To weigh the pros and cons of remote company registration in Bulgaria, you should compare the speed and convenience of a no-travel setup against added notarisation/apostille steps, bank KYC nuances, and the extra coordination that a Power of Attorney requires in 2026.
Remote Company Registration in Bulgaria: Pros and Cons Explained
Remote setup means your authorised representative opens the capital account, signs the filings, and converts the account after registration. The core law and workflow are the same as in-person—only the logistics change. For a step-by-step playbook, keep our remote registration guide for Bulgaria nearby as you compare trade-offs.
| Aspect | Benefit (Pros) | Limitation (Cons) | What This Means for You |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | No flights or hotels, zero time in queues | You must coordinate originals by courier | Great if you’re abroad or on a tight schedule |
| Speed | Registry decision can be 1–3 business days | Notary/apostille can add 2–7 days | Overall still fast if you prep documents early |
| Cost | Similar filing fees to in-person | Translations, apostille, courier add extra | Plan a lean but realistic budget |
| Banking | Agent opens capital account and converts to IBAN | Some banks request extra KYC steps | Pre-book KYC and share documents in advance |
| Control | Professional representative handles the process | Requires a notarised/apostilled PoA | Use a clear PoA scope and track milestones |
When Remote Setup Is a Good Fit (and When It’s Not)
Remote makes sense when travel is costly, when timing is tight, or when your business can launch without your physical presence. If you’re already in Bulgaria for client meetings or relocation, in-person can shave a day off by avoiding apostille steps. For the full formation roadmap, see the complete incorporation process for foreigners.
| Scenario | Remote Setup | In-Person Setup | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital nomad abroad | No travel; courier originals | Requires a quick trip | Remote is ideal |
| Already in Sofia for a week | PoA + notary/apostille add time | Single visit covers bank & signing | In-person may be faster |
| Urgent launch (new client next week) | Fast if PoA is prepped | Fast if banks have appointments | Either can work—choose by logistics |
| Complex JSC structure | More documents to legalise | Board members sign on site | In-person often smoother |
Ownership, Legal Forms, and Transformations for Remote Founders
Foreigners can own 100% of a Bulgarian company. EOOD (single-member Ltd.) and OOD (multi-member Ltd.) are the most common; capital can start around 1 EUR. EAD/AD (joint-stock) need 25,000 EUR and board governance. You can transform later if you outgrow your initial form.
| Type | Owners | Capital (EUR) | Governance | Remote Viability | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EOOD | 1 | ~1 | Director-managed | Excellent | Solo consultant, micro-SaaS |
| OOD | 2+ | ~1 (total) | Members + director | Excellent | Agencies, small teams |
| EAD | 1 | 25,000 | Board or sole director | Good (more steps) | Investor-ready venture |
| AD | 2+ | 25,000 | One- or two-tier board | Good (more steps) | Scale-up with external capital |
What “Remote” Actually Looks Like: Process & Documents
Your representative opens the temporary capital account, files the pack, and converts to an operating IBAN after the decision. Name checks and filings are made on the Commercial Register & Registry Agency portal, while the online route and forms are outlined on the Bulgarian e-Government portal.
| Phase | Your Action | Our Role | Output | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1) PoA | Notarise and, if required, apostille + translate | Template & instructions | Agent authority | 1–5 days |
| 2) Address | Choose address option | Contract/consent prep | Address proof | Same day |
| 3) Capital | Fund share capital | Open temp account; get certificate | Bank capital letter | Same day |
| 4) Filing | Courier originals (if needed) | E-file complete pack | Case number | Same day |
| 5) Decision | — | Respond to queries | Company registered | 1–3 business days |
| 6) Conversion | — | Convert to operating IBAN | Operating account | Same day |
Registered Address Options (What Banks Expect)
A local registered address is mandatory. Banks and the tax authority use it for notices and KYC. Pick what matches your model and budget:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For | Typical Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual office | Fast, budget-friendly, mail forwarding | No meeting room by default | Remote-first founders | 120–240/year |
| Provider’s legal address | Turnkey; bank-friendly wording | Usage rules vary | Hands-off setup | 120–200/year |
| Your lease | Brand presence and space for team | Higher fixed costs | Local hiring & clients | Market-dependent |
Banking, Capital Deposit, and Account Conversion
For EOOD/OOD, capital can start around 1 EUR; for EAD/AD, plan 25,000 EUR. Your representative opens a temporary capital account, obtains a certificate, and converts it to an operating IBAN after registration.
