Transferring funds to UK/US after selling property in Bulgaria

real estatefinanceexpatsbanking

Zoe_99

Joined:
01.04.2022
Posts: 1144

Topic Starter

14.01.2025 21:29

Hey everyone, I'm in the process of finalizing the sale of an apartment in Sofia and I'm trying to figure out the smoothest way to move the proceeds back to the UK (or potentially the US). Obviously, I want to avoid massive exchange rate fees and unnecessary wire transfer delays. Has anyone here recently gone through Bulgarian property repatriation, and which banks or currency brokers did you use to keep costs down? Are there any specific tax clearance documents I need to have ready for the Bulgarian bank before they'll release the international wire?

15 replies in this topic

SomeoneSomewhere

Joined:
12.09.2021
Posts: 2146

26.02.2025 19:19

Congrats on the sale in Sofia! When I did this two years ago, I used Wise instead of a traditional bank and saved a ton on the exchange rate.

demian_l

Joined:
25.06.2023
Posts: 196

15.03.2025 00:55

In reply to a previous post

Wise is definitely great for smaller amounts, but for a whole apartment sale, check out OFX or Currencies Direct. They assign you a dedicated broker.

Fabi_W

Joined:
01.03.2024
Posts: 1532

02.04.2025 08:37

Make sure you have your tax clearance certificate from the NAP (Bulgarian tax office). The bank won't let a large sum out without it.

Gosh_Bolo

Joined:
14.02.2021
Posts: 512

15.05.2025 16:51

In reply to a previous post

@previous poster is spot on about the NAP certificate. My notary actually helped me sort that out, so definitely ask yours if they can assist.

Max_85

Joined:
20.10.2021
Posts: 1080

25.06.2025 12:36

Also keep in mind that your UK/US bank might flag the incoming wire. Give them a heads-up and keep the purchase contract handy just in case.

seba_eu

Joined:
30.09.2023
Posts: 1775

30.07.2025 02:49

Has anyone tried Revolut Business or Premium for this? Wondering if their limits are high enough for property proceeds.

Oli_S

Joined:
19.08.2022
Posts: 1328

31.08.2025 20:38

In reply to a previous post

I wouldn't trust Revolut with a full property transfer. Too many people get their accounts frozen for unexpected large sums.

Roman_88

Joined:
07.09.2023
Posts: 2225

27.10.2025 11:01

In reply to a previous post

Stick to established brokers like Key Currency or Wise. Much safer for six-figure transfers.

WhiteCrow

Joined:
18.06.2021
Posts: 2331

01.11.2025 12:04

Don't forget about capital gains tax in Bulgaria either, though if you owned it for more than a certain number of years, you might be exempt.

JustAsking

Joined:
24.09.2020
Posts: 1156

10.11.2025 16:01

In reply to a previous post

Good point about the capital gains. It's 3 years for residential property if I recall correctly, but double-check with an accountant.

Iggy_R

Joined:
19.12.2023
Posts: 1502

08.12.2025 16:33

UniCredit Bulbank gave me a massive headache when I tried to wire out directly. Their exchange rates were daylight robbery.

Phil_G

Joined:
30.01.2024
Posts: 1077

10.01.2026 02:01

In reply to a previous post

Yeah, local Bulgarian banks always rip you off on the FX rate if you do it directly through them. Always use a third-party broker.

Lara_N

Joined:
01.10.2024
Posts: 1003

14.01.2026 18:22

Thanks for all the advice everyone, taking notes!

Fari_P

Joined:
30.09.2021
Posts: 829

02.03.2026 19:29

Just to add, make sure the title deed is translated properly if your receiving bank asks for the source of funds.

questioner

Joined:
27.05.2023
Posts: 480

08.04.2026 22:24

In reply to a previous post

@previous user - absolutely. Always get a sworn translation of the title deed and the sales contract.

Transferring funds to UK/US after selling property in Bulgaria

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