For non-residents in Bulgaria, BACB (Bulgarian-American Credit Bank) and Tokuda Bank are the most commonly cited…
For non-residents in Bulgaria, BACB (Bulgarian-American Credit Bank) and Tokuda Bank are the most commonly cited options for opening accounts. Requirements vary by branch; if a specific location demands proof of employment, try a different branch. Tokuda Bank has limited functionality (no SWIFT, restricted card management).
When opening a bank account in Bulgaria for a D-visa application, be aware that some banks, like BACB (Bulgarian…
When opening a bank account in Bulgaria for a D-visa application, be aware that some banks, like BACB (Bulgarian American Credit Bank), may require you to present your Bulgarian residency card (ВНЖ) within a certain timeframe. Failure to do so could result in the account being blocked. However, the funds usually remain accessible and the account can be unblocked upon subsequent presentation of the residency card.
Effective September 1, 2026, Bulgarian-American Credit Bank (BACB) in Bulgaria implements new rules for issuing and…
Effective September 1, 2026, Bulgarian-American Credit Bank (BACB) in Bulgaria implements new rules for issuing and reissuing debit/credit cards for Russian and Belarusian citizens. To obtain a new or reissued card, clients must provide a passport/ID of an EU/EEA/Switzerland member state OR a valid residency permit/visa for an EU/EEA/Switzerland country. A Russian or Belarusian passport alone will not suffice. Existing cards will remain valid until their expiration date. Mobile banking, internet banking, and in-person services at branches remain unaffected for all clients, regardless of these new card requirements.
Non-residents with accounts in Bulgarian banks may need to undergo an annual account review
Non-residents with accounts in Bulgarian banks may need to undergo an annual account review. This typically requires an in-person visit to the bank with a passport, national ID card, and potentially a property deed (notary act). Remote updates are generally not possible. Individuals without residency (VGN/PMJ) might be exempt from these requirements.
Opening a special bank account for the charter capital deposit for company registration in Bulgaria can be challenging…
Opening a special bank account for the charter capital deposit for company registration in Bulgaria can be challenging for Russian citizens. Banks like UniCredit Bulbank and Postbank may refuse service, citing prolonged checks or the presence of Russian citizenship, even if the applicant also holds Bulgarian citizenship. Some individuals report a 30-day verification process or outright denial upon hearing Russian speech. Persistence, obtaining a formal refusal letter, and sometimes leveraging family members without Russian citizenship can be routes to success. Traveling to Romania to open an account is also suggested as an alternative due to fewer restrictions.