Company formation in Bulgaria, a European jurisdiction with predictable rules, low administrative friction, and transparent taxation, remains a key priority for investors seeking operational stability. The local legal environment is made up of a structured framework entirely in line with the directives of the EU, which lays a very adaptable base for more conventional industries alike, such as the new ones dealing with digital assets. That being put into consideration, when the aspect of MiCA comes into play, additional space is created within this jurisdiction for work regarding virtual currencies and related financial services, which must be again standardized in their supervision.
Registration of a company in Bulgaria: Regulations
Bulgaria company formation and its functioning are ruled by the Commerce Act, supplemented with tax, accounting laws, and AML Act, for financial entities or crypto actors under a specific regulatory regime. The most recent reforms of the Commerce Act, effective as of now and setting up their regulatory provisions by September 2024, provide for multinational mechanisms, re-domiciliation within the EEA, and an orderly arrangement for spin-offs between entities established in different member states. These generally bring national legislation in line with EU Directive 2017/1132 on some specific features of legal forms of companies, thus enabling easy international mutual recognition of transformations and modernization of commercial register systems.
Entities that provide crypto-related activities are supposed to be regulated by the MiCA Regulation. Harmonized disclosure standards, prudential requirements, and consumer protection obligations are part of MiCA.
The national financial supervisors are going to act as the competent authorities in their countries, in this way ensuring that their procedures correspond to the standards set across the EU.
Advantages of registering a company in bulgaria
A key attraction of this jurisdiction is its predictable legal structure and harmonization with EU directives. The corporate tax environment is stable, and double taxation relief mechanisms are in place under multiple treaties. One of the most important fiscal advantages arises from the EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive. Under this framework, dividends distributed to entities domiciled within the EU or the EEA are generally exempt from withholding tax, provided that the parent holds at least 10% of the subsidiary’s capital. This measure supports intra-EU capital mobility and prevents double taxation of distributed profits.
Additionally, the reformed Commerce Act simplifies processes for equity restructuring, mergers, divisions, and multinational spin-offs.
Investors can consult the list of registered companies in Bulgaria available through the public Commercial Register, which ensures transparency and facilitates due diligence before partnerships or acquisitions.
Requirements for registration of a business (firm) in Bulgaria
Registration of a company for foreigners in Bulgaria is possible. There are no restrictions on capital origin within the EU or EEA. The minimum founding capital for limited liability structures remains low, ensuring accessibility for small and medium-scale undertakings. For joint-stock forms, higher capitalization and governance requirements apply, including a supervisory board where mandated.
Entities pursuing crypto-related activities under MiCA shall be mandated to produce additional documentation regarding the internal control systems, asset protection measures, and AML compliance. Depending on the activities to be undertaken, authorization from the FSC may also be necessary.
Key steps to become incorporated
Register company in Bulgaria by: drafting the founding act or memorandum, verifying name availability, depositing the initial capital in a domestic bank account, and filing the application with the Registry Agency. All necessary papers must be gathered. The process is fully harmonized with EU standards, allowing for transparency and rapid data verification through the interconnection of national registers.
Following entry into the commercial register, the entity must be registered for tax and social security purposes. For those intending to operate under MiCA, an additional authorization phase applies once the regulation is fully implemented. This will require submission of an operational plan, risk management policy, and technical documentation describing how client assets will be safeguarded.
How to register a company in Bulgaria online
- Gather and notarize all required documents;
- Obtain a QES. This is required to sign and submit all filings online legally;
- Deposit the minimum required capital in a Bulgarian bank and obtain a payment certificate;
- Complete the digital application, upload supporting documents, and sign electronically using your QES;
- Pay the required fee through e-banking or the Registry Agency portal;
- Register for tax, VAT, and social security, and seek additional authorization if operating under MiCA.
For existing entities, procedures for re registering a company in Bulgaria are also available through the same online registry.
Bulgaria company registration costs
The total administrative burden for registering a company in Bulgaria is comparatively low within the EU context. State fees for online submission are lower than those for paper-based filings. Banking and notary costs depend on the chosen structure and share capital. Accounting and legal service expenses vary, though a standard small-scale setup can be completed with moderate initial investment.
For entities seeking authorization under MiCA, additional costs will arise from compliance audits, IT security assessments, and legal consultation related to crypto-asset issuance or asset safekeeping services. These costs will depend on the scope of activity, the number of tokens managed, and the complexity of the operational model.
Significant considerations regarding company incorporation in Bulgaria
The reformed Commerce Act improves corporate mobility by allowing domestic entities to relocate their seat to another EU or EEA member state while preserving legal continuity. This mechanism enables efficient international restructuring without liquidation, provided both jurisdictions permit such transformations. The framework also introduces multinational spin-offs, allowing transfer of specific assets and liabilities to new entities abroad. These transactions take effect upon registration in both jurisdictions, with automatic recognition under EU law and monetary compensation available to dissenting shareholders.
The Registry Agency also allows existing entities to re register company in Bulgaria to ensure compliance with new legal frameworks or to update their corporate details as required.
Regarding taxation, the jurisdiction maintains a network of double taxation treaties. Profits repatriated to EU or EEA parent entities are normally exempt from withholding tax.
For entities engaged in crypto or fintech, compliance with MiCA will become mandatory once the regulation enters into force. Early adoption will provide a competitive advantage, as the authorization will automatically be recognized across the EU single market.
Our Services
Eternity Law International delivers comprehensive legal assistance for cross-border corporate structuring. Support covers every stage — from the initial setup to reorganization or liquidation. All required legal documents are prepared, and communication with relevant state authorities is handled on behalf of the client.
For investors seeking immediate market entry, pre-established entities with active bank accounts are available. Dedicated specialists assist clients in obtaining authorizations for operations in regulated sectors, including fintech, payment systems, cryptocurrency platforms, and gaming.
Conclusion
This jurisdiction offers a straightforward, well-structured, and modern legal environment, founded upon the EU framework. It has been developed to provide an effective and compliant location to set up and run European structures. The simplified procedures, transparent taxations, coupled with direct access to online incorporations, will make this far more available also to non-resident investors.
For business in Bulgaria focused on technology-driven sectors, including crypto and digital payments, the current regulatory evolution provides an opportunity to secure early compliance and operational legitimacy under the future EU standard.
FAQ
How to register a company in Bulgaria?
Company incorporation Bulgaria requires preparing incorporation papers, depositing the minimum share capital in a local bank, and submitting an electronic application to the Commercial Register. Once entered into the register, the entity obtains full legal standing and may start operations. The entire process can be completed remotely through an authorized representative using a qualified electronic signature.
What is the LLC equivalent in Bulgaria?
The equivalent of is the OOD (in Bulgarian:
“Druzhestvo s Ogranichena Otgovornost”). It is a flexible legal form suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises, allowing one or several participants and requiring a low minimum capital contribution.
What is EOOD in Bulgaria?
It stands for “Ednolichno Druzhestvo s Ogranichena Otgovornost” — a single-member limited liability entity. It has the same structure and responsibilities as an OOD but with only one owner who holds 100% of the capital and acts as the sole decision-maker.