The ЕГН (Единен граждански номер — Unified Citizen Number) is a 10-digit identifier issued to all Bulgarian citizens and permanent residents. Foreign nationals conducting property transactions, opening bank accounts, or establishing businesses in Bulgaria require either an ЕГН (for permanent residents) or a БУЛСТАТ/ЛНЧ number (for non-residents). All property deeds and tax documents must include the buyer's identifying number.
Foreign nationals who are not permanent residents of Bulgaria use an ЛНЧ (Личен номер на чужденец — Personal Number of a Foreigner), issued by the Migration Directorate. EU citizens with residency registration receive a Bulgarian ЕГН equivalent. Non-EU investors and buyers who do not reside in Bulgaria must apply for an ЛНЧ before completing a property purchase.
The ЕГН/ЛНЧ is the key reference in all Bulgarian administrative databases — property registry, tax authority, court records, and commercial register. When a foreign buyer presents their passport at a notary, the notary will record the passport number in lieu of an ЕГН for the deed, but the Bulgarian Tax Authority will subsequently assign a tax reference number for property tax purposes.
Companies purchasing property in Bulgaria use a БУЛСТАТ number (Единен идентификационен код — Unified Identification Code) issued upon company registration. Foreign companies must also register their Bulgarian branch or representative office in the БУЛСТАТ register before acquiring property in their name.
Keep any official document showing your ЛНЧ or БУЛСТАТ number safe. Losing these documents does not invalidate the number itself, but replacement documentation requires a visit to the issuing authority and can take several weeks — causing delays in transactions that require the number to be presented.
Key Facts
| ЕГН format | 10 digits — encodes date of birth and gender in first 6 digits |
|---|---|
| Foreign equivalent | ЛНЧ for non-resident foreigners; БУЛСТАТ for companies |
| Issuing body | Migration Directorate (for ЛНЧ); NRA for tax registration |
| Required for | Property deeds, bank accounts, court filings, tax declarations |
| Passports accepted | Notaries record passport number if ЛНЧ not yet obtained |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ЛНЧ to buy property as an EU citizen?
EU citizens with Bulgarian residency registration receive a Bulgarian EGN-equivalent. EU citizens who are not Bulgarian residents still technically need an ЛНЧ for property registration, though in practice notaries sometimes proceed with passport details alone. Consult a Bulgarian property lawyer for the most current practice.
How long does it take to get an ЛНЧ?
Processing times at Bulgarian Migration Directorate offices vary. Sofia typically processes applications within 5–10 business days. Allow at least two weeks from application to receipt of the physical ЛНЧ card.
Is a БУЛСТАТ number required if a foreign company buys property?
Yes. Foreign companies must register a БУЛСТАТ number with the Bulgarian Registry Agency before completing a property purchase. This registration establishes the company's identity in the Bulgarian commercial system and typically takes one to three business days with a local lawyer's assistance.