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Contents – Frequently Asked Questions About:

Real Estate

Verifying ownership and checking for encumbrances on the property is a key step in avoiding future issues such as legal disputes, claims by third parties, or statutory restrictions affecting the property.

Yes. By granting a notarised power of attorney, our lawyers can carry out all necessary actions on your behalf — from negotiations to signing the notarial deed.

Superficies is a limited real right that allows a person to construct a building on land owned by another person and to acquire ownership of the building.

Legal assistance ensures the proper drafting of the donation agreement and helps prevent future disputes between the donor and the donee.

It includes consultations on applicable local legislation, legal due diligence of the property, assistance with completion of the transaction before a notary public, subsequent registration of ownership rights with the Property Register, assistance with banking matters, and completion of all required registrations of the foreign investor.

A property donation may be challenged in inheritance disputes or may lead to conflicts between family members. For this reason, it is essential that the donation agreement is legally precise and compliant with the statutory rules on the reserved share of heirs. We will advise you on how to avoid future legal complications.

The required documents depend on the specific case, but most commonly include:
 
• a notarial deed (proof of ownership);
• a tax valuation certificate;
• a certificate of encumbrances;
• a cadastral sketch;
• a certificate of heirs (where the property has been inherited);
• a certificate of marital status.
 
Our law firm obtains and prepares all required documents on behalf of the client.

The law does not provide a mandatory rule — the parties are free to agree on the allocation of costs. In practice, the buyer usually bears all expenses, unless otherwise agreed. We will assist you with an accurate breakdown and a preliminary calculation of all costs involved.

The right to build (superficies) is a limited real right allowing construction on land owned by another person, with ownership of the building belonging to the holder of the right. It may be transferred, donated, or established in return for payment or under other agreed conditions.

If the transaction has already been completed and the encumbrances were not disclosed in advance, you may be entitled to seek compensation or, depending on the circumstances, to request that the transaction be declared invalid. Prior to any transaction, we always carry out a thorough legal due diligence specifically to identify and avoid such risks.

Yes. EU citizens may freely acquire ownership of real estate in Bulgaria. Nationals of non-EU countries may purchase buildings, while land may be acquired through a registered company. We provide full legal assistance, including registration with the BULSTAT Register where required.

Company / Association Registration

With our express service, the preparation of the registration documents can be completed within 24 hours. The standard procedure usually takes 2–3 business days. The processing of the documents by the Commercial Register for company registration takes three business days from the date of filing. Registration of subsequent changes takes longer — approximately 6–7 business days from the date of submission.

Yes, this is entirely possible. The entire procedure can be carried out remotely through a notarised power of attorney granted to a lawyer from our team, as well as electronic signing and filing with the Commercial Register by the lawyer.

A virtual address is a service whereby a law firm or a specialised provider offers an address for the company’s registration and correspondence. This service is particularly useful for foreign nationals or individuals who do not have a permanent address in Bulgaria or who prefer not to use their personal address.

The minimum share capital is BGN 2, although higher and more realistic amounts are recommended, depending on the needs and scale of the business.

No. Registration under the VAT Act is mandatory upon reaching a taxable turnover of BGN 100,000 over the preceding 12 months or when performing certain types of services (e.g. services supplied within the EU). In all other cases, VAT registration is voluntary.

Failure to file annual financial statements within the statutory deadline results in fines ranging from BGN 200 to BGN 3,000 imposed on both the company and its manager. Failure to file a declaration of no activity is also subject to fines under the Commercial Act and the Accountancy Act.

Subscription-based legal services provide businesses with ongoing and predictable legal support in exchange for a fixed monthly fee. This allows for better financial planning and ensures that, whenever a legal issue arises, you have access to a lawyer who is familiar with your company’s operations and specific needs. This approach helps avoid delays and risks associated with the lack of timely legal advice.

You are only required to provide information regarding the personal details of the shareholders and the manager, as well as information relating to the circumstances subject to registration in the Commercial Register (such as the company name, registered office, management address, share capital, and other relevant details). We will assist you with the preparation of all necessary documents.

