How to incorporate a company in Bulgaria as a foreigner? To incorporate in Bulgaria in 2025, you choose the right company type (EOOD, OOD, EAD, or AD), pick a compliant local address, prepare and sign the incorporation pack, deposit the share capital, file with the Commercial Register, convert your bank account, and complete taxes/VAT—either in person or 100% remotely using a notarised Power of Attorney.
Company Incorporation in Bulgaria for Foreigners: Your Winning Game Plan
Incorporation is a sequence. Nail the order and you save days (and money). If you’re still validating that you can open a company as a non-resident, start with the practical overview of how a foreigner can open a company in Bulgaria. Below, we’ll cover each decision in the order you’ll actually make it.
| Type | Owners | Minimum Capital (EUR) | Governance | Speed | Best For | Can Transform? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EOOD (single-member Ltd.) | 1 | ~1 | Director-managed | Fastest | Solo founders, consultants, micro-SaaS | → OOD or JSC later |
| OOD (multi-member Ltd.) | 2+ | ~1 (total) | General meeting + director | Fast | Agencies, small teams | → JSC later |
| EAD (single-member JSC) | 1 | 25,000 | Board or sole director | Moderate | Investor-ready scale-ups | Yes |
| AD (JSC) | 2+ | 25,000 | One- or two-tier board | Moderate | Fundraising, larger orgs | Yes |
If you’re leaning EOOD as a solo founder, this specialised walk-through on registering an EOOD as a foreigner shows the exact shortcuts for a one-person limited company.
Step-by-Step: How to Incorporate in Bulgaria (From Name to Go-Live)
Here’s a founder-friendly sequence you can actually follow. If you like visuals, keep our concise step-by-step Bulgaria incorporation guide open in another tab while you read.
| Phase | Your Action | Our Role | Output | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1) Naming | Shortlist 2–3 variants | Check register & clean suffix | Distinct name locked | Same day–1 day |
| 2) Address | Choose address option | Prepare contract/consent | Compliant proof of address | Same day |
| 3) Capital | Fund share capital | Open temp account; get certificate | Bank capital letter | Same day |
| 4) Documents | Sign locally or via PoA | Compile final pack | Ready to file | 1 day |
| 5) Filing | — | E-file with the registry | Case number & receipt | Same day |
| 6) Decision | — | Address queries quickly | Company registered | 1–3 business days |
| 7) Bank conversion | — | Convert to operating account | Operating IBAN | Same day |
Official filings and lookups are made on the Commercial Register & Registry Agency, while the online route is outlined on the Bulgarian e-Government portal. For a realistic calendar view, consult the expected company registration timeline in Bulgaria.
What Documents You’ll Need (and How to Avoid Rework)
The fastest way to lose time is to have spellings or figures that don’t match. Use this list as your pre-flight check, then see a deep dive in the documents required to register a Bulgarian company.
| Document | Who Signs/Issues | What It Proves | Notes for Foreigners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Articles/Founding Act | Owner(s) | Ownership, capital, scope | English draft + Bulgarian final |
| Director appointment & specimen | Owner(s)/Director | Management authority | Specimen may be notarised |
| Registered address contract/consent | Provider/Landlord | Local contactability | Full address and dates aligned |
| Capital deposit certificate | Bank | Capital paid | Matches Articles figure exactly |
| Power of Attorney (if remote) | Owner(s) | Agent can bank & file | Notarised; apostille if required |
If you want a plain-English recap of every step, keep the quick “six steps to register” overview handy.
Registered Address: What Counts, What It Costs, and What Banks Expect
A local address is mandatory for filings and bank KYC. You can use a virtual office, a provider’s legal address, or your own lease. For nitty-gritty rules and options, here’s how the registered business address requirement in Bulgaria works.
| Option | Typical Cost (EUR) | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual office | 120–240/year | Fast, inexpensive, mail forwarding | No meeting space by default | Remote-first founders |
| Provider’s legal address | 120–200/year | Turnkey, compliant for KYC | Usage rules vary | Hands-off setup |
| Your own lease | Market-dependent | Brand presence, team space | Higher fixed cost | Local hires/clients |
Share Capital, Banking & VAT: The Money Moves
Capital for EOOD/OOD can start from about 1 EUR; for EAD/AD, plan 25,000 EUR. You fund a temporary “capital” account to obtain the bank certificate, then convert to an operating account after registration. Banking oversight is published by the Bulgarian National Bank.
| Step | What You Bring | Bank Output | Time | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open temp capital account | Passport(s), draft Articles, address proof | IBAN details | Same day | Pre-book KYC slot |
| Deposit share capital | ~1 EUR (Ltd.) / 25,000 EUR (JSC) | Capital deposit certificate | Same day | Match Articles exactly |
| Convert account | Registry confirmation | Operating IBAN | Same day | Schedule conversion ahead |
For taxes and VAT registrations after go-live, the competent authority is the National Revenue Agency, while EU cross-border VAT rules are maintained by the European Commission. If you prefer one partner for bookkeeping and filings, explore our accounting services in Bulgaria.
