Documents required after a death in Bulgaria — complete guide
Death certificate, burial permit, and more — we explain every document in order so you can navigate the process with clarity.
When you are grieving, paperwork, institutions, and deadlines can feel overwhelming. Everything seems to happen at once.
This guide explains exactly which documents you need, where to obtain them, and in what order — so you can move forward without unnecessary confusion.
Immediate steps when a death occurs
Death at home
Call the family doctor or emergency services (112). The physician certifies the death and issues a death notification — the first and most important document.
Death in hospital
The hospital notifies the relevant authorities. The family receives a discharge summary and death notification from hospital administration.
Death from unknown causes
Police and the prosecutor’s office are notified. An autopsy may be required. Documents are issued after the procedure is completed.
Documents required for a funeral
1. Death notification (medical certificate)
- Issued by: the certifying physician
- Contains: time and cause of death
- Required for: issuing the death certificate
2. Death certificate
- Issued by: the municipality of the deceased’s permanent address
- Deadline: within 48 hours of death
- Required: death notification, deceased’s ID, applicant’s ID
- Copies: request at least 3 — different institutions will need them
3. Burial permit
- Issued by: the municipality after the death certificate is presented
- Required for: the funeral itself
- Timing: usually issued on the day of application
4. Deceased’s identity card
Submitted to the municipality when registering the death. The document is invalidated.
Documents for additional procedures
Pensions and benefits
A pensioner’s death must be reported to the National Social Security Institute within 7 days. You will need:
- Death certificate
- Pension book of the deceased
- Applicant’s ID
Bank accounts and inheritance
- Death certificate
- Certificate of heirs (issued by the municipality)
- Will (if any)
Insurance
- Death certificate
- Insurance policy
- Beneficiary’s ID
Death abroad
The process is more complex and requires coordination between two countries.
Documents from abroad:
- Local death certificate (apostille)
- Medical certificate
- Permit for transport of the body
Procedure in Bulgaria:
- Legalization of foreign documents
- Issuing a Bulgarian death certificate
- Burial permit
If a death occurs abroad, contact us immediately. We have experience organizing repatriation from European countries.
Deadlines to remember
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Notify a physician | Immediately |
| Death certificate | Within 48 hours |
| Funeral | Traditionally within 3 days; cremation up to 7 days |
| Notify pension authority | Within 7 days |
| Inheritance filing | Up to 6 months |
Practical tips
Request extra copies: ask for at least 3–4 certified copies of the death certificate for banks, insurers, pension office, and notary.
Keep all documents safe: store originals securely and use copies for daily tasks.
Property can wait: inheritance matters can be handled later. Focus first on the funeral arrangements.
How we can help
At Seven Heaven we organize funerals and cremations and assist with documentation. Our team knows which institutions to visit, in what order, and what to prepare.
You care for your family. We take care of the rest.
Call 0898 69 17 35 — 24/7 hotline. Address: 49 Tsarevets St., Plovdiv.
Seven Heaven Funeral Agency — 22 years of experience. With you in life’s hardest moments.