Best Banks in Bulgaria for Foreigners: Fees, English & Comparison (2026)

Why Your Bank Choice in Bulgaria Matters

Bulgaria adopted the euro on January 1, 2026. Every bank account in the country now operates in euros, every SEPA transfer is domestic, and the old currency conversion complications are history. But choosing the right bank still matters enormously — especially if you are a foreigner.

Not all Bulgarian banks treat foreign clients equally. Some have dedicated expat packages and English-speaking staff. Others will make you wait in line for an hour only to tell you they cannot help you in English. The difference between a good and bad bank experience in Bulgaria can be the difference between opening your account the same day and spending a week going back and forth.

This guide compares the five best banks in Bulgaria for foreigners based on our direct experience assisting hundreds of EU and non-EU citizens with bank account openings since 2019. We cover personal accounts, corporate accounts for EOODs, English support, fees, and which bank fits which situation.

5-Bank Comparison Table

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the five banks we recommend for foreigners in Bulgaria. All fees are in euros (Bulgaria's currency since January 1, 2026).

1. UniCredit Bulbank — Best Overall for Foreigners

UniCredit Bulbank is part of UniCredit Group, one of Europe's largest banking groups headquartered in Milan, Italy. It is consistently the first recommendation in Bulgaria's foreign community, and for good reason.

Why foreigners choose UniCredit Bulbank

• Expat Package. UniCredit Bulbank offers a dedicated package for foreign residents, bundling a current account, debit card, online banking, and preferential conditions for international transfers.
• English online banking. The online banking platform and mobile app are available in English — a major advantage when you need to manage your account remotely after leaving Bulgaria.
• Paradise Mall branch. The branch in Paradise Mall, Sofia, is the go-to location for foreigners. Staff speak English reliably, and the branch is experienced with foreign KYC procedures for both personal and corporate accounts.
• Corporate accounts. One of the two best banks for EOOD corporate accounts (alongside DSK). Their compliance department is experienced with foreign-owned structures and processes applications efficiently.

Fees: Personal accounts EUR 3-5/month. Corporate accounts EUR 8-15/month plus a KYC review fee of EUR 100-500 depending on company complexity.

Best for: EU and non-EU citizens who want reliable English support, foreign entrepreneurs registering an EOOD, anyone who values a smooth, predictable experience over the lowest possible fees.

2. DSK Bank — Largest Network, Lowest Fees

DSK Bank is part of Hungary's OTP Group and operates the largest branch and ATM network in Bulgaria. If you will be traveling around the country or living outside Sofia, DSK's coverage is unmatched.

Why foreigners choose DSK Bank

• Largest branch and ATM network. More branches and ATMs than any other bank in Bulgaria — convenient if you live outside Sofia or travel frequently within the country.
• Second largest bank by assets. A systemically important institution with strong financial stability.
• Competitive fees. Personal accounts from EUR 2-4/month — among the lowest in the market.
• English website and mobile app. The DSK website and mobile banking app are available in English, making remote account management straightforward.
• Corporate accounts. Alongside UniCredit, DSK is the most reliable bank for foreign-owned EOOD accounts. Their corporate KYC process is well-established.

Fees: Personal accounts EUR 2-4/month. Corporate accounts EUR 5-12/month plus KYC review fee.

Best for: Cost-conscious clients, people living outside Sofia, entrepreneurs who need the widest branch access, anyone who prioritizes low fees over premium service.

3. Fibank — Best English Service at Mall Branches

Fibank (First Investment Bank) is the only major Bulgarian-owned bank on this list. It has earned a strong reputation for customer service and has been expanding aggressively with modern mall-based branches where English is always available.

Why foreigners choose Fibank

• English at all mall branches. Fibank's mall locations (Mall of Sofia, Paradise Mall, The Mall, Serdika Center) reliably have English-speaking staff. This is the most consistent English-language branch experience in Bulgaria.
• My Fibank app in English. The mobile banking application is fully available in English with a modern, user-friendly interface.
• Bulgarian-owned bank. Some clients prefer a domestic bank that is not part of an international group. Fibank is headquartered in Sofia and publicly traded on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange.
• Strong digital banking. Fibank has invested heavily in its digital banking infrastructure, with features comparable to Western European banks.

Fees: Personal accounts EUR 3-6/month. Corporate accounts EUR 8-15/month plus KYC review fee.

Best for: Foreigners who value English-language service above all else, clients who prefer a Bulgarian-owned institution, anyone who does their banking primarily through mobile apps.

