Registering a company in Bulgaria is a transparent and relatively simple process. It consists of several stages, each of which can be completed with minimal delay if all the required documents are in place. It is important to follow the correct order to avoid unnecessary delays. Here are the key steps for a successful registration:
Step 1. Choosing the company form
First you need to choose the type of company to register. The most popular forms are:
- OOD (Limited Liability Company) — suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
- EOOD (Single-member Limited Liability Company) — the same as an OOD but with a single owner.
- AD (Joint-Stock Company) — for larger organisations where capital is divided into shares.
The choice depends on your business goals and management structure. More on the differences on the Company registration in Bulgaria page.
Step 2. Checking and reserving the company name
The next step is to check that the company name is unique and to reserve it in the Bulgarian Commercial Register. The name must not match an existing legal entity. It must be in Cyrillic; a Latin version can also be added. Once checked, the chosen name is reserved for up to 6 months.
Step 3. Opening a bank account and depositing the share capital
To register a company you need to open a special capital (“nabiratelen”) account with a Bulgarian bank. After opening the account, the founders deposit the share capital — the minimum for an OOD is 2 leva. The bank issues confirmation of the deposit, which is needed for the registration. A list of credit institutions with addresses and websites is in the Bulgarian banks section.
Step 4. Preparing the founding documents
At this stage all the necessary documents are prepared:
- The founding agreement or company statute — contains information about the management structure, the rights and obligations of the founders and other key points.
- The founders’ resolution to create the company.
- A sample of the director’s signature and consent to manage.
- A bank document confirming the deposit of the share capital.
- Declarations under the Commerce Act.
The full list with explanations for each document is in the Documents required to register a company section.
Step 5. Registration in the Commercial Register
With all the documents ready, you submit them to the Bulgarian Commercial Register through its online platform. After the application is filed, the register usually processes it within a few working days. If all documents are in order, the company is registered and assigned a unique identification code — the UIC.
Step 6. Obtaining EORI and VAT (if required)
If the company plans to engage in international trade, it needs an EORI — an identification number for customs operations in the EU. If it plans to supply services or goods within the European Union, it must also register for VAT.
Step 7. Notifying the NOI and other authorities
After successful registration in the Commercial Register, the company must be registered with the National Social Security Institute (NOI) to pay contributions for employees, if hiring is planned.
What to do after registration
Registration is only the beginning. Next the company will need:
- A legal address. If you don’t need your own office, a virtual office will do.
- Bookkeeping. Reporting is filed from the company’s first month — this is handled by accounting services.
- Reporting with no activity. If the company is registered but not trading, zero reporting is filed.
- Share capital in euros. Already-registered companies must, by 31 December 2026, file a founding document with the Commercial Register showing the capital redenominated into euros.