How to Change Your Company’s Address in Bulgaria?

Changing the company’s address in the Commercial Register is an important step for any business that relocates its main operations. You must carry out this administrative procedure correctly to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Changing the company’s address in the Commercial Register is necessary for both physical and legal entities that wish to update their location details.

Here are the documents you need for the change:

To change the company’s address in the Commercial Register, you will need to prepare several key documents. These include:

Application for Address Change

The application for changing the company’s address is the key document to submit to the Commercial Register. You must complete it accurately to update the company’s records, specifying both the old and new address. Ensure the new address matches the business’s operating location and declare that you have notified relevant institutions, such as tax authorities and local municipalities. The application should be signed by the company’s authorized representative and filled out according to the Commercial Register’s requirements.

Minutes from the General Meeting of Shareholders/Partners

If your company is an LLC or JSC, you must hold a general meeting of shareholders or partners to approve significant changes, like altering the company’s address. The minutes must be drafted, signed, and include the decision and new address. All shareholders or partners present must sign the minutes, which should be attached to the application for the address change. Sole proprietorships or other businesses without formal meetings may not need to complete this step.

Valid Document Confirming the Right to Use the New Address

A critical document required for changing the company address is proof that the company has the legal right to use the new location for its operations. This document can take several forms, depending on the nature of the arrangement with the new property. The most common documents include a lease agreement (if the company is renting the new premises) or a property ownership certificate. Additionally, you may need to provide an official statement from the property owner granting permission for the business to operate at the specified address. This document proves that the company is legally authorized to use the new address for business purposes. To ensure its authenticity, it must be submitted in its original form or as a notarized copy.

Certificate of Current Status

A Certificate of Current Status is a document issued by the Commercial Register that confirms the company’s registration and provides information about its legal standing. It serves as a formal verification that the company is active. It confirms there are no unresolved issues that would affect its ability to proceed with the address change. This certificate may include details such as the company’s name, registration number, business activities, and the names of its management. The document should be recent, typically dated within a few months of submission. This ensures that the information it contains is up to date. This certificate is necessary to show that the company is in good standing. It confirms that there are no other factors, such as legal disputes or pending obligations, that could complicate the address change process.

Signature of the Company’s Manager on the Application for Change

The company’s authorized representative, usually the manager or CEO, must sign the application form for the address change, as per the company’s founding documents. The signature affirms that the individual signing the document has the legal authority to act on behalf of the company. It also shows their agreement to the requested changes. This step is essential because it ensures that the company’s governing body has formally authorized the address change. It also makes the document legally binding. In cases where the company has multiple managers or directors, it may be necessary for all of them to sign the application. Alternatively, a special authorization can be provided if only one manager is acting on behalf of the company.

How Long Does the Change Take?

You can expect the procedure for changing the address in the Commercial Register to take between 3 to 7 business days once you submit and process all the required documents. If there are additional requests or incorrect document submissions, it may take longer. If the general meeting of shareholders or partners needs to approve the change, this will also add more time to the process.

Once you complete the address change in the Commercial Register, you will receive an updated registration certificate. This certificate will confirm that the company’s details have been updated.

How Does Changing the Address Affect the Business?

Changing the company’s address can have various effects on the business. Here are some important aspects to consider:

• Possible Tax and Legal Implications – Changing the address may have tax implications, especially if the new address is in a different tax district or municipality. This may lead to changes in tax obligations and the need to notify the National Revenue Agency (NRA) or other state authorities.
• Changes in Contracts with Suppliers and Clients – The new address may require reviewing contracts with suppliers, clients, and other counterparties. You may need to update the address on invoices, service agreements, lease agreements, and other legal documents.
• Changes in Business Communication and Marketing – After changing the company’s address, it is important to notify all relevant parties, including clients, suppliers, and your partners in marketing campaigns. You will need to update the address on your website, social media profiles, and all advertising materials to avoid confusion.
• New Conditions for the Business Location – Changing the address may bring new opportunities or challenges related to the business location. For example, the new office may be closer to your target audience or provide better conditions for growth, but it may also increase rent or other associated costs.
• Re-registration of the New Address with Other Institutions – If the company is registered with other institutions (e.g., for licensing or social security), you must notify them. This ensures that all relevant entities are informed about the address change. This may include health and social insurance, the National Revenue Agency, and other regulatory bodies.

Conclusion

Changing the company’s address in the Commercial Register is a relatively simple procedure. However, it requires attention to detail and timely preparation of the necessary documents. You should be diligent when preparing the documents and notify all partners and institutions that might be affected by the change.Although the change can take only a few days, it can have a significant impact on the business. It may affect tax obligations, contracts, and communication with clients and partners.

For more detailed company registration guides, check out How to Register a Company in Bulgaria: Key Documents & Steps.