Doing Business in Bulgaria

Choosing a company form

Most foreign investors use a limited liability company. The main forms are:

• Limited liability company (EOOD with one owner, OOD with several): the usual choice for trading companies, holding property or employing staff.
• Joint stock company (EAD or AD): for larger businesses, regulated activities or a planned listing.
• Branch of a foreign company: registered in Bulgaria but not a separate legal person, so the parent is liable for its obligations.
• Sole trader (ET): for an individual trading in their own name.

Compare them in detail: Single-Owner LLC (EOOD), Limited Liability Company (OOD), Joint-Stock Company (AD), Branch, Representative Office, Holding Company, Joint Venture.

Registering a company

1. Agree the name, owners, managers and registered address in Bulgaria.
2. Sign the articles and the managers' consent. Documents signed abroad usually need an apostille and a certified Bulgarian translation.
3. Open a capital account at a Bulgarian bank and pay in the share capital.
4. File with the Commercial Register at the Registry Agency, online with a qualified electronic signature or in person.
5. After registration, register for VAT if you need to and set up payroll with the National Revenue Agency.

A local accountant or lawyer usually handles the filing and the company's first registrations. Find one in the accounting directory. For documents, fees and timing, see company formation in Bulgaria.

Taxes

Large multinational groups may be subject to a 15% minimum tax under the EU Global Minimum Tax Directive.

Each tax in detail: Corporate Tax, Income Tax, Tax Residency, Double Tax Treaties, Dividend Tax, VAT, Capital Gains Tax, Property Taxes, Social Security.

The cost of doing business

Beyond tax, the main running costs are people, premises and professional services:

• Salaries: use the checker above for the full employer cost of a role. Pay is highest in Sofia and in IT, finance and shared services.
• Offices: Sofia has the deepest office market, with lower rents in Plovdiv, Varna and other regional cities. See Regions.
• Accounting and payroll: Bulgarian companies must keep accounts and file annual returns, so most foreign-owned companies use a local accountant from the start.
• Incentives: certified projects under the Investment Promotion Act can get faster permits and infrastructure support. See Why Bulgaria.

For the trend in labour costs and the minimum wage against the EU, see the economy charts; for the laws behind employment and tax, see the legislation guide.

This page is a general summary, not legal or tax advice. Rates were checked against the sources below in October 2026.