Last Updated on April 10, 2022 by Bulgarian attorney

Authentication of dates, content and signatures on private documents

Article 84 of the Bulgaria Notary Act empowers all Bulgarian diplomatic and consular representations abroad to authenticate the dates, content and signatures on private documents that are not subject to entry in a register. The Consular Section does not have the power to issue notary deeds or verify other private documents that are subject to entry in a register (e.g. statements of claim or contracts for motor vehicle transfer).

If you would like to sale or buy shares in existing Bulgarian company or buy a real-estate in Bulgaria remotely you can certify a PoA with the nearest Bulgarian diplomatic mission or consular representation.

As per the Notary Act, the Consular Section verifies the date, content and signatures on private documents, only if they are written in Bulgarian language or bilingual.

Verifying copies of original documents

The Consular Section verifies the authenticity of copies, transcripts and excerpts from documents submitted by Bulgarian or non-Bulgarian nationals. The documents submitted for verification must have been issued by a Bulgarian agency. To have their copies, etc. verified, the applicants should submit them together with the original documents.

Verification of translators’ signatures

The Bulgarian Embassy does not provide translation services to the public. It can only verify the signatures of certified freelance translators who have been approved and authorized by the Embassy. Signatures of translators other than those registered with the Consular Section cannot be verified.

You may find the costs related to legalizing documents at the Bulgarian embassy in London here.

Legalization of Documents from Abroad for Official Use in Bulgaria

The Hague Convention, abolishing the requirement for Legalisation of Foreign Public Documents has been in force in Bulgaria since 2001.

If you need to use foreign documents in Bulgaria, be it for business purposes or personal and family reasons, they have to be legalized at the Foreign Affairs Ministry and then attested by the respective Bulgarian embassy in that country.

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