The information on this page was collected from public resources.
Is there cash assistance available? Who is eligible? How does someone apply?There are several financial support programs for Ukrainians in Bulgaria:
Only persons with temporary protection status who meet certain criteria can receive a one-time cash payment from the UNHCR. Requirements for aid recipients Financial support can be received by families which: 1. Fit under the vulnerable category. This status is determined by the presence of:
2. Have limited financial resources or lack of income; 3. Will become less vulnerable after receiving a financial payment. How to apply? Employees of UNHCR You must leave your correct phone number (Ukrainian or Bulgarian) to receive an invitation to an interview. Points where you can get help
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How do I set up a bank account?Several Bulgarian banks have announced simplified procedures for accessing their services and some other bonuses for ukrainian refugees. DSK Bank (OTP subsidiary) Documents. Identity card and confirmation of the shelter, which was provided to a citizen of Ukraine (application). Account opening procedure. In the office, addresses Terms. A debit card is added to the current account (in BGN), there is access to mobile and Internet banking, all basic operations, including cash withdrawals, online transfers. Products and types of cards Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) Documents. Passport. Account opening procedure. You will need to present your ID and complete all standard paperwork at the office. Addresses of offices and ATMs Terms. It is said that opening an account and debit card will be free of charge, and Ukrainians are completely free of the need to pay for monthly maintenance. The fee for transactions in POS-terminals and ATMs has also been abolished. Contacts here Raiffeisen, Bulgaria, also said that it was going to introduce an opportunity for our refugees to exchange cash hryvnia for levs. This material will be supplemented as specifics appear. |
How do I withdraw cash or exchange my currencies?You can withdraw cash at a bank or at an ATM. You can exchange currencies at banks, exchange bureaus or at an ATM. Keep in mind that not all currency exchangers in Bulgaria accept Ukrainian hryvnia. If possible, put hryvnia cash on cards or exchange it for another currency before crossing the border. |
How do I pay taxes in a country?Irrespective of their citizenship, an individual is considered a Bulgarian tax resident if they fulfil one or more of the following criteria:
Any income derived as a result of employment or of rendering services in the territory of Bulgaria is deemed Bulgarian-source income, regardless of from where or by whom it is paid. A flat tax rate of 10% applies to all personal income, with some exceptions. Read more about taxation in Bulgaria here |
If I already work remotely, how should I pay my taxes?In this case, individual consultation with a professional lawyer is necessary. Information about taxation here |
How to avoid double taxation?There is an ingenious, but not perfect, solution โ to prove to the tax authority of the state in which the citizen does not plan to pay taxes that he is a resident of another country where he fulfills this duty. A natural person has such a right, as Ukraine has valid conventions and treaties on the avoidance of double taxation with 73 countries of the world. Among them are almost all European countries, as well as the USA and Canada. According to these conventions, Ukrainians who pay taxes in Ukraine have the right to avoid taxation in the country of residence. If such a situation arises in which a citizen falls under the criteria of a tax resident of Ukraine and at the same time another state defines him as its resident, he has the right to contact the tax authorities of the country of residence and make a request to the Ukrainian tax authorities to confirm that he pays taxes. That is, in order to prevent double taxation, it is necessary to determine the resident status of an individual and, if necessary, obtain a document that will confirm it. But this may require the help of specialists - tax consultants or lawyers. Specialists advise in advance to collect evidence of the presence of a center of economic interests in Ukraine (if you plan to pay taxes only in Ukraine). Among them may be:
If a citizen of Ukraine is recognized as a resident of Ukraine, but paid taxes in another country, the taxes paid can be credited in Ukraine. But if a person does not meet the criteria of a resident of Ukraine, it allows to change the tax resident status and consider another country as the place of tax payment. It is important to check the registration of a natural person as a subject of entrepreneurial activity in the Unified State Register. Even if the activity has not been carried out for a long time, but the registration has not been terminated, this is a criterion for recognizing a person as a resident of Ukraine, which is accompanied by the obligation to pay taxes on income received abroad in Ukraine. Being a citizen of Ukraine, but a tax NON-resident, you will still have to pay taxes in Ukraine for some types of income:
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How can I send money back to Ukraine?You can transfer money from Bulgaria to Ukraine via an international transfer or money transfer at a corresponding provider or a bank. For an international transfer at the bank you have to fill out a special form and usually pay fees. Other special money transfer providers (e.g. Western Union, Moneygram, Wise, Revolut, Paypal) are often a cheaper and faster alternative. |