Starting a business in Bulgaria requires proper documentation and following a structured registration process. Understanding the necessary paperwork and legal requirements can help streamline the registration of your company and avoid unnecessary delays. Below, we outline the essential documents, registration steps, and key requirements for different types of business entities.
Essential Documents for Company Registration in Bulgaria
To register a new company in Bulgaria, you need to prepare and submit the following documents:
- Application for Company Registration – This is the official request submitted to the Bulgarian Commercial Register. It includes basic company details such as the company name, type, address, and management structure.
- Articles of Association (for Limited Liability Companies) or Statutes (for Joint-Stock Companies) – This document outlines the company’s structure, ownership details, and governance rules. You must notarize it if the company has more than one founder.
- Founding Act (for Sole-Owned Companies) – If the company has a single owner, a Founding Act replaces the Articles of Association.
- Specimen Signature (Specimen Declaration) – The signature sample of the company’s director(s) must be notarized.
- Declaration under Article 13 of the Commercial Register Act – This confirms that the company does not have any legal restrictions preventing its registration.
- Declaration under Article 142 of the Commercial Code – A mandatory statement by the director(s) confirming compliance with legal responsibilities.
- Proof of Address (Lease Agreement or Property Ownership Document) – The company must provide a valid address for official correspondence.
- Capital Deposit Certificate – You must deposit the minimum required share capital (usually 2 BGN) in a Bulgarian bank account for limited liability companies (OOD/EOOD). You must submit a certificate proving this.
- Power of Attorney (if applicable) – If someone else submits the documents on behalf of the founder(s), they must provide a notarized power of attorney.
- Tax Registration and VAT Declaration (if applicable) – You must file additional forms with the National Revenue Agency (NRA) if the company is registering for VAT.
Steps to Register a Company in Bulgaria
- Choose a Company Type – First, decide whether to register a Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company (OOD/EOOD), or a Joint-Stock Company (AD).
- Reserve a Company Name – Next, check the availability of your desired company name through the Bulgarian Commercial Register and reserve it.
- Prepare Required Documents – Then, draft and notarize all necessary registration documents.
- Deposit the Share Capital – If required, open a corporate bank account and deposit the minimum share capital.
- Submit Registration Application – After that, file all documents with the Bulgarian Commercial Register, along with the applicable fees.
- Obtain a Company Identification Number (UIC) – Once the registration is approved, the company receives a unique identification code.
- Register with the National Revenue Agency (NRA) – You must register the company for tax purposes within seven days of incorporation.
- Register for VAT (if necessary) – If the company meets the VAT registration threshold, it must submit a VAT application to the NRA.
- Register for Social Security and Payroll (if hiring employees) – Companies employing staff must register with the National Social Security Institute (NSSI).
Registering a company in Bulgaria is a straightforward process. It becomes even easier when you have all the necessary documents and follow the required steps. To ensure a smooth registration, it is important to comply with legal and tax obligations from the start. Moreover, seeking professional accounting and legal services can help simplify the process and ensure full compliance with Bulgarian regulations.
To learn about the registration of specific company types, read our Guide to Registering a Bulgarian EOOD Company.
English 
German