The process of opening a bank account in Bulgaria is not easy for most foreigners arriving in the country. Since the exchange rates, special rules, and lack of English speakers make things tough, doing business in different countries is difficult. In most cases, you should think about the fees when opening an account or handling your account. The Bulgarian National Bank has made a list of available rates available here.
UniCredit Bulbank
A lot of people from abroad living in Bulgaria use UniCredit since it has helpful support and staff who speak English. Their goal is to solve their clients’ challenges, be simple to interact with, and create true value with what they have. There are more than 100 companies in the Accenture network, and excellent service is offered in every one of their offices. Being similar to other Bulgarian banks, UniCredit makes online banking possible for its customers. You may request an account at any of their local branches or through their webpage by waiting for a consultant to get in touch. You can access useful health guidelines and possible offers during the pandemic by following the link.
Bulgarian students can open a bank account at UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, and United Bulgarian Bank (UBB). Usually, student accounts provide low-cost services, an online banking facility, and sometimes even an app for banking on the go.
Specially designed Student Accounts and Packages are available.
DSK Bank
Offers different rates called DSK Start for children and teenagers (7-17) and DSK Teen for those who are 18 or older.
UBB
Gives those aged 18-25 access to the Youth & Students Package by using the UBB Mobile app.
UniCredit Bulbank
It provides several kinds of accounts and services, for example, digital banking, and is famous for having abundant branches and ATMs.
To open an account, there are general requirements:
- Possible Identification: A valid passport or national ID is generally what is needed.
- Proof of Address: Usually, this means a utility bill or a similar type of document.
- Proof of enrollment (for student accounts) could be a student ID or a letter you get from the university.
Extras
If you join the plan, you get discounts on entertainment and coffee from partner companies.
Branches are available in big cities and close to universities.
Considerations
The debit card is sent to you within around 1 week.
International transfers always have standard fees; however, you can see how much they are ahead of time.
Raiffeisenbank
Raiffeisen is one of the biggest banks in the country, supplying banking services to every customer group, making their customers happier, and striving to build a strong and lasting value for shareholders. They originally came from Austria and now own more than 2,500 offices in Central and Eastern Europe. As per the Corporate Income Tax Act, any foreign legal entity that lacks a permanent establishment in Bulgaria has to pay a 10% withholding tax on interest earned on their bank accounts. For this reason, Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) EAD takes 10% of the interest paid on its clients’ bank accounts and deposits.
Key features: There is no charge for using the service every month.
Free debit card: The current version of the app is now available in English.
After graduation, you can change to other packages such as standard accounts or credit products.
The DSK bank DSK ISIC program
You do not have to pay maintenance fees for the DSK ISIC student package. A free debit Mastercard: If you sign up for an account and get the ISIC card, you can use discounts in many countries. Although the mobile version is great, the English translation is sometimes not as good.
Extras: The ISIC card allows users to get discounts when they travel and shop.
Several campuses include DSK ATMs.
Considerations: To start an ISIC program, you need to show a student ID or enrollment certificate.
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