You may register a single-member limited liability company (EOOD), a limited liability company (OOD), a joint-stock company, a general partnership, a limited partnership, an association, or a foundation. We will advise you on the most suitable legal form based on the specifics of your business.

Yes. We provide full legal assistance for the registration of a commercial representative office of a foreign company in Bulgaria, including registration with the BULSTAT Register.

Yes. After registration with the Commercial Register, it is advisable to engage an accountant, especially if the company will be VAT-registered or will commence business activities. The accountant will be responsible for preparing and submitting statutory declarations, reports, and financial statements.

An association is established by two or more founders pursuing a common objective (for public or private benefit), whereas a foundation is established unilaterally by one or more persons for the purpose of providing assets or funds for a specific activity. The legal framework governing both forms is set out in the Non-Profit Legal Entities Act.

Consultation with a commercial law lawyer is advisable at many key stages in the life of a company — from its incorporation, through share transfers, changes of manager or registered office, to amendments to the scope of business activities. A lawyer is also essential in the drafting of contracts and constitutional documents, as well as in the event of disputes between shareholders, which may escalate into court proceedings.

Registering a company with the assistance of a lawyer ensures full compliance with the law and properly drafted documentation, due to the lawyer’s in-depth legal expertise and professional liability. By contrast, using intermediary services provided by non-lawyers often results in omissions, incorrect documentation, and subsequent complications that may require significantly more time and financial resources to resolve.

Family Law

There are two main types of divorce:
 
• Divorce by mutual consent — where there are no disputes between the spouses;
• Divorce by court proceedings (divorce by claim) — where the court is required to rule on fault and property-related matters.
 

Divorce by mutual consent usually takes two to three months. Divorce by court proceedings may take longer, depending on the complexity of the case and the evidence involved.

Yes. Bulgarian law allows a marital agreement to be concluded both before and during the marriage. The agreement must be notarised and registered in the relevant register.

Prospective adoptive parents must undergo social assessment procedures, court proceedings, and obtain a court decision by which the adoption is formally approved and registered.

Yes. If one spouse resides abroad, the divorce may be carried out through a legal representative. A lawyer from our firm can represent you, with the entire process organised remotely — from document preparation to participation in the proceedings.

Child maintenance is determined based on the child’s needs and the financial capacity of the parent. There is a statutory minimum amount, but a higher amount may be agreed. The court may increase or reduce the maintenance if there is a change in circumstances.

Yes. If you can prove that your contribution to the acquisition of the property was greater (for example, through personal funds, care for the family, or involvement in a family business), you may claim unequal shares. We will assist you in gathering the necessary evidence.

A marital agreement is a written contract regulating the property relations between spouses — what constitutes personal property, what is jointly owned, and how assets will be divided in the event of divorce. It may be concluded either before or during the marriage. A marital agreement is particularly advisable where significant assets are involved or in the case of a second marriage.

Yes. Unmarried individuals may also adopt a child, subject to certain conditions, including appropriate living conditions, stable income, and court approval. We will guide you through the entire procedure — from the application stage to the final court decision.

The court determines:

• which parent will be granted parental rights;
• the regime of personal relations (visitation) with the other parent;
• the amount of child maintenance (child support).

An application is filed with the court for the issuance of a protection order, under which the court may impose measures such as:
 
• removal of the perpetrator from the shared home;
• a restraining order prohibiting the perpetrator from approaching the victim.
 

Each spouse is entitled to half of the property acquired during the marriage, unless a greater contribution by one spouse is proven.

In a divorce by mutual consent, the spouses have reached an agreement on all matters, including parental rights and child maintenance. The procedure is faster and non-contentious. Divorce by court proceedings is initiated where no agreement exists. This procedure is longer and involves proving fault for the breakdown of the marriage. Our team will advise you on which option is most suitable for your specific situation.

The court determines which parent will exercise parental rights, taking into account the best interests of the child — including the child’s age, emotional attachment to each parent, and the living conditions provided. Our team will develop a legal strategy to effectively protect your parental rights.

