Why Register a Company in Bulgaria?
Corporate Tax and Operating Environment
Bulgaria applies a 10% corporate income tax to taxable profits. This makes Bulgaria company formation attractive for businesses seeking an EU structure with a relatively low corporate tax rate. The country also provides access to the EU single market. The actual tax position may depend on the business activity, owner's tax residence and cross-border operations.
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Minimum Capital and Registration Flexibility
From 1 January 2026, the minimum capital for an EOOD or OOD is €1. This makes llc registration Bulgaria accessible to small businesses. The amount required for incorporation should not be confused with the funds needed for operations, which may include accounting, banking, staff and other costs.
Bulgaria Company Formation Requirements
Shareholders, Directors and Foreign Ownership
Foreign individuals and legal entities can generally own an EOOD or OOD. Those who want to open company in Bulgaria can appoint a manager who does not generally need Bulgarian citizenship or residence. The shareholder and manager may be the same person. Banks may separately request information about the beneficial owner, source of funds and expected activity.
Registered Office and Company Name
The entity must have a registered seat and address in Bulgaria. The proposed name should be checked in the Commercial Register before incorporation.
Requirements for Foreign Corporate Shareholders
A foreign corporate shareholder normally provides evidence of registration, legal status and representation. Depending on the jurisdiction, documents may require apostille or legalisation and Bulgarian translation.
Documents Required for Company Registration
Documents for Individual Founders
An individual normally provides identification and information about the proposed name, address, activities, capital and manager. Statutory declarations may also be required.
How to Register a Company in Bulgaria
Choose the Legal Form and Company Name
The first step in company formation in Bulgaria is choosing the legal form, owners, manager, activities and registered address. VAT and licensing requirements should also be considered.
Prepare and Sign the Incorporation Documents
The required documents are prepared and signed by the relevant parties. Foreign founders may often use a Power of Attorney. Depending on where documents are signed, notarisation, apostille or legalisation and translation may be required. Company formation agents Bulgaria can coordinate these formalities.
Deposit the Share Capital
The subscribed capital is contributed in accordance with the applicable procedure. The minimum for an EOOD or OOD is €1 from 2026.
File With the Bulgarian Commercial Register
The application and supporting documents are submitted to the Commercial Register. The procedure for registration Bulgarian companies is completed once the entity is entered into the register and receives its UIC. This is the main stage of Bulgaria company registration, also known as Bulgarian incorporation.
Receive the UIC and Complete the Tax Setup
After registration, the entity receives its Unified Identification Code (UIC). It can then arrange accounting, tax compliance and any licences or registrations required for its activities.
Open an Operating Account and Register for VAT
Banking is arranged separately and is subject to the provider's KYC procedures. From 1 January 2026, the general mandatory VAT-registration threshold for persons established in Bulgaria is €51,130, subject to statutory exceptions and other grounds for registration. Voluntary registration may also be available.
Company Registration in Bulgaria for Foreigners
Can Non-Residents Own a Bulgarian Company?
Yes. Non-residents can generally own EOODs and OODs. Owning a company in Bulgaria does not, however, provide a residence or work right.
Do You Need a Local Director or Shareholder?
An ordinary EOOD or OOD does not generally require a Bulgarian shareholder or manager. A foreign owner may manage the entity personally. The place where management actually takes place may have tax implications.
EU/EEA and Non-EU Founders
Both EU/EEA and non-EU persons can establish Bulgarian entities. Non-EU founders may face additional banking, document or immigration requirements.
Registering a Company Remotely
In many cases, setting up a company in Bulgaria can be completed without travelling to Bulgaria through a properly executed Power of Attorney. Banking and other services may still require separate identity checks.
When a Visit to Bulgaria May Be Required
A visit may be required if a bank or payment provider requests in-person identification or documents must be signed locally. Founders planning to set up company Bulgaria should therefore check banking requirements before incorporation.
How Long Does Company Formation in Bulgaria Take?
Standard Registration Timeline
Company registration in Bulgaria is generally completed within a short period once a complete application is filed. The full process may take longer because of foreign documents, certification, translation and banking procedures.
Bank Account, VAT and Post-Registration Compliance
Bank KYC for Foreign Shareholders
Banks and payment institutions may request information about ownership, beneficial owners, source of funds, business activity, expected turnover and counterparties. Registration does not guarantee account approval.
Accounting and Annual Financial Statements
Bulgarian entities must comply with applicable accounting, tax and annual reporting requirements. The exact obligations depend on the business and its size. When comparing company formation services Bulgaria, check whether ongoing accounting and reporting are included.
UBO and Commercial Register Updates
Changes to shareholders, managers, registered address and other registrable information may need to be reported. Beneficial ownership data should remain accurate. When choosing company registration services Bulgaria, clarify whether post-registration filings are covered. Some providers offering Bulgaria incorporation services also assist with registered addresses, accounting, VAT and banking. A complete Bulgarian company setup therefore includes both incorporation and the ongoing compliance needed to operate the business.