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@D H16

I believe that for retirees, specifically, you need proof of a Bulgarian bank account that will receive your pension.

@D H16

Additionally, you need proof of pension, proof of address, and proof of health insurance.

@D H16

Ideally, you would have done all of these on your recent trip. Some can definitely be done remotely, but I think you will struggle to do everything without coming back. However, I suggest you have a consultation with a Bulgarian immigration attorney as they'll know exactly what you need, and can deal with much of the necessary paperwork for you.

@D H16

I am not sure but openig a virual on line account with [link moderated] is a way to address the issue . I am informed paysera virtual accounts opening can lead to a Bank account opening in BG.

Please do research on it. [link moderated]

All the best !

@PSSA

The links appear to have been moderated (standard for newer members) please would you share the names of the banks you're referring to.

I'd be very interested to know, because so far none of the non-Bulgarian online banks I've looked at offer actual Bulgarian bank accounts. One can hold a BGN balance and do transactions in BGN, but that's not enough to meet immigration requirements. All the Bulgarian banks or fintechs I checked that offer online accounts require residency to open an account, so we're back to the same Catch-22!

It would be good to know if there is an easier way to do this!

FWIW (if anything nowadays) when I first came to Bulgaria it was pretty much impossible for any foreigner to open a bank account here.  What my now-wife and I had to do was open an account (or actually several) in her name and then add me as a secondary account holder, via a POA giving me full authority to conduct any and all transactions.  With that, I could then ask for a bank statement in my name to keep the MBP happy.  That probably isn't much use to most members without a Bulgarian connection or a partner who's already a resident account holder - but it may help someone at some time..