You may file a claim with the court or initiate enforcement proceedings through a bailiff to collect the unpaid maintenance. We provide full assistance at all stages — from issuing a formal notice to enforcement measures such as garnishment of salary or bank accounts.

The court determines a visitation regime, including weekdays, weekends, public holidays, and school vacations. Where no agreement between the parents can be reached, we will prepare a proposal and represent you before the court.

Seek legal assistance immediately. We can file an application for a protection order, under which the perpetrator may be removed from the shared home, prohibited from approaching you, and barred from making contact with you. We ensure full confidentiality and prompt action.

Inheritance Law

This is a form of acceptance whereby the heir is liable for the deceased’s debts only up to the value of the inherited property. It is particularly appropriate where there are doubts about outstanding debts or loans. The procedure requires the filing of an application and an inventory of the estate with the court. Separate civil proceedings are initiated, and it is advisable to be represented by a lawyer. We can assist you throughout the entire procedure.

The division of inherited property may be carried out either voluntarily (by agreement between the heirs) or through court proceedings. In judicial partition proceedings, the court determines each heir’s share and the method of distribution of the property.

No. Each heir has the right to accept the inheritance, to accept it under inventory (with limited liability), or to renounce the inheritance within three months from becoming aware of its opening.

There are two main types of wills: a notarial will and a holographic (handwritten) will. A holographic will must be entirely handwritten and signed by the testator and should be kept in a safe place. The most secure option is to execute the will before a notary public; if the will is handwritten, it is advisable to deposit it with a notary for safekeeping.

You may initiate either a voluntary or a judicial partition. In the event of disputes regarding shares or specific assets, the court determines how the estate will be distributed. Our team can represent you at every stage of the proceedings.

Yes. The law makes no distinction between children born in or out of wedlock. Adopted persons also inherit by operation of law, depending on the type of adoption.

It covers all aspects of inheritance matters — from filing declarations and drafting wills to conducting court proceedings, protecting your rights in partition and inheritance disputes, and communicating with notaries and public authorities. We support you from start to finish.

Yes. An inheritance may be renounced by submitting a written declaration to the district court with jurisdiction over the place where the inheritance was opened or the last place of residence of the deceased.

The reserved share is the portion of the inheritance that the law guarantees to statutory heirs in the direct line (children, parents, and the spouse). Even where a will has been made in favour of a third party, these heirs may claim restoration of their reserved share.

A will may be challenged due to violations of statutory requirements in its execution or if the testator was incapable of expressing a valid and informed intention. A court procedure is required to establish the nullity or voidability of the will.

Yes. Where an international element is involved, inheritance matters are governed by European or applicable national rules. In certain cases, a European Certificate of Succession may be required. We can assist you throughout the entire procedure.

Yes. A will may be challenged if there are grounds to suspect forgery, lack of capacity, or undue influence, or if the will infringes the reserved share of the statutory heirs. We will assess whether there are sufficient grounds for initiating court proceedings.

Each heir may sell or donate their inherited share. Where the property is held in co-ownership, the remaining heirs have a statutory right of first refusal. We will assist you with drafting the necessary agreements, notarial deeds, and with protecting your interests throughout the process.

If there are neither statutory heirs nor heirs appointed by will, the estate becomes state property. This occurs only after all possible categories of heirs have been exhausted.

Civil Law

Civil law regulates legal relationships between private individuals in areas such as property ownership, contractual relations, family law, inheritance, and intellectual property.

The procedure requires the drafting of a founding deed, articles of association, and other relevant documents, as well as registration of the foundation with the Commercial Register. We handle the entire process — from document preparation to registration.

The procedure includes filing a claim with the court, undergoing a medical examination, and obtaining a court decision. We assist you at all stages of the process.

Yes. It is sufficient to grant a notarised power of attorney (which may also be issued through a Bulgarian consulate). We can then represent you fully remotely — including in transactions, court proceedings, and administrative procedures.

Placement under guardianship is carried out through court proceedings before the competent District Court. It is permitted where there is a permanent inability of the person to take care of themselves, such as in cases of mental illness or dementia. We will prepare the necessary evidence and represent you throughout the proceedings.

