Updated May 20268 min read
Opening a bank account in Bulgaria
Which banks actually accept foreigners, fees nobody tells you about, and what cards work where.
You can open an account as a foreigner, but the experience varies wildly by branch. Walk in with the right documents and a bit of patience and you'll be fine.
What you'll need
- Passport and your ЕГН or ЛНЧ
- Proof of address
- Sometimes proof of income or a reason for the account — ask the branch in advance
Branches differ more than banks do. If one branch turns you away, another branch of the same bank may happily open the account. Phone ahead and ask which branch handles foreign customers.
Fees to ask about up front
- Monthly maintenance fee
- ATM withdrawal fees outside the bank's own network
- Card issuance and renewal fees
Until your local account is set up, a Wise card works at virtually every Bulgarian POS terminal at the real exchange rate.
Sources
- NamasteBG community survey, May 2026 · Last reviewed 9 May 2026