Business guide · Bulgaria
How to register a company in Bulgaria
The decisions, documents and practical checks for establishing an EOOD or OOD in Bulgaria.
Legal information reviewed:
The common starting point is an EOOD for one owner or an OOD for two or more. Both are limited liability companies. Registration creates the legal entity, while banking, tax registration, accounting and any operating permits need their own preparation.
This guide explains the main decisions and documents for a standard incorporation. For help with your particular ownership structure, use our company formation enquiry.
Who can own and manage the company?
Foreign individuals and foreign legal entities can generally be founders. Identify every shareholder and the ultimate beneficial owners, and check any restrictions relating to the activity or the proposed manager. A foreign company shareholder will normally need evidence of its existence, representation and decision to participate.
Sources: Bulgarian Commerce Act (Bulgarian PDF).
Choose the structure, name and address
Use an EOOD for a single owner and an OOD for several owners. Agree the shares, managers, signing powers and funding. The registered company name must be in Bulgarian; a foreign-language version may be added. Check name availability and relevant trademark rights separately.
The company needs a registered office and management address in Bulgaria where official correspondence can actually be received. An address service does not, by itself, determine where the business is genuinely managed or taxed.
Sources: Bulgarian Commerce Act (Bulgarian PDF).
Separate the formation costs
The official fee for an initial EOOD/OOD registration is €28.12 electronically or €56.24 on paper. These are Registry Agency fees, not the legal fee or the total cost of incorporation.
Budget separately for legal work, bank charges, notarisation, translations and any apostille or legalisation. The amount depends on the founders, documents and signing country. We give a specific offer after reviewing the enquiry.
Prepare the incorporation documents and capital
The usual file includes a founding deed or company agreement, the incorporation decision, appointment of the manager, statutory declarations, the manager’s notarised consent and specimen signature, evidence of the capital contribution, and the application and authorisation documents. Additional items depend on the founders and business.
Since 1 January 2026, the legal minimum capital for an EOOD/OOD is €1, with a minimum share value of €0.01. Capital is company funding, not an administrative fee. Choose an amount suited to actual start-up costs. For a cash contribution, arrange the capital account and the bank evidence before filing.
Sources: Bulgarian Commerce Act (Bulgarian PDF) · Official A4 registration service and fees.
Can the process be completed from abroad?
Some cases can be prepared and filed without the founder travelling to Bulgaria. First agree how signatures will be certified and which documents the bank will accept. A foreign document may need an apostille or legalisation and a Bulgarian translation; treaty exemptions and document-specific rules can change that requirement.
Banks independently assess identity, beneficial ownership, business activity and the origin of funds. They may request more documents or personal attendance. Neither electronic registry filing nor a power of attorney guarantees remote banking or account approval.
Sources: Bulgarian MFA: foreign-document certification · Example bank requirements: identity and business checks.
How long does registration take?
The statutory review period for an initial company application is normally until the end of the next working day after submission. This is the Registry Agency’s application stage. It does not include drafting, collecting foreign documents, signing or bank checks, and instructions to correct the file can extend the process.
Sources: Commercial Register Act (Bulgarian PDF).
What happens after the company is entered?
Once registered, the company receives its Unified Identification Code (UIC/EIK). Complete the bank’s post-registration arrangements and set up accounting before transactions begin. Review VAT, the owner’s or manager’s insurance position, employment and any licences with the relevant professionals.
Incorporation is not automatic VAT registration. Certain cross-border services can require Article 97a registration before the general turnover threshold is reached. Do not wait for the first year-end to check this. Read the company management guide for the main ongoing obligations.
Sources: NRA: VAT registration.
Company ownership and residence are separate
Owning a Bulgarian company does not automatically grant a visa, residence permit or permission to work. EU citizens and non-EU nationals follow different residence rules; the planned stay and actual role in the business matter. Deal with that question before arranging a move.
Sources: Your Europe: residence documents and formalities · EU Immigration Portal: moving between EU countries.
To help us assess the next steps, tell us your citizenship and country of residence, the intended activity, the owners and managers, and whether you can sign or attend a bank in Bulgaria. Please do not send passport copies with an initial general enquiry.