Registering a company in Bulgaria offers foreign investors a range of advantages. Thanks to a stable legal system and support for foreign investment, the country attracts more and more entrepreneurs from around the world. Here are a few reasons to consider registering a business in Bulgaria:
A favourable tax system
One of Bulgaria’s key advantages is one of the lowest tax rates in the European Union.
Corporate tax is just 10%, which makes the country attractive to international companies and start-ups.
Tax on dividends: 5%,
VAT: 20%
A strategic location in the EU
Bulgaria sits at the crossroads of the trade routes between Europe and Asia, providing convenient access to the markets of Eastern and Western Europe as well as the CIS countries. The country borders Romania to the north, Turkey and Greece to the south, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, and has access to the Black Sea to the east. This location makes Bulgaria ideal for logistics, exports and international trade.
Access to the European market
As an EU member, Bulgaria provides access to the single European market of more than 500 million people. This opens up opportunities to work with partners and clients across the European Union without additional customs barriers.
A stable economy and legal system
Bulgaria’s economy shows steady growth, and government policy is geared towards supporting entrepreneurship and improving conditions for business. Bulgarian law is harmonised with EU rules, ensuring transparency and predictability for foreign investors.
Low operating costs
Bulgaria offers competitive costs for doing business. Labour, rent and other operating costs here are significantly lower than in most Western European countries, which makes it possible to manage costs efficiently and increase profit.
Access to the European banking system
Registering a company in Bulgaria opens access to the European banking system, known for its reliability, high level of fund protection and convenient international transactions. The advantages include:
- The ability to open accounts with leading European banks with access to many currencies.
- Fast, secure international transfers, which makes running a global business easier.
- Access to modern banking tools and online services for managing finances from anywhere in the world.
- Capital protection and EU-level guarantees, giving investors and entrepreneurs extra confidence.
The main legal forms: EOOD and OOD
Foreign entrepreneurs in Bulgaria most often choose the limited liability company. It comes in two forms:
- EOOD — a company with a single owner. Decisions are made by one owner and the management structure is as simple as possible.
- OOD — a company with two or more co-owners. Shares, rights and the decision-making procedure are set out in the founding agreement.
Both forms limit liability: the owner is liable for the company’s obligations only up to their contribution to the capital, not with personal property. Foreign citizenship is not an obstacle — a non-resident can be both founder and manager.
What registration involves
The procedure is the same for Bulgarian citizens and foreigners and includes several mandatory steps:
- Choosing a company name and checking that it is unique.
- Preparing the founding documents: the articles of association or agreement, the resolution appointing the manager, and declarations under the Commerce Act.
- Notarising the manager’s signature.
- Opening a capital account with a Bulgarian bank and depositing the share capital.
- Filing the set of documents with the Commercial Register and obtaining the UIC — the company’s unified identification code.
Each stage is covered in detail on the Company registration procedure in Bulgaria page, and the full list of documents is in the Documents required for registration section.
What to do after registration
Obtaining the UIC is not the end of the procedure. Depending on the company’s plans, you may need:
- VAT registration (ZDDS) — mandatory once you reach the turnover set by law and possible voluntarily before that. To work with EU counterparties it is needed almost immediately.
- An EORI number — for customs operations when importing and exporting outside the European Union.
- Registration with the NOI — when hiring staff, to pay social and health contributions.
- A current account — after registration the capital account is converted into an operating account.
- Redenominating the share capital in euros — an obligation of all active OOD, EOOD and AD companies, with a deadline of 31 December 2026. What to file and how is on the Share capital in euros page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to come to Bulgaria in person?
Some steps require your presence in person or a notarised power of attorney. The exact scenario depends on the bank and the chosen form — we select the best option for your situation.
Do I have to have an office in Bulgaria?
A company needs a legal address. If you do not need a physical office, a virtual office will do.
Who can be a manager?
The manager can be either a Bulgarian citizen or a foreigner. There are no citizenship restrictions for EOOD and OOD.
What if the company is not trading?
Reporting still has to be filed. For such cases there is zero reporting.
The cost of registering a company in Bulgaria
Company registration — €150, the package includes:
- a consultation on the business form;
- checking the company name;
- a full set of registration documents;
- electronic filing;
- the state fee;
- monitoring the registration;
- addressing any objections;
- obtaining the UIC /registration number/;
- registering the owner as a self-insured person /if required/;
- an initial tax consultation;
- setting up access to the company’s electronic archive in Bulgaria.
Charged separately:
- Notary services and bank fees for client due diligence, as well as account-opening fees — at actual cost;
- voluntary or subsequent VAT registration /obtaining a VAT number/ — €50–100;
- obtaining an EORI customs number — €50;
- a foreign owner/manager — a surcharge from €100;
- a legal address for the company in Bulgaria — a separate annual fee /if required/;
- translation, apostille and legalisation — at actual cost.
→ Prices for accounting services — the full price list: packages by number of documents, VAT registration and type of activity.