Company formation in Bulgaria is quick and can be done remotely: with a notarised power of attorney, we register your EOOD or OOD with the Commercial Register, usually within 4–10 working days of receiving your signed documents. Our fixed fee starts at €1,400. Below you'll find what it costs in total, what you need to provide, how long each step takes, and where foreign founders usually get stuck: opening the operating bank account.
With a flat 10% corporate tax and no residency requirement for foreign founders, Bulgaria is a common jurisdiction for international entrepreneurs, freelancers scaling up, and EU holding structures. This guide explains how to register a company in Bulgaria — what to choose, what to prepare, and what to expect at each step. Bulgarian company law (codified in the Commerce Act) recognises several types of legal entities, but most foreign founders choose between a single-shareholder limited liability company (EOOD) and a multi-shareholder version (OOD). The Commercial Register (Registry Agency) accepts electronic filings, so the registration itself can be completed with a notarised power of attorney.
Since 2018 · 700+ companies formed · English · German · Bulgarian · Spanish
Bulgaria Company Formation in Numbers
Our Company Formation Service in Bulgaria
Company Formation
from €1,400 one-off
- Initial online consultation
- Advice on the right structure (EOOD, OOD, AD, branch)
- Preparation of all incorporation documents in Bulgarian
- Power of attorney with notarisation and apostille instructions
- Help opening the capital contribution account
- Filing with the Commercial Register
- Support until registration is complete
- VAT registration
Ongoing Accounting
from €180/month
Depends on VAT registration, whether a manager's contract is in place, the number of documents, and payroll.
Not included (billed at cost): state fees, notary charges, sworn translations and apostilles for documents signed abroad, bank fees. The paid-in share capital is up to you.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Company in Bulgaria?
Here is the full picture, not just our fee.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Our formation fee | from €1,400 | fixed, see above |
| Commercial Register state fee (e-filing) | ~€56 | electronic filing is cheaper than paper |
| Notary fees (power of attorney, signatures) | at cost | depends on the country where you sign |
| Sworn translation + apostille | Per document | for documents signed abroad |
| Share capital (EOOD/OOD) | from €1 | many founders deposit more |
| Bank KYC review fee (operating account) | €100–500 | non-refundable, charged by the bank |
| Ongoing accounting | from €180/month | from the first month of activity |
Want a figure for your case? Ask for a written quote.
Choosing the Right Legal Structure
The choice of legal form determines your liability, capital requirements, and ongoing compliance. Here are the structures most relevant to foreign founders — and if you'd rather skip the legwork, our team handles the full incorporation for you — see our service and prices.
OOD & EOOD
The Bulgarian limited liability company — OOD (two or more owners) or EOOD (single owner). Limited liability, minimal capital, easy to manage, and the vehicle of choice for the vast majority of foreign founders.
AD — Joint-Stock Company
A joint-stock company suitable for larger operations with multiple investors or the intention to issue shares publicly. Higher capital requirement and more formal governance — including a board of directors.
ET — Sole Trader
A sole proprietorship with unlimited personal liability for business debts. We rarely recommend this for foreign founders. For freelancers, the free profession registration is usually simpler and more tax-efficient.
Branch of a Foreign Company
An extension of an existing foreign company rather than a separate legal entity. Has its own VAT registration, accounting, and reporting in Bulgaria — useful for established companies wanting local presence without creating a subsidiary.
For more than 90% of foreign founders, an EOOD (single-shareholder limited liability company) is the right structure. It combines limited liability, minimal capital, fast setup, and the lowest ongoing compliance burden of any Bulgarian commercial entity.
How to Register a Company in Bulgaria
The practical sequence of steps for incorporating a Bulgarian limited liability company (OOD or EOOD). The same process applies to AD companies, with a few additional formalities.
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i.
Choose Type & Name
Decide on EOOD (solo) or OOD (multi-owner) and select a company name. The name must be unique in Bulgaria — we run a Commercial Register (Registry Agency) availability check before proceeding. Names can be registered in both Latin and Cyrillic.
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ii.
Prepare Constitutional Documents
The core document is the company statute (uchreditelen akt for EOOD, dogovor za druzhestvo for OOD), specifying share capital, business activities, management structure, and registered address. All in Bulgarian.
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iii.
Open Capital Deposit Account
The share capital — even just €1 — must be deposited at a Bulgarian bank in a special capital account. The bank issues a deposit certificate required for the Commercial Register filing.
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iv.
Notarise & Sign Documents
If you are abroad, sign documents via a notarised, apostilled power of attorney authorising a Bulgarian representative. This is typically the only step requiring action in your home country.
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v.
File with the Commercial Register
All documents are submitted electronically via the Commercial Register (Registry Agency) e-filing portal. The state fee is ~€56 for e-filing. The Commercial Register typically reviews and approves within 1–3 working days.
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vi.
Register for Tax & Social Security
Register with the National Revenue Agency (NRA) for corporate income tax. VAT registration becomes mandatory above the annual turnover threshold, or when you provide B2B services to other EU countries.
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vii.
Open Operational Bank Account
After incorporation, the capital deposit account is converted into a regular business account. The company can now invoice clients, receive payments, and operate fully. Opening the operating account usually takes 1–4 weeks after registration, and most banks require the manager to visit in person. See our business bank account guide.