Remote Company Formation: How It Works, What to Expect
Most founders incorporate fully remotely. You sign a Power of Attorney (often notarised and apostilled), courier originals, and your agent handles the bank and filings. For practicalities and checklists, read the guide to starting a Bulgarian company remotely, a concise remote registration checklist, a balanced view of remote registration pros and cons, and the specifics of Bulgarian Power of Attorney requirements.
Costs, Timelines & Capital: Make a Realistic Plan
Budget for one-off formation and then monthly compliance. For a full picture with examples, here’s the cost to register a company in Bulgaria and the rules on minimum share capital. Want to see the entire process on one page? This is how much it costs to set up your company from first draft to go-live.
| Item | Typical Cost | When You Pay | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal drafting & e-filing | 450 | Day 1 | Clean, fast approval |
| Registered address (annual) | 120 | Day 1 | Filing & bank KYC |
| State/registry fees | 60 | Filing day | Official processing |
| Translations & apostille (remote) | ~270 | Day 1–2 | Acceptable foreign docs |
| Courier (remote) | 40 | Day 1–2 | Timely originals |
| Accounting (monthly) | from 120 | After go-live | Compliance peace-of-mind |
Naming, Mistakes & Speed: How to Avoid the Slow Lane
The biggest avoidable delays are weak names, mismatched numbers, and incomplete address proof. For a full naming playbook, check the company naming rules in Bulgaria. For a broader “what not to do,” read the common mistakes to avoid when incorporating.
| Pitfall | Why It Delays | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Name too similar to an existing company | Registry queries or rejection | Pre-check; keep two backups |
| Wrong suffix vs legal form | Articles inconsistent | Confirm EOOD/OOD/EAD/AD before drafting |
| Articles vs bank certificate mismatch | Numbers don’t align | Match capital precisely across docs |
| Weak address evidence | Doubts about contactability | Use proper contract/consent |
| Missing apostille (remote) | Remote pack not acceptable | Notarise & apostille together |
Remote vs In-Person: Which Is Better for You?
Both routes are quick. Remote saves travel, in-person may shave a day off if you’re already in Bulgaria. For an honest comparison—including hidden time costs—read our remote registration pros and cons.
| Aspect | Remote Setup | In-Person Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | No flights/hotel | On-site visits |
| Notary & apostille | Yes (adds a couple of days) | Usually not required |
| Bank KYC | Agent-assisted; some checks remote | Branch appointment |
| Overall speed | 3–7 business days (EOOD/OOD) | 3–6 business days |
Comparing Jurisdictions: Bulgaria vs Estonia (Quick Lens)
Choosing a base is strategic. Banking access, compliance costs, and hiring plans all matter. For a side-by-side take tailored to founders, see Bulgaria vs Estonia for company formation.
Why Bulgaria Works for Founders
Speed, cost certainty, and EU credibility make Bulgaria compelling. If you want a crisp rationale with tax and logistics highlights, read the top reasons to pick Bulgaria for company formation. When you’re ready to move, we deliver fast, secure and tax-optimized company registration in Bulgaria from name check to VAT.
Talk to a Specialist—Free 30-Minute Incorporation Plan
Tell us your business model and target markets. We’ll map a precise plan—entity type, calendar, documents, banking, VAT, and monthly compliance—for 2025. Book your free 30-minute consultation and get a clear runway from draft to first invoice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Bulgarian personal number or a local residential address to incorporate?
No, you do not need a Bulgarian personal number or a local residential address to incorporate, because the Commercial Register accepts a foreign passport for identification and a Bulgarian registered business address for the company.
Must the company director live in Bulgaria?
No, the company director does not have to live in Bulgaria, because Bulgarian law allows non-resident directors as long as the company maintains a valid registered address and meets its tax and reporting obligations.
Can the sole owner and the director be the same person?
Yes, the sole owner and the director can be the same person, because an EOOD structure permits one individual to hold all shares and manage the company, with payroll or social security arranged as needed.
Do I need sworn translations or an apostille for foreign-signed documents?
Yes, you need sworn translations or an apostille for foreign-signed documents, in order to ensure your power of attorney, corporate papers, and personal certificates are legally acceptable to Bulgarian authorities.
Can I convert my EOOD into an OOD or even a joint-stock company later?
Yes, you can convert your EOOD into an OOD or a joint-stock company later, because Bulgarian law allows transformations when your ownership structure or fundraising plans evolve.
