How to check for inheritance?

The inheritance check is a process through which heirs can determine what assets and liabilities (property and debts) the deceased left behind. This information is necessary to decide whether to accept or reject the inheritance and to carry out the division of the inheritance. In Bulgaria, the procedure is relatively clearly regulated and can be carried out with the help of various state institutions and registers. The inheritance check procedure includes several key stages:

1. Obtaining a certificate of heirs - The first step is to obtain a certificate of heirs from the municipality of the deceased’s last residence. An application is submitted to the municipality with an ID card and a death certificate of the deceased. (Usually issued within a few days.)  
2. Checking for real estate - To find out whether the deceased owned real estate, you need to check the Property Register at the Registry Agency.  
3. Checking for bank accounts and deposits - To find out whether the deceased had bank accounts, deposits, or loans, you should contact the banks where they were a client.  
4. Checking for motor vehicles - If you suspect the deceased owned a car or another motor vehicle, you can check with the Ministry of Interior (MoI) or the Motor Vehicle Register at the Traffic Police (KAT).  
5. Checking for obligations and debts - If the heirs want to check whether the deceased had any obligations, they can contact several institutions: • National Revenue Agency (NRA) • Central Credit Register • Private bailiffs – if there are enforcement cases or debts to creditors.  
6. Checking for participation in companies and shares - If the deceased was involved in companies, you can check the Commercial Register at the Registry Agency

Don’t rush to accept the inheritance – if you suspect there may be significant debts, you can accept the inheritance by description, which will limit your liability to the value of the inherited property. If you have questions, feel free to contact our team and schedule your consultation!