Company formation
Setting Up a Company
A Bulgarian limited liability company needs just €1 of capital and costs €28.12 to register online. Foreign founders can do it remotely through a local agent with a notarised power of attorney.
- State fee to register online (€56.24 on paper)
- €28.122
- State fee to register online (€56.24 on paper)
- Turnover in a calendar year that makes VAT registration compulsory
- €51,1305
- Turnover in a calendar year that makes VAT registration compulsory
Legal forms
| Form | Owners | Minimum capital |
|---|---|---|
| EOOD, single-owner limited liability company | One person or company | €1 |
| OOD, limited liability company | Two or more | €1 |
| EAD, single-owner joint-stock company | One | €25,000, at least 25% paid in |
| AD, joint-stock company | Two or more | €25,000, at least 25% paid in |
| ET, sole trader | One individual | None; the owner is personally liable |
| Branch of a foreign company | The parent company | None; the parent is liable |
Source: Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry: Choice of legal form, registration documents and procedure1
Most foreign investors choose an EOOD or OOD: the owners are liable only up to their capital, and the company can be set up and run with little formality. If the capital is more than €1, at least 70% must be paid in before registration.1
Steps to register
- Choose the name, business activity, registered address in Bulgaria and manager, and check the name is free in the Commercial Register.
- Sign the founding documents and the manager’s specimen signature; a foreign founder signs before a notary abroad, with an apostille and translation.
- Pay in the capital to a Bulgarian bank account opened for the company and get the bank’s certificate.
- File with the Commercial Register of the Registry Agency, online or on paper, and receive the company number (EIK).
- Register for VAT if needed and open the operating bank account.
Source: Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry: Choice of legal form, registration documents and procedure; Fenchell: How to form an EOOD remotely1,3
Time and cost
| Commercial Register fee | €28.12 online, €56.24 on paper |
|---|---|
| Notary | Varies; for signatures and powers of attorney |
| Remote set-up by a service provider | Packages from about €890 plus VAT |
| Typical time | About three weeks for a founder abroad, plus the register’s processing time |
Source: Wise: Cost of starting a business in Bulgaria (Registry Agency fees and VAT threshold); Fenchell: How to form an EOOD remotely2,3
Budget too for a registered address, an accountant and the annual financial statements, which every company must file.
After registration
- VAT: registration is compulsory within 7 days once taxable turnover passes €51,130 in the current or previous calendar year, and possible earlier on request.
- Staff: employment contracts are registered with the National Revenue Agency within three days; see the fact sheet on employing staff.
- Owners: the people who ultimately own or control the company must be recorded in the register.
- Tax: profits are taxed at 10%, and dividends paid to individuals at 5%.
Source: Wise: Cost of starting a business in Bulgaria (Registry Agency fees and VAT threshold); Fenchell: How to form an EOOD remotely; Deloitte: International Tax, Bulgaria Highlights 2026; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: Bulgaria, corporate, other taxes (VAT registration from 2026)2,3,4,5
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum capital to set up a limited company in Bulgaria?
An EOOD or OOD in Bulgaria requires minimum capital of €1. If the capital is more than €1, at least 70% must be paid in before registration.
How much does it cost to register a company in Bulgaria?
The Commercial Register fee is €28.12 for online registration or €56.24 on paper. Notary fees vary, and remote set-up packages from a service provider start at about €890 plus VAT.
Can a foreign founder set up a company in Bulgaria remotely?
Yes. A foreign founder can set up a Bulgarian company remotely through a local agent with a notarised power of attorney. The typical set-up time for a founder abroad is about three weeks, plus the register’s processing time.
When must a company register for VAT in Bulgaria?
VAT registration is compulsory within seven days once taxable turnover passes €51,130 in the current or previous calendar year. A company may also register earlier on request.
What are the company profit and dividend tax rates in Bulgaria?
Bulgarian company profits are taxed at 10%, while dividends paid to individuals are taxed at 5% in Bulgaria.
Sources
- Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry: Choice of legal form, registration documents and procedure
- Wise: Cost of starting a business in Bulgaria (Registry Agency fees and VAT threshold)
- Fenchell: How to form an EOOD remotely
- Deloitte: International Tax, Bulgaria Highlights 2026 (PDF)
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: Bulgaria, corporate, other taxes (VAT registration from 2026)
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.
