How to open a bank account in Bulgaria. Learn what documents you need, how the process works, and whether you can open one remotely as a UK citizen .
Opening a bank account in Bulgaria is a key step for UK buyers and expats investing in property or planning to live part- or full-time in the country. Here’s how the process works and what you need to know.
1. Types of Bank Accounts Available
✅ Personal Accounts – For everyday banking, buying property, or paying bills.
✅ Business Accounts – Required if you’re registering a Bulgarian company to purchase land or run a business.
✅ Foreign Currency Accounts – Available in EUR, GBP, and USD to avoid currency exchange issues.
2. Required Documents for UK Citizens
Most Bulgarian banks require the following:
✅ Valid passport
✅ Bulgarian address (temporary or permanent – can be your lawyer’s or estate agent’s office if needed). In many cases, proof of UK address is also accepted, especially for non-residents.
✅ Personal ID number (EGN) – not always required for non-residents
✅ Proof of income or reason for opening (e.g., property purchase)
3. Can You Open a Bank Account Remotely?
Some banks allow you to open an account from the UK via Power of Attorney (PoA), especially if you are working with a local lawyer or real estate agent.
✅ We at Move2BG can assist with arranging PoA and handle the account opening on your behalf.
✅ Remote account opening is more likely with major banks like UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, or Postbank.
4. Recommended Banks in Bulgaria
Here are a few banks commonly used by UK buyers:
- UBB Mobile (United Bulgarian Bank) – Offers mobile banking, English support, and integration with Evrotrust for electronic signatures.
🔗 UBB Mobile - UniCredit Bulbank – Offers English-speaking staff, strong online banking.
🔗 UniCredit Bulbank - DSK Bank – Widely available, friendly to expats.
🔗 DSK Bank - Postbank – Often easier for property-related accounts.
🔗 Postbank
Most of these banks support Evrotrust, Bulgaria’s official electronic signature platform, integrated into their mobile apps. You can also register directly at: 🔗 Evrotrust Registration
- UniCredit Bulbank – Offers English-speaking staff, strong online banking.
- DSK Bank – Widely available, friendly to expats.
- Postbank – Often easier for property-related accounts.
We can help you choose the best option based on your needs and location.
5. Fees & Currency Options
Service | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Account Opening Fee | €0–€10 |
Monthly Maintenance | €1–€3 |
ATM Withdrawals (EUR) | Free–€2 per transaction |
Foreign Transfers (Incoming/Outgoing) | €3–€10 depending on bank |
Accounts are generally available in BGN, EUR, GBP, and USD.
Conclusion: Open a Bulgarian Bank Account Easily with the Right Support
Opening a Bulgarian bank account is simple when guided properly. Whether you need a personal or business account, working with Move2BG and a local lawyer can speed up the process and even allow remote setup.
For more on managing your funds and transferring payments, see How UK Residents Can Get a Mortgage in Bulgaria.
Useful Resources
1️⃣ UniCredit Bulbank – Online account setup and English-speaking support
2️⃣ DSK Bank – Personal banking and expat-friendly services
3️⃣ UBB Mobile – Mobile banking, English support, Evrotrust integration