Company Forms in Bulgaria
The forms compared
| Form | Owners | Capital | Liability | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EOOD, single-owner limited company | One person or company | €1 | Limited to the capital | Subsidiaries and owner-run businesses |
| OOD, limited company | Two or more | €1 | Limited to the capital | Partners, family firms, SMEs |
| AD or EAD, joint-stock company | Two or more, or one (EAD) | €25,000, 25% paid in | Limited to the shares | Large and regulated businesses, listings |
| Branch of a foreign company | The parent | None | The parent is liable | Trading under the parent’s name |
| Representative office | The parent | None | The parent is liable | Marketing and liaison only, no trading |
| ET, sole trader | One individual | None | Unlimited, personal | Small owner-run trade |
Source: Chambers and Partners: Corporate Governance 2026, Bulgaria; Multilaw: Bulgaria, branch of a foreign entity; Point of Single Contact: Commercial representation1,2,3
General and limited partnerships, the partnership limited by shares, the newer variable capital company for start-ups and the European Company (SE) are also available, but are used far less.1
Which one to choose
- A subsidiary of a foreign group: usually an EOOD, owned 100% by the parent.
- Several partners: an OOD, with the partners’ rights set out in the articles.
- A bank, insurer or a company planning a listing: these must be joint-stock companies.
- Selling in Bulgaria without a new company: a branch, which is taxed like a company.
- Only testing the market: a representative office, which cannot trade.
- A project with a partner: a joint venture, either by contract or through a jointly owned company.
Source: Chambers and Partners: Corporate Governance 2026, Bulgaria; LPG Bulgarie: Setting up in Bulgaria, as a branch or as a subsidiary?; Schoenherr: Cross-border joint venture and strategic alliance guide, Bulgaria1,4,5
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum capital for an EOOD or OOD in Bulgaria?
An EOOD or OOD in Bulgaria requires minimum capital of €1. An EOOD has one owner, while an OOD has two or more owners; both limit liability to the capital.
How much capital does a Bulgarian joint-stock company need?
A Bulgarian AD or EAD requires minimum capital of €25,000, with 25% paid in. An AD has two or more owners, while an EAD can have one owner.
Can a representative office trade in Bulgaria?
No. A representative office in Bulgaria may conduct marketing and liaison activities but cannot trade. It is registered with the Chamber of Commerce, and the initial registration fee is €120.
Should a foreign company use a branch or a subsidiary in Bulgaria?
A foreign group usually uses an EOOD subsidiary owned 100% by the parent. A branch allows the foreign company to trade under its parent’s name, but the parent is liable; a representative office is limited to marketing and liaison and cannot trade.
The company forms
Single-Owner LLC (EOOD)
One owner, €1 of capital and liability limited to the capital.
€1 Minimum capital
Read more
Limited Liability Company (OOD)
Two or more partners, €1 of capital and clear rules for decisions and share transfers.
€1 Minimum capital
Read more
Joint-Stock Company (AD)
€25,000 of capital, a board of directors or two-tier boards, required for banks and listings.
€25,000 Minimum capital
Read more
Branch
No capital and no separate legal person, but full trading rights and 10% tax.
1 day Registration after filing
Read more
Representative Office
A presence for marketing and liaison, registered with the Chamber of Commerce. No trading.
€120 Initial registration fee at the Chamber of Commerce
Read more
Holding Company
A company that owns at least 25% of others, with tax-free dividends from Bulgaria and the EU.
25% Minimum stake that makes a company a holding’s subsidiary
Read more
Joint Venture
A civil partnership by contract or a jointly owned company, with the same 10% tax.
10% Tax on joint venture profits, contract or company
Read more
Sources
- Chambers and Partners: Corporate Governance 2026, Bulgaria
- Multilaw: Bulgaria, branch of a foreign entity
- Point of Single Contact: Commercial representation
- LPG Bulgarie: Setting up in Bulgaria, as a branch or as a subsidiary?
- Schoenherr: Cross-border joint venture and strategic alliance guide, Bulgaria (PDF)
Figures checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
