Do business in
Bulgaria
Trusted by hundreds of cross-border businesses
Benefits
Why choose Commenda for your company expansion in Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the EU and a strategic location for operations across Europe.
Incorporate a private limited company (OOD)
We handle all incorporation steps for an OOD — Bulgaria’s preferred limited liability company — including Commercial Register filings and bank account setup.
Comply with Bulgarian tax laws
We manage your VAT, CIT, and annual financial statement filings, ensuring compliance with the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency (NRA).
Ideal for international businesses
Set up your Bulgarian company as a fully foreign-owned subsidiary, with remote onboarding and digital filings.
Entity Types
Choose the right business structure for your company
OOD (Druzhestvo s ogranichena otgovornost)
- Minimum share capital: BGN 2 (~€1)
- One or more shareholders (individuals or legal entities)
- One or more directors
- 100% foreign ownership permitted
- Registered address in Bulgaria required
- Annual financial statements and tax filings mandatory
- Suitable for both startups and subsidiaries
AD (Aktsionerno druzhestvo)
- Minimum share capital: BGN 50,000 (~€25,000)
- Unlimited number of shareholders (individuals or legal entities)
- Board of Directors required (minimum 3 members)
- 100% foreign ownership permitted
- Registered address in Bulgaria required
- Annual financial statements and tax filings mandatory
- Suitable for large enterprises and public companies
Got questions? Schedule a call with one of our experts
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Download your free Pre-Incorporation checklist
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bulgaria offers strategic access to the EU single market with one of Europe’s lowest corporate tax rates at just 10%, making it highly attractive for international businesses. The country provides excellent connectivity to major European markets and beyond, with a skilled multilingual workforce and competitive labor costs. Bulgaria attracts significant foreign investment with fast incorporation (4-8 working days), minimal bureaucracy, and a business-friendly environment ranked highly by the World Bank for ease of doing business. The country is particularly attractive for startups and tech companies, with access to EU funding programs, a growing startup ecosystem, and no restrictions on foreign ownership. Bulgaria’s stable economy, modern infrastructure, and strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia make it an ideal gateway for international expansion.
No, Bulgaria enables full remote company setup through digital processes and power of attorney arrangements. The entire incorporation process can be conducted remotely without requiring travel to Bulgaria, though notarization is necessary. You need to provide a certified Power of Attorney (apostilled in most cases) and send the original document via courier to complete the registration. All incorporation documents can be prepared and filed digitally, and a registered address service can be arranged without physical presence. However, for bank account opening, some banks may require in-person verification or video conferences, though many now accept remote procedures with proper documentation.
After incorporation, Bulgarian companies must:
- File annual financial statements with the Bulgarian Trade Register by March 31st each year
- Submit corporate income tax returns (10% flat rate on profits)
- Register and report for VAT if turnover exceeds BGN 50,000 (standard rate: 20%)
- Implement SAF-T (Standard Audit File for Tax) reporting from January 2026 for large companies
- Maintain proper accounting books and records in accordance with Bulgarian accounting principles
- Conduct mandatory annual audits for companies exceeding certain thresholds (BGN 1 million revenue or 50+ employees)
- Report beneficial ownership changes to relevant authorities
- Bulgaria offers streamlined digital processes through the National Revenue Agency’s online systems for most compliance tasks.
Yes, Bulgaria allows 100% foreign ownership of companies in most sectors with no restrictions or distinctions between Bulgarian and foreign investors. There are no citizenship or residency requirements for shareholders or directors, and foreign investors enjoy equal rights and treatment as locals. Non-EU nationals can establish Bulgarian entities without local partners, though they need to obtain Bulgarian tax identification numbers. Directors and shareholders of any nationality are permitted for standard commercial activities, making Bulgaria one of the most foreign-friendly jurisdictions in the EU for business establishment.
Bulgaria offers substantial incentives including:
- Lowest corporate tax rate in the EU: 10% flat rate on all profits
- Low dividend tax: 5% on profit distributions to shareholders
- Investment incentives: Various regional and sectoral support programs available
- EU funding access: Eligibility for EU grants and development programs as an EU member state
- R&D incentives: Special tax treatment for research and development activities
- Free economic zones: Reduced administrative procedures and potential tax benefits in designated areas
- Digital nomad visa: New 2025 program allowing remote workers to reside in Bulgaria
- Startup-friendly ecosystem: Growing support infrastructure and government initiatives for innovative businesses
- Bulgaria’s combination of the EU’s lowest taxes, minimal bureaucracy, and comprehensive support programs creates an exceptionally attractive environment for foreign investment and business growth.
