically possible, but the crypto source must be documented and tax obligations met.
Is the purchase itself taxed?
The buyer pays a 2–3% transfer tax + notary fees + registration = approximately 3–4% of the purchase price in total.
Do I need to declare the purchase in my home country?
Depends on your tax status. The purchase itself is generally not taxable, but the underlying funds should have been properly declared.
How quickly can a non-resident open a bank account?
At DSK, UniCredit, or UBB — in person at a branch with a passport and identification number. The identification number (BULSTAT or equivalent) takes 1–3 days to obtain.
What to Do Next
Transferring money is a solvable problem for any passport. The difference is in the complexity of the route and the volume of documentation required.
If you want to understand which route applies to your situation — contact me. For the full purchase process: how to buy an apartment in Bulgaria as a foreigner.
Vikki Dronova, EGOIST Estate, Sveti Vlas