The procedure includes drafting a founding deed and articles of association, holding a constitutive meeting, and submitting the documents to the court. We manage the entire process — from preparation to registration in the Register of Non-Profit Legal Entities.

A loan agreement should specify the loan amount, repayment term, method of repayment, and interest (if applicable). As a rule, notarisation is not required; however, for greater legal protection, we recommend a written agreement dated and signed by the parties, and in the case of larger amounts, notarisation of the signatures.

Yes. We provide legal consultation for the purchase or sale of real estate, including verification of ownership, checks for encumbrances, and preparation of all necessary documentation.

The requirements depend on the specific procedure — naturalisation, Bulgarian origin, or marriage to a Bulgarian citizen. We will assist you with preparing the required documents and guide you throughout the entire process.

A notarial notice is a formal written notice served through a notary public, requesting the performance of a specific obligation — for example, payment under a contract. It is often a mandatory preliminary step before initiating court proceedings.

We can assist you with proceedings for declaring a person missing or declaring them deceased, provided that the statutory conditions are met. Such procedures are necessary in order to settle inheritance matters or to manage the missing person’s property.

Legal representation includes drafting statements of claim, responses and objections, participation in court hearings, filing appeals, requesting interim (protective) measures, and comprehensive protection of your interests before all court instances.

Yes. If you can prove Bulgarian origin, you may apply under a facilitated procedure. We will assist you with the preparation of the required documents and with organising your personal appearance before the Ministry of Justice.

Yes. EU citizens may freely acquire real estate in Bulgaria. For nationals of non-EU countries, certain restrictions apply — most commonly, the establishment of a commercial company is required in order to acquire land. We provide full legal assistance throughout the process.

Property Law and Construction

The right to build allows a person to construct a building on land owned by another person and to become the owner of the constructed building without owning the land itself. This right must be established by a notarial deed and registered with the Property Register.

Ownership by prescription is acquired through long-term factual possession of a property under specific statutory conditions. We can assist you throughout this procedure.

Yes. We provide legal support in drafting contracts, offering legal advice on construction projects, and assisting with the sale of units in newly constructed buildings.

This procedure is used when a property does not have a notarial deed, but ownership can be established through witnesses and other evidence. The evidentiary procedure is carried out by a notary public and may result in the acquisition of ownership by prescription.

Typically, it covers the term of the agreement, the monthly management fee, and the manager’s obligations, such as leasing the property, collecting rent, maintenance, and representation before public authorities. We recommend that such an agreement be drafted by a lawyer in order to include adequate safeguards against misuse or non-performance.

Servitudes are limited real rights granting the right to use another person’s property — for example, rights of way or rights to install utilities such as electricity, water, or sewage. A servitude may be established voluntarily by agreement or imposed by a court decision where access is essential.

You may conclude an agreement on the allocation of use of the property or initiate voluntary or judicial partition proceedings. We provide legal assistance in both cases.

It is established by a notarial deed concluded between the owner and the user, clearly defining the rights granted, the term, and the conditions. The right of use must be registered with the Property Register.

Yes, provided that you have an established right of overbuilding, an approved architectural design, a building permit, and the consent of the co-owners (if any). Proper legal preparation of the agreement and verification of all legal prerequisites are essential.

This is an official document by which limited real rights, such as the right to build, right of use, or servitudes, are established. It requires execution before a notary public and registration with the Property Register.

Corporate and Commercial Law

Company law governs the establishment, organisation, management, restructuring, and dissolution of legal entities, including limited liability companies (OOD), joint-stock companies (AD), and other corporate forms.

The procedure includes filing an application, examination of the application by the Patent Office, publication, and a period during which third parties may file oppositions, prior to the issuance of the registration.

Yes. We offer comprehensive legal assistance in mergers, divisions, absorptions, spin-offs, and other forms of corporate restructuring.

Commercial transactions are contracts concluded between traders, such as contracts for the sale of goods, supply agreements, agency and commission contracts, loans, and other transactions governed by the Commercial Act and relevant special legislation.

Effective protection requires an experienced lawyer to represent the company before courts or arbitration tribunals, prepare all procedural documents, and conduct negotiations aimed at amicable settlement of the dispute.

