Opening a bank account in Bulgaria as a foreigner

At a glance

Total time: Usually one visit
Official fees: Monthly account fee varies
Where: Any bank branch
Bulgarian needed?: Most apps in English

You will need a Bulgarian bank account for rent, salary, bills and your social security payments. Opening one is easy for EU citizens and residents, and harder for non-EU citizens who don’t have residence yet. This guide explains what banks ask for and how to avoid being turned away.

What banks usually ask for

Your passport, or an EU ID card.
Your Bulgarian residence document: the EU residence certificate, or a non-EU residence permit card.
Your personal number (LNCH). Most banks won’t open an account without it.
Proof of address in Bulgaria, such as a rental contract.
Information about your income: an employment contract, or what you do and where your money comes from.

Banks must check who their customers are under anti-money-laundering rules, so expect a questionnaire about your job, your income and how you plan to use the account. Answer it fully: vague answers are the most common reason for delays.

EU citizens

Once you have your residence certificate and personal number, you can open an account at any bank, usually in one visit. EU law gives every consumer living legally in the EU the right to a basic payment account, so a bank can’t refuse you just because you are not Bulgarian.

Non-EU citizens

Many banks open accounts for non-EU citizens only once they have a Bulgarian residence permit. Some will accept a Type D visa. That can create a catch-22, because some residence applications ask for a Bulgarian bank statement. If you are in this position:

Ask the Migration office whether a statement from your home bank is accepted instead.
Ask several banks: branch staff apply the rules differently, and a branch used to foreign customers may say yes.
Bring a letter from your employer or a Bulgarian lawyer explaining why you need the account.

Choosing a bank

The largest banks, including UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, UBB, Postbank and Fibank, all have English-language mobile apps and branches in every big city. Compare monthly fees, card fees and the cost of transfers abroad. Since Bulgaria joined the euro, accounts are held in euro, and euro transfers within the EU (SEPA) are cheap or free.

Can I just use Revolut or Wise?

For everyday spending, often yes. But some landlords, employers and government offices ask for a Bulgarian bank account, and it is the easiest way to pay your taxes and contributions to NAP. Many expats keep both.

Common mistakes

Going to the bank before you have your personal number.
Not bringing proof of income, then being asked to come back.
Giving up after one branch says no.

Sources

General information, not financial advice. Each bank sets its own rules: check with the branch before you go.