13 August 2026
Company Types in Bulgaria
Compare the business entities in Bulgaria, from the OOD and joint stock company to sole traders, partnerships and liaison offices, before you register.
Would you like to set up a company in Bulgaria and need to know about the existing types of entities? This article is for you! Please explore this page, then ask our Bulgarian agents for assistance.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of companies available in Bulgaria | – limited liability companies, – partnerships, – joint stock companies, – branches, – subsidiaries, etc. |
The most common type of business structure in Bulgaria | LLC (OOD in the Bulgarian language) |
Legislation | Bulgarian Commercial Law |
| Minimum share capital for LLC | EUR 1 |
| Minimum share capital for a joint stock company in Bulgaria | EUR 25,000 |
| Legal representative required | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| The most important document for company formation in Bulgaria | Articles of Association |
| Can I open a liaison office in Bulgaria? (YES/NO) | YES |
| Shelf companies available in Bulgaria (YES/NO) | YES |
| Partnerships available in Bulgaria | General or limited partnerships available |
| Sole trader in Bulgaria | Formed by a single entrepreneur, fully liable for the company’s debts |
| Tax registration required (YES/NO) | YES |
| Business license needed in Bulgaria | Depending on the activities. Our Bulgarian agents can assist in this endeavor. |
| Accounting services for companies in Bulgaria | – bookkeeping, – payroll, – audits, – annual financial – statements, etc. |
| How can our local agents in Bulgaria help you? | They offer support for company formation with: – preparing the documents, – registering for taxation, – applying for a business license, – registering with the relevant authorities, and more. |
| Company registration is done with | Bulgarian Trade Register |
Managing director for an OOD (LLC) in Bulgaria | Can be a natural person |
General partnerships in Bulgaria | Can be formed by 2 or more members with unlimited liabilities |
| Limited partnerships in Bulgaria | The silent partner has limited liability for capital contribution. |
| Characteristics of joint ventures in Bulgaria | – great for business projects/specific activities, defined as “consortium” by the Commercial Code in Bulgaria, – partners are liable to the capital contribution, – no specific approvals required |
| Holding company formation in Bulgaria | A holding company can be a limited liability company, a joint-stock company, or a partnership limited by shares. |
| Single-person JSC | Can be formed by one legal or natural person with a minimum share capital of EUR 25,000. |
| Suitable business entities for startups in Bulgaria | LLC and sole trader |
| Protection of company members/shareholders in Bulgaria | Mentioned by Article 71 of the Bulgarian Commercial Code |
| Virtual office packages | Available for local and foreign investors deciding to open companies in Bulgaria without renting an office. Cost-effective solution compared to a traditional office. |
| Tax representative/fiscal agent | We provide complete services for tax-related matters linked to company formation. |
| Company seal | Our legal representative can help business owners obtain the company seal. |
| Extra services we offer for company formation in Bulgaria | – office rental, – business address, – company secretary, – immigration-related services, etc. |
| Foreign employees for Bulgarian companies | EU/EEA citizens can be hired freely; non-EU staff need a work permit (single permit or EU Blue Card). |
| Great cities for doing business in Bulgaria | – Sofia, – Plovdiv, – Varna, – Burgas, etc. |
What types of companies are available in Bulgaria?
- Limited liability company (OOD in Bulgaria),
- Joint stock company (AD),
- Sole proprietorship,
- General & limited partnership,
- Branch,
- Subsidiary, etc.
What is the most popular business entity in Bulgaria?
The limited liability company – OOD in Bulgaria.
What is the minimum share capital for an OOD in Bulgaria in 2026?
EUR 1.
Here is an infographic with details about the available companies to set up in Bulgaria:
Who can set up sole proprietorships in Bulgaria?
Any foreign or local entrepreneur who wants to start a business on his/her own.
What is the minimum share capital for joint stock companies in Bulgaria?
EUR 25,000.
What are the solicited documents for company formation in Bulgaria?
- Articles of Association,
- Proof of registered business address,
- Minutes of the founding meeting,
- Specimen signature,
- Proof of deposited capital,
- Declaration of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO),
- Copies of IDs/passports of shareholders & directors,
- Power of Attorney in a notarized form to act on behalf of clients in Bulgaria or for those opening a company remotely.
What are the main features of LLCs in Bulgaria?
- Low initial capital,
- Flexibility,
- Fast incorporation,
- Can be managed by at least one director,
- Favorable tax regime, etc.
Are shelf companies available in Bulgaria?
Yes, these are ready-made companies. Read here about these entities.
Below is a video presentation about the company types available in Bulgaria:
Can I set up a liaison office in Bulgaria?
Yes, this is also known as a representative office.
Where do I register a firm in Bulgaria?
At the Bulgarian Trade Register – Commercial Register and Register of Non-Profit Legal Entities (CRRNPLE).
Are joint ventures available in Bulgaria?
Yes. These can be set up as LLCs or JSCs.
What is a general partnership in Bulgaria?
- a business entity that can be formed by two or more individuals or entities,
- all partners involved carry unlimited liability,
- there is no minimum share capital required,
- each partner can deal with the daily management.
Can I open a startup in Bulgaria?
Absolutely. Once you choose the optimal business structure, our Bulgarian specialists will help you with the incorporation procedures.
What are the conditions to open a branch in Bulgaria?
We have an article here on this subject.
Do you offer assistance in opening a subsidiary in Bulgaria?
Yes, please read here.
Are holding companies available in Bulgaria?
Sure! Read the info here.
How can foreign businessmen choose the optimal type of company in Bulgaria?
Considering:
- Asset protection,
- Flexibility,
- Business projects,
- Business risks,
- Capital,
- Administration costs, etc.
What is the timeframe to open a company in Bulgaria?
About 1 week.
What is the taxation of companies in Bulgaria?
- 10% corporate income tax,
- 15% effective tax rate for companies with annual revenues exceeding EUR 750 million,
- 5% dividend tax.
- 0% VAT tax rate, etc.
Do you provide complete company formation services in Bulgaria?
Yes, considering each customer’s business needs.
We invite you to learn more about the types of companies available in Bulgaria by contacting our local specialists.
If you need a shelf company in another country, such as Latvia, we can connect you with our local partners.