Documents you need to sell a property in Bulgaria (2026 checklist)
The documents you need to sell an apartment or house at a Bulgarian notary: title deed, cadastral diagram, tax valuation, declarations, inheritance, mortgage.
Updated: · 3 min read
In short: for a standard apartment sale you need proof of ownership (the notarial deed), a cadastral diagram, a tax valuation certificate, your ID, and a few declarations filled in at the notary. Inherited, mortgaged or marital property needs extra documents.
Requirements can vary by case. Call the notary in advance and ask for the exact list for your deal.
Core documents
| Document | Where from | Why it’s needed |
|---|---|---|
| Notarial deed (нотариален акт) or other proof of ownership | Your copy; a copy from the Registry Office | Proves you own the property |
| Cadastral diagram (схема, for apartments) or sketch (скица, for land and houses) | Cadastre Agency, online via the KAIS portal | Describes the property per the cadastral map |
| Tax valuation certificate (удостоверение за данъчна оценка) | Municipality, Local Taxes and Fees | Needed for the fees and taxes on the deal |
| ID card or passport | Seller’s identity | |
| Certificate of encumbrances (удостоверение за тежести) | Registry Office | Shows mortgages, attachments, pending claims |
The certificate of encumbrances is not always required from the seller, but it makes the sale much easier: the buyer (and their bank) can see the property is “clean”. You can also check online in the Property Register.
Declarations at the notary
These are usually filled in at the notary or on a template the notary provides:
- declaration of no outstanding debts to the state and municipality;
- declaration of the actual agreed price;
- declaration of citizenship and marital status;
- declaration of origin of funds (from the buyer, where required under anti-money-laundering rules).
If you are married
Property acquired during marriage is usually joint marital property. Then both spouses must sign the deed, or one must authorise the other with a notarised power of attorney. If the property is personal (for example bought before the marriage or inherited), bring a document that proves it.
If the property is inherited
In addition to the above you will need:
- a certificate of heirs (удостоверение за наследници) from the municipality of the deceased’s last address;
- the deceased’s proof of ownership;
- the consent and signatures of all heirs, or powers of attorney from those who won’t attend.
Good news: income from selling inherited property is not subject to capital gains tax, no matter how long you have owned it. See Costs and taxes when selling property in Bulgaria.
If the property has a mortgage
You can sell a mortgaged property. Usually part of the price is paid directly to the bank to repay the loan, and the mortgage is then removed. Ask your bank for:
- a letter with the exact early-repayment amount as of the deal date;
- how the mortgage will be deleted from the register.
Selling through a representative
The power of attorney must be notarised and must describe the property and the representative’s authority to sell. If issued abroad, it usually needs an apostille and a certified Bulgarian translation.
Checklist
- ☐ Notarial deed or other proof of ownership
- ☐ Cadastral diagram or sketch
- ☐ Tax valuation certificate
- ☐ Certificate of encumbrances (recommended)
- ☐ ID card or passport
- ☐ Spouse’s consent (for marital property)
- ☐ Certificate of heirs (for inherited property)
- ☐ Bank letter (for mortgaged property)
- ☐ Notarised power of attorney (if someone can’t attend)
Documents ready? Next comes the listing. See how to sell without an agent step by step.
Sources
This article is for information only and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change. Check the current requirements with a notary, the National Revenue Agency (NRA) or your municipality.