Law of Obligations (Contract Law)

The law of obligations covers all legal relationships involving obligations between two or more persons — whether arising from contracts or from non-contractual sources such as tort (unlawful acts) or unjust enrichment.

In the event of non-performance, you may terminate the contract, claim damages or contractual penalties, retain the debtor’s property where legally permissible, or initiate court proceedings for the recovery of outstanding claims.

Contractual liability arises from the breach of a contract, whereas non-contractual liability arises from the causing of damage or from unjust enrichment without a prior agreement between the parties.

The most commonly used contracts include real estate sale agreements, lease agreements, loan agreements, donation agreements, contracts for services or works, management agreements, and various contracts securing claims.

Overdue payments may be recovered by sending a notarial notice, filing an application for the issuance of a payment order, and, where necessary, initiating enforcement proceedings.

Administrative Services

You need to provide a notarised power of attorney authorising us to represent you before the relevant authorities. We will assist you with the correct wording and form of the power of attorney.

Yes. We can send the completed documents by courier to an address in Bulgaria or abroad, after advising you on the fastest and safest delivery method.

Yes. We handle the entire procedure — from filing the application to obtaining the certificate, and, where necessary, we will advise you on the required supporting documents.

The timeframe depends on the specific municipality and the workload of the civil status office. In most cases, the procedure takes from a few days up to two weeks.

This is a document containing information about a birth, marriage, or death in multiple languages. It is valid in the Member States of the European Union without the need for legalisation.

Immigration Services

Bulgaria offers affordable living costs, low taxes, a stable economy, membership in the European Union, and a favourable climate, making it an attractive destination for residence and investment.

No. All procedures may be carried out through a notarised power of attorney, without your physical presence.

The service includes leasing the property, collecting rental payments, ongoing maintenance, and full administrative management in the owner’s absence.

Yes. The purchase of real estate in Bulgaria may serve as grounds for long-term residence, particularly in the case of significant investments. We will assist you with all required steps.

Most foreign nationals choose to register a single-member limited liability company (EOOD) or a limited liability company (OOD), due to their straightforward structure and favourable tax treatment. We will advise you on the most suitable option based on your specific needs.

Administrative Law

The procedure includes filing an application, preparing the required documentation, and attending an interview before the competent commission. We provide full legal assistance at all stages of the process.

To obtain a residence permit, you must have a legal ground, such as employment, a commercial representative office of a foreign company, education, investment, or marriage to a Bulgarian citizen. Our team will advise you on the most appropriate type of residence, prepare the necessary documents, and represent you before the competent authorities.

The timeframe depends on the specific legal ground (origin, marriage, long-term residence, etc.). As a rule, the procedure takes between 12 and 18 months. We ensure the accuracy of the submitted documents, compliance with deadlines, and the proper conduct of the administrative process.

We provide assistance with obtaining licences, permits, and registrations in administrative registers, as well as legal protection during inspections by state authorities. We also assist with appealing administrative acts related to fines, orders, or prohibitions imposed by supervisory bodies.

For Investors

Yes. EU citizens may acquire real estate in Bulgaria without restrictions. Non-EU nationals may acquire apartments and other buildings; however, direct acquisition of land is subject to statutory restrictions.

The corporate income tax rate is 10%, and the personal income tax rate is also 10%. Property-related taxes and transaction taxes apply as well and vary depending on the municipality.

Yes. We offer property management services, including leasing, rent collection, maintenance, and payment of taxes on your behalf.

In certain cases — for example, when acquiring agricultural land — the establishment of a company is required. We will advise you on the most appropriate solution based on your specific circumstances.

Yes. There are programmes for long-term residence and Bulgarian citizenship through investment. We provide full legal assistance throughout the entire process.

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The information contained on this website is provided for general informational purposes only. As every legal matter has its own specific characteristics and requires an individual approach, we do not guarantee that the information presented here will be sufficient for resolving your legal issue independently. On the contrary, we strongly recommend seeking timely, qualified legal assistance in order to receive appropriate legal advice and effective protection of your rights and interests.
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