Why should I register? – Each foreign citizen or company who purchases a real estate in Bulgaria must apply to the Municipality for declaring the acquisition of the property. For this purpose the owner needs identification in Bulgaria and the BULSTAT registration gives this identification.
How can I register? – The BULSTAT registration must be done within 7 days after the reception of the title deed from the notary’s office. The registration is done by the Bulgarian Registry Agency.
What documents do I need? – A copy of the title deed, a receipt from the bank showing that you have paid the registration fee and you will have to fill in an application form.
How much is the registration fee? – The fee is 15 BGN.
Can I register online? – No.
Can I authorize someone to register me? – Yes, you can authorize a lawyer or any third party to register you.
Do I need to register every time I buy Bulgarian property? – No, the registration must be done only once.
Can I sell my property if I don’t have BULSTAT number? – No, you cannot. You will have to register in the BULSTAT register, to declare the purchase of the property, to pay your property tax and then you can proceed with the sale process.
And what if we’ve had our apartments for many years (1/2 a decade) and not heard of this Bulstat card until today?
I’ve heard the authorities attempt to fine you, which clearly isn’t fair.
If you have bought your apartment after May 2005 you have to register with the BULSTAT register.
You won’t be fined if one year has passed between the date of the purchase and the date when you submit the documents for registration. For example, if you buy your first apartment in Bulgaria today (21/11/2012) and you submit the documents for registration sometimes in December 2013 – you won’t be fined.