Company incorporation in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a member state of the European Union, which, due to its convenient geographic location and simple taxation system, is a favorable jurisdiction for business entering in the EU market and carrying out investment activities.

Company incorporation in Bulgaria is a quite profitable solution for starting a business in the EU: convenient location, low tax rates and favorable legislation

Starting a business in Bulgaria: advantages and special features

By choosing Bulgaria company registration, you get the following benefits:

  • A company in a jurisdiction with a high reputation without the status of an offshore zone;.National treatment of the company.
  • Relatively low costs for company registration and annual maintenance.
  • Minimum corporate tax rate for EU countries is 10% of profits.
  • Tax rate on dividends is 5%, outgoing dividends to EU countries is 0%.
  • VAT rate is 20%. Companies with an annual turnover of more than BGN 50,000 (approximately EUR 25,500) are required to register as VAT payers.
  • Avoidance of double taxation with a large number of countries.
  • Opportunity to keep accounting records in accordance with IFRS.
  • Opportunity to legally conduct a gambling business, including online.

You can conduct business in Bulgaria in the following organizational and legal forms:

  • Private Entrepreneur;
  • Joint Stock Company;
  • Limited Liability Company with several Shareholders (OOD);
  • Limited Liability Company with one Shareholder (EOOD).

What is EOOD Bulgaria?

The most common form of company incorporation in Bulgaria is Limited Liability Company, usually with one Shareholder (EOOD).

Features of Limited Liability Company in Bulgaria:

  • A shareholder can be one (EOOD) or several (OOD).
  • The sole shareholder can be the sole director.
  • A shareholder can be an individual or a legal entity, a director – only an individual.
  • A secretary presence is required.
  • There is no requirement for residency of a shareholder, director and secretary.
  • Minimum authorized capital is BGN 2 (EUR 1).
  • Information about shareholders, beneficiaries and directors is publicly available in the public Register.
  • A legal address in Bulgaria is required. It is possible to use a real office or a legal address service.
  • Keeping accounting records is obligatory.

Features of registering an IT company in Bulgaria

Company registration in Bulgaria includes the following stages:

  • Choice of name, check in the Companies Register for the presence of an identical or similar name to the extent of confusion.
  • Preparation of a package of documents.
  • Payment of registration fees and charges.
  • Registration in the Register.

Which documents are required for company registration?

What do you need for a company registration in Bulgaria:

  • Unique name (preferably 3 options);
  • Scanned copy of passport and confirmation of the address of beneficiary/shareholder/director.

How much does it cost to set up a company in Bulgaria?

The cost of the Bulgaria company registration may differ depending on the number of founders, the promptness of the provision of the service, company type etc. Also, one of the possible options is to buy a company in Bulgaria: in this case, the price will also differ on the basis of actual circumstances (company debt, its credit history, etc.)

It is worth not to forget about annual operational costs which are approximately from 600 to 1000 EUR, however they always have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Tax law

For company registration, Bulgaria is a very attractive jurisdiction. Companies are subject to a 10% corporate income tax . The costs incurred by a legal entity upon receipt of income are deducted from the taxable amount.

For the purposes of taxation of Bulgaria residents, all revenues received by a legal entity are taken into account. If you are non-resident in Bulgaria, only revenues received in Bulgaria are taken into account.

VAT rate is 20%. The reduced rate is 9%, it is applicable for hotels and owners giving their property for rent. VAT rate 0% is applicable to businesses that are engaged in Bulgarian exports and international transport services.

It should be noted that the companies with an annual turnover of less than 50,000 BGN are exempt from VAT.

Assistance of VigoLex lawyers in registering business in Bulgaria

VigoLex works closely with Bulgaria and knows the advantages and disadvantages of this country, so we can provide clients with comprehensive information and help them to start or structure an existing business in this country. Our experts will advise you on the following matters:

  • How to open a company in Bulgaria?
  • How much does it cost to own a company in Bulgaria?
  • How much does it cost to buy a company in Bulgaria?

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