What changes for building permits in Sofia?

On 23.04.2026 the deputy mayor of Sofia, responsible for urban planning, met 50 representatives of member companies of the German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The valid zoning plan allows twice the building density. This implies further growth, even though sewerage, road networks, and social and education facilities are missing. Building permits are to be issued in future only after an analysis of the existing infrastructure and with citizen participation. For buyers this means that approval time and permissible building volume are tied to infrastructure provision, and procedures can take longer. Note that before purchase it must be checked whether sewerage and road access for the specific plot are secured. Source: AHK Bulgarien.