🇬🇧 Buying real estate in Bulgaria for a British citizen
1️⃣ British citizen status
After Brexit, UK citizens are considered non-EU citizens in Bulgaria.
Hence the key restrictions and rules.
✅ What CAN be purchased directly (as an individual)
A British citizen can purchase without restrictions:
apartment
apartments
studio
office/shop
garage, parking space
📌 This is formalized with a standard notarial deed.
❌ What CANNOT be purchased directly
You cannot purchase directly:
land
house with land (if the land is owned)
This is a general rule for all non-EU citizens. 🏢 How to legally buy a house with land
Option 1 - through a Bulgarian company (the most popular)
EOOD / OOD is registered
The company buys the land
You are 100% the owner of the company
✔ Legal
✔ Working scheme
⚠ Annual accounting is available
Option 2 - a house without land
Rare, requires special verification. 🧾 What is needed for the transaction
✔ UK passport
✔ Foreigner's Personal Identification Number (FPI) or EGN (if you have a residence permit)
✔ Bulgarian bank account
✔ Declaration of origin of funds
✔ Independent lawyer (recommended)
💶 Taxes and expenses (the same for everyone)
title transfer tax: 2.5–3%
notary + registry: ~1–1.5%
agent (if any): 2–3%
📌 Average: 4–6% on top of the property price
🛂 Does buying real estate grant a residence permit?
❌ No, it doesn't automatically grant it.
But:
Real estate = proof of address
You can apply for a residence permit for other reasons
(business, work, investments, financial independence)
⚠️ Common mistakes made by UK citizens
❌ Buying a "house and land" without a company
❌ Powers of attorney without verification
❌ Properties without Act 16
❌ Hoping that the purchase = a residence permit
🧠 In short
✔ Apartment - yes
✔ Apartment - yes
❌ Land - no direct
✔ Through a company - all options are possible
❌ Automatic residence permit - no