4. Postbank (Eurobank Bulgaria) — SME Focus and Digital Banking

Postbank (officially Eurobank Bulgaria) is part of Greece's Eurobank Group. It is the fourth largest bank in Bulgaria and has carved out a strong position in small and medium enterprise (SME) banking.

Why foreigners choose Postbank

• SME focus. Postbank has dedicated SME banking products and relationship managers, making it a good choice for small businesses that need more than just a basic current account.
• English website. The Postbank website is fully available in English with comprehensive product information.
• Digital-first approach. Strong online and mobile banking platforms with good functionality for everyday transactions.
• Greek parent group. Part of Eurobank, a major Greek banking group — adds an additional layer of international oversight and standards.

Fees: Personal accounts EUR 3-6/month. Corporate accounts EUR 6-12/month plus KYC review fee.

Best for: Small business owners who need SME banking products, clients who value digital banking features, anyone who prefers a bank with a Greek/Southern European parent group.

5. UBB (United Bulgarian Bank) — Largest Bank, Premium Service

UBB (United Bulgarian Bank) is part of Belgium's KBC Group and is currently the largest bank in Bulgaria by total assets. UBB reached this position after a major consolidation: in April 2023, Raiffeisenbank Bulgaria and CIBANK were both merged into UBB under the KBC Group umbrella.

Why foreigners choose UBB

• Largest bank in Bulgaria. After absorbing Raiffeisenbank and CIBANK, UBB is the largest bank in the country by total assets. This means strong financial stability and the widest range of products.
• KBC Group backing. Part of Belgium's KBC Group, one of the most respected banking and insurance groups in Europe. International standards and oversight.
• Premium banking services. UBB offers premium and private banking tiers with dedicated relationship managers, preferential rates, and priority service — ideal for high-net-worth individuals or businesses with significant banking needs.
• Good English support. Central Sofia branches and former Raiffeisenbank locations typically have English-speaking staff, inherited from Raiffeisenbank's traditionally strong foreign client base.
• Strong corporate banking. UBB's corporate banking division handles complex structures well, including holding companies, multi-entity setups, and international parent companies.

Fees: Personal accounts EUR 4-8/month. Corporate accounts EUR 10-18/month plus KYC review fee. Higher than average, but you get premium service.

Best for: Former Raiffeisenbank clients, high-net-worth individuals, businesses with complex structures, anyone who wants premium banking with a major European group behind it.

Personal vs Corporate: Which Bank for Which?

Your ideal bank depends on whether you need a personal account, a corporate account for your EOOD, or both. Here is our practical recommendation based on years of experience.

For Personal Accounts

For Corporate Accounts (EOOD)

EU Payment Accounts Directive — Your Rights

Under Directive 2014/92/EU (the Payment Accounts Directive), transposed into Bulgarian law through the Payment Services and Payment Systems Act, any person lawfully resident in the EU has the right to open a basic payment account at any Bulgarian bank.

This means:

• Banks cannot refuse you based on nationality, lack of Bulgarian residency, or lack of a Bulgarian address.
• The basic account must include essential services: deposits, withdrawals, SEPA transfers, and a debit card — all at reasonable fees.
• Both EU and non-EU citizens who are lawfully resident in any EU member state are covered.
• If a branch refuses to open an account, you can file a complaint with the Bulgarian National Bank.

In practice, branch-level refusals do still occasionally happen — particularly at smaller branches outside major cities. If you encounter this, ask to speak with a manager, cite the Payment Accounts Directive, or try a different branch. The major city branches of all five banks on this list handle foreign clients regularly without issues.

How We Help with Bank Accounts

At Innovires, we assist foreign clients with bank account openings every week. Here is what our service includes:

1. Assessment and recommendation. We evaluate your nationality, residency status, company structure, and banking needs — then recommend the specific bank and branch that is the best fit.
2. Document preparation. We prepare all required documents in the correct format: company resolutions, beneficial owner declarations, business descriptions for KYC, and any translations or apostilles needed.
3. Bank introduction. We contact the bank's relationship manager on your behalf, schedule your appointment, and ensure the branch is prepared for your visit.
4. Branch accompaniment. If needed, a member of our team accompanies you to the branch to handle any language barriers and ensure the process goes smoothly.
5. Post-opening support. We help you set up online banking, activate your card, and configure any additional services (standing orders, SEPA direct debits, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance on banking in Bulgaria based on current legislation and banking practices as of April 2026. Individual bank policies, fees, and requirements may change. This article does not constitute legal or financial advice. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified Bulgarian lawyer. Last updated: April 7, 2026.