How to open a bank account in Bulgaria in 2025.

When I first arrived in Malta in 2025, I faced significant hurdles opening a bank account due to stringent regulations and heightened scrutiny from international authorities on the island’s financial transactions. These challenges often turned a simple process into a frustrating ordeal for everyday people. Expecting similar difficulties in Bulgaria, I was pleasantly surprised by how quick and seamless the process turned out to be.

My first tip for opening a bank account in Bulgaria is to choose a branch located in a shopping mall. These branches offer the convenience of extended hours, operating from 10 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Sunday. Ideally, pick a mall near your workplace or home to save time. For me, Paradise Mall was perfect since it’s close to both my office and apartment. The mall hosts three banks: FIMbank, Postbank, and UniCredit. After researching online, I visited UniCredit, where the staff clearly explained the required documents and conditions. Impressed by their professionalism, I gathered my paperwork at home and submitted my application just a few hours later.

After filling in all the paperwork and the bank representative collecting copies of my documents, I was told that it was going to be send to the KYC department of the bank and in 7 days I was going to be reached via email to return and proceed with the final steps of the process.

5 working days later, the email came through and I went to the branch to complete the final steps. In this occasion, I had to select the type of account, in my case I opted for the Plus plan in order to be able to withdraw money free of charge at Unicredit ATMs in Bulgaria and abroad. 20 minutes later, I left the office with the process complete, and the online banking up and running. The card was ready to be picked up from the very same branch 5 working days later.

What are the documents required for a foreigner to open a bank account in Bulgaria?

If you are a European Citizen (Or from the European Economic Area / Switzerland)

• Passport / ID card
• Address Document (Only If there is no permanent address on the identity document, in my case as an Spanish providing Passport and ID card, where an address is stated it wasn’t required an additional address document)
• Document providing the need of opening a bank account. In my case it was a working contract with a Bulgarian company
• “Know your customer” questionnaire, which I filled with the assistance of the bank representative.

Two important notes: At the time I opened the bank account, I didn’t have a fixed address in Bulgaria as I was still living in a hotel, and I did not have a Bulgarian telephone number.

If you are a non-European citizen:

• Passport
• Residence permit issued by the Republic of Bulgaria
• Document providing the need of opening a bank account.
• “Know your customer” questionnaire, which I filled with the assistance of the bank representative.