Bulgaria — Property: Foreign Ownership

Key facts

• Buildings and limited rights are not restricted by nationality: foreigners and foreign companies may own them unless the law says otherwise.
• Foreigners and foreign companies may acquire land only under EU accession terms, an international treaty or legal inheritance (Constitution Art. 22).
• Farmland: foreign states cannot own it; individuals or companies generally need more than five years of residence or establishment in Bulgaria, plus a declaration on the origin of funds at notarization (Agricultural Land Act Art. 3, 3c).
• Foreigners who inherit farmland or forest land without meeting the conditions must transfer it within three years.
• Non-permanent residents from EU/EEA states may buy land for a second home (Art. 29a); notaries verify the prerequisites and registration is refused if a required authorization is missing.

Steps

1. Register as a Foreign Buyer — Contact the local municipality to register as a foreign buyer before purchasing property.
2. Obtain Property Title — Have the seller or a local lawyer assist in obtaining the property title and registering it in your name.