| Step | What You Provide | Bank Output | Time | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open temp account | Passport, draft Articles, address proof | IBAN details | Same day | Share scans before the visit |
| Deposit capital | ~1 EUR (Ltd.) / 25,000 EUR (JSC) | Capital deposit certificate | Same day | Match Articles exactly |
| Convert account | Registry decision | Operating IBAN | Same day | Pre-book for decision day |
Costs, Timelines, and Ongoing Compliance
Remote formation adds a few logistics costs but remains efficient. After registration, you can invoice immediately; VAT depends on your activity and thresholds. EU VAT frameworks are maintained by the European Commission, and national registrations/returns are handled by the National Revenue Agency.
| Item | Typical Cost (EUR) | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal drafting & e-filing | 450 | Day 1 | Clean pack speeds approval |
| Registered address (annual) | 120 | Day 1 | Needed for registry & bank KYC |
| State/registry fees | 60 | On filing | Official processing |
| Translations & apostille | 270 | Before filing | Acceptable foreign documents |
| Courier of originals | 40 | Before filing | Reliable, trackable delivery |
| Accounting (monthly) | from 120 | After go-live | VAT & returns on time |
If you want one partner to handle bookkeeping, VAT, and payroll from month one, consider our accounting services in Bulgaria. For a broader view of setup costs beyond the “remote” angle, see how much it costs to set up your company.
Branches & Representative Offices vs a New Company
If you already have a parent company, a Branch can trade in Bulgaria under the parent; a Trade Representative Office (TRO) cannot trade (support only). Most remote founders prefer a fresh EOOD/OOD for clean banking, brand control, and simpler local accounting.
| Option | Can Trade? | Banking | When It Makes Sense | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New EOOD/OOD | Yes | Own IBAN | Fresh brand, clean ledger | Fastest route, scalable later |
| Branch | Yes | Under parent | Existing parent wants local ops | Parent liabilities may flow through |
| Trade Rep. Office | No | N/A | Research/marketing presence | No revenue; limited activities |
How to Stay on the Right Side of the Rules
Use official portals for name checks, filings, and updates. The Commercial Register is the source of truth for registrations and status. The Bulgarian e-Government portal outlines online procedures and forms. Tie your plan to these systems, not hearsay.
Is Remote Registration “Worth It” for You?
If travel is hard, timelines are tight, or you want a friction-free launch, remote registration is a clear win. If you’re already in Bulgaria and can spare a day for banking and signing, in-person can be marginally quicker by skipping apostille steps. Either way, the important part is a clean, consistent pack and a well-timed bank conversion. For a bigger-picture rationale, skim the top reasons founders choose Bulgaria, then check out how to register in six simple steps. When you want a done-for-you route, we deliver fast, secure and tax-optimized company registration in Bulgaria from name check to VAT.
Talk to a Specialist—Free 30-Minute Consultation
Tell us your business model (consulting, e-commerce, SaaS) and where your clients are. We’ll map a precise remote plan—documents, calendar, banking, VAT, and monthly compliance—for 2026. Book your free 30-minute call and start from a clean, compliant template.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote company registration in Bulgaria legal for non-residents?
Yes, remote company registration in Bulgaria is legal for non-residents, provided you grant a properly notarised (and where required, apostilled) Power of Attorney to your representative.
Do I need to visit a bank branch at any point?
No, you do not need to visit a bank branch if your representative is empowered, because they can open the capital account and arrange conversion to an operating IBAN after the registry decision.
Will a remote setup delay my timeline compared to in-person?
Yes, a remote setup can add a few days to your timeline, because notarisation, apostille, and courier of originals take time even though the registry decision still arrives quickly after filing.
Does remote registration change my tax obligations?
No, remote registration does not change your tax obligations, because VAT registration and corporate compliance depend on your activity, thresholds, and where you operate—not on whether you travelled to incorporate.
Can I start with an EOOD remotely and upgrade later?
Yes, you can start with an EOOD remotely and upgrade later, because Bulgarian law allows transformations or adding shareholders as your team and funding needs grow
