Guide to selling property in Bulgaria using notary public services in Northern Ireland.
If you’re selling property in Bulgaria and are outside the country, you may need to notarize certain documents to give them legal effect in Bulgaria. This can include power of attorney (POA), property sale contracts, and other legal documents related to the sale. Here’s a step-by-step guide to notarizing documents for use in Bulgaria.
1. Determine the Necessary Documents for the Sale
• Common documents needed when selling property in Bulgaria include:
• Power of Attorney (POA): If you’re unable to attend the sale in person, you may need to appoint a representative in Bulgaria to handle the transaction on your behalf.
• Declaration of Ownership: This document proves that you legally own the property you’re selling.
• ID and Proof of Ownership: Copies of your passport and property deed, which may need to be certified.
• Confirm Requirements with a Bulgarian Lawyer: It’s advisable to consult a lawyer familiar with Bulgarian property law to confirm the specific documents required.
2. Prepare and Draft the Documents
• Translate Documents (If Required): While you may initially draft documents in your own language, Bulgaria requires certain documents (like POA) to be in Bulgarian or have a certified Bulgarian translation.
• Draft Power of Attorney (POA): If appointing a representative, your POA should include detailed powers, such as authority to negotiate, sign documents, and handle all necessary legal processes related to the sale.
3. Notarize the Documents Locally
• Find a Notary Public: If you are in the UK or another country, locate a notary public who can notarize documents for international use. Notaries are authorized to certify your identity, witness signatures, and confirm the authenticity of documents.
• Sign in Front of the Notary: You must sign the documents in front of the notary. Bring your passport or ID for identity verification.
• Notarial Certification: The notary will add their official seal and certification to the document, verifying your identity and the authenticity of your signature.
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4. Legalize the Document with an Apostille
• What Is an Apostille?: An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the notary’s signature and authority for international use under The Hague Apostille Convention, which both the UK and Bulgaria are members of.
• Apply for Apostille:
• In the UK, you can obtain an apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
• Submit the notarized document to the FCDO by post or use an approved service provider.
• Fees and Processing Time: The FCDO typically charges £30 per document, with options for faster processing at an additional cost.
• Receive the Apostilled Document: Once the FCDO attaches the apostille to your notarized document, it’s ready for use in Bulgaria.
5. Translate the Document (If Required)
• Certified Translation: Bulgarian authorities often require documents in Bulgarian. If your notarized document is in English, you may need to obtain a certified translation.
• Approved Translator: Use a certified translator in Bulgaria or in your home country (if certified translators for Bulgarian are available). Ensure the translator’s certification is accepted by Bulgarian authorities.
6. Submit the Document to Bulgarian Authorities or Your Representative
• Send to Your Representative in Bulgaria: If you’re using a POA, send the legalized document to your designated representative or lawyer in Bulgaria who can present it on your behalf.
• Direct Submission (If Present): If you plan to handle the sale in person, bring the original, notarized, apostilled, and translated documents to present to the notary in Bulgaria.
Summary Checklist for Notarizing Documents for Bulgarian Property Sale
1. Confirm Document Requirements with a Bulgarian lawyer.
2. Prepare and Draft Necessary Documents, such as Power of Attorney or ownership declarations.
3. Notarize the documents with a local notary public.
4. Obtain an Apostille from the FCDO or relevant authority in your country.
5. Translate the Document into Bulgarian with a certified translation.
6. Submit to Bulgarian Authorities through your representative or directly.
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Additional Tips
• Check Expiration: Some documents, like POAs, may have an expiration period. Confirm that all documents are valid for the anticipated timeline of the property sale.
• Use a Trusted Representative: If using a POA, appoint a reliable individual or legal professional in Bulgaria.
• Keep Copies: Retain copies of all notarized and apostilled documents for your records.
Following these steps will ensure your documents are properly prepared and accepted for property transactions in Bulgaria, making the sale process smoother and more secure.
Kevin Neary BCL TEP Solicitor ( NI RoI and England/Wales) Notary Public
Office: +442830264611
Mobile: +447775648511
Fax : +442830267000
Email: kevinneary@dndlaw.com
Address: 1Downshire Road, Newry , County Down
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