How Long Does Company Registration in Bulgaria Take?
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Consultation and structure decision | 1–3 days |
| Name check and document drafting | 1–2 days |
| Signing the power of attorney abroad (notary + apostille) | depends on your country, often 2–7 days |
| Capital deposit account and certificate | 1–3 days |
| Commercial Register review | 1–3 working days |
| Registration total (from signed documents) | 4–10 working days |
| Operating bank account | 1–4 weeks after registration, usually one visit |
Required Documents
For a typical foreign-owned EOOD, you should expect to prepare or sign the following documents. We handle the Bulgarian-language drafting and translations on your behalf.
- Copy of passport(s) of all shareholders and managers
- Notarised power of attorney (apostilled, if signed abroad)
- Company statute / constitutional documents (in Bulgarian)
- Manager's appointment decision and specimen signature
- Capital deposit certificate from a Bulgarian bank
- Declaration of consent from each manager
- Declaration regarding the registered office address
- Application form A4 for the Commercial Register
- Proof of state fee payment
For non-EU founders intending to apply for residence, additional documents may be required — particularly for a Bulgarian ID card.
We send you a personal checklist after the first consultation.
Bulgarian Company Tax Overview
One of the main reasons foreign founders choose Bulgaria is the country's tax regime. Here are the headline figures that apply once your company is operational.
| Tax | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | 10% flat | One of the lowest in the EU |
| Dividend withholding tax | 5% | Often reduced under double tax treaties |
| Personal income tax | 10% flat | Applies to salaries and director fees |
| VAT (standard rate) | 20% | 9% reduced rate for hotels and certain services |
| Social security (combined) | ~32.7% | Split between employer and employee |
Source: National Revenue Agency (NAP). Rates as of 12 October 2026. full overview of taxes in Bulgaria.
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
Incorporating the company is only the beginning. Every Bulgarian company has continuous obligations that must be met to remain in good standing with the authorities.
Monthly Accounting
Bulgarian companies are legally required to maintain accounting records under Bulgarian standards. Most foreign-owned companies engage a licensed Bulgarian accountant for monthly bookkeeping, VAT returns (if VAT-registered), payroll, and statutory reporting.
Annual Financial Statements
Every company must file annual financial statements with the National Statistical Institute and the Commercial Register. The deadlines are 31 March (statistical reporting) and 30 September (Commercial Register publication) of the year following the reporting period.
Corporate Income Tax Return
The annual corporate income tax return is due by 30 June of the following year, accompanied by payment of any tax owed or carrying forward of losses, subject to specific rules.
VAT Returns
VAT-registered companies file monthly VAT returns. The filing and payment deadline is the 14th of the following month.
Beneficial Ownership Disclosure
Under EU anti-money-laundering rules, the ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) of Bulgarian companies must be declared in the public Beneficial Ownership Register, with updates whenever ownership changes.
Common Mistakes Foreign Founders Make
After years of supporting foreign founders, we see a few recurring mistakes that are easy to avoid with the right preparation.
- Underestimating bank onboarding times. Bulgarian banks have tightened compliance procedures — opening an account can take longer than the registration itself. See our business bank account guide.
- Choosing the wrong structure. Many founders default to an OOD when an EOOD would be simpler, cheaper, and easier to manage.
- Skipping VAT analysis. Voluntary VAT registration can be a major advantage — or unnecessary complexity — depending on your client mix.
- DIY-ing translations. Commercial Register filings require legally precise Bulgarian terminology. Generic translation tools introduce errors that lead to rejection.
- Ignoring the registered office requirement. A Bulgarian company must have a verifiable address with documented right of use. Casual virtual office arrangements can be challenged.
Do You Need a Local Agent?
Legally, you can register a Bulgarian company yourself if you speak Bulgarian and are physically present for notary appointments and bank visits. In practice, foreign founders almost always work with a local agent for three reasons: documents must be in Bulgarian, banks rarely open accounts for non-residents without local introduction, and the Commercial Register communicates exclusively in Bulgarian.
An experienced agent typically handles the entire incorporation remotely on your behalf, via a notarised power of attorney. The registration itself happens without you travelling to Bulgaria. For the operating bank account, most banks ask the manager to visit once. If that is the route you'd prefer, see our service and prices or browse our full service catalog.
Why Foreign Founders Choose Business in Bulgaria
- Since 2018, 700+ companies formed for clients from the EU, UK, US and beyond
- Fixed, written quotes – no hidden fees
- One named consultant per client
- English, German, Bulgarian and Spanish
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to register a company in Bulgaria?
Can I register a Bulgarian company without visiting Bulgaria?
What is the minimum share capital for a Bulgarian OOD or EOOD?
Do I need to be a Bulgarian resident to register a company in Bulgaria?
What is the corporate tax rate for Bulgarian companies?
Can a Bulgarian company invoice clients in other EU countries?
What happens if I want to close the company later?
How much does it cost to open a company in Bulgaria?
What is the difference between an EOOD and an OOD?
Ready to Set Up Your Bulgarian Company?
Our multilingual team handles the full incorporation process — Commercial Register, banking, tax registration, and ongoing accounting — so you can focus on running your business. See our service and prices or get in touch for a free initial consultation with transparent fixed fees.
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