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Sofia

Bulgaria
Active
Last updated: 2026-06-23  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-23  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Sofia Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes - municipal Class B registration
Tax RatePatent tax set by municipal council; tourist tax per overnight stay
Minimum StayLocal rules may apply
Permit Fee~20 BGN per bed registration; patent tax ~25 BGN per bed/year (some sources cite BGN 200/room)
PenaltiesSame as national framework
Primary Residence RequiredNo
Browse all 2 STR regulations in Bulgaria →

Sofia Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Sofia Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Sofia are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes - municipal Class B registration. The associated permit fees are ~20 BGN per bed registration; patent tax ~25 BGN per bed/year (some sources cite BGN 200/room).

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Sofia

Short-term rental operators in Sofia should be aware of these tax obligations: Patent tax set by municipal council; tourist tax per overnight stay. Yes - ESTI and NRA.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Sofia

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Sofia include: Primary residence requirement: No. Minimum stay: Local rules may apply.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Sofia

Hosts who fail to comply with Sofia's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Same as national framework.

Platform Obligations in Sofia

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Sofia: Same as national; platform verification from May 2026.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes - municipal Class B registration
Tax Registration
Yes - ESTI and NRA
Permit Fee
~20 BGN per bed registration; patent tax ~25 BGN per bed/year (some sources cite BGN 200/room)
Primary Residence Rule
No
Tax Rate
Patent tax set by municipal council; tourist tax per overnight stay
Minimum Stay
Local rules may apply
Insurance Required
Encouraged, not mandatory
Platform Obligations
Same as national; platform verification from May 2026
Compliance Notes
Patent tax declaration filed by 31 January; paid in four instalments
Key Notes
Capital is largest STR market (~4,400 active listings)
Penalties
Same as national framework
Additional Context
Saturated neighborhoods include Tsentar, Oborishte, Lozenets
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

Official Source ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Sofia?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Sofia with proper registration and permits. Patent tax declaration filed by 31 January; paid in four instalments

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Sofia?

Yes. Sofia requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes - municipal Class B registration.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Sofia?

Short-term rental hosts in Sofia are subject to the following tax obligations: Patent tax set by municipal council; tourist tax per overnight stay.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Sofia?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Sofia may face enforcement. Same as national framework.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Sofia?

Capital is largest STR market (~4,400 active listings)

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