3 June 2026
Establish a Branch in Bulgaria
How to open a branch in Bulgaria and the main characteristics of this type of company, helped by one of our company formation agents in Bulgaria.
The establishment of a branch in Bulgaria will permit a foreign firm to engage in business operations within the territory of Bulgaria. Unlike the formation of a new business, the branch will be regarded as an extension of the parent firm, which means that this is fully responsible for its operations within Bulgaria.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable legislation | For foreign countries |
Best used for | – banking, – insurance, – financial activities, – specific projects |
Minimum share capital | No |
| Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) | Around 2 months |
| Management | Local |
| Legal representative required | Yes |
| Local bank account | Yes |
| Independence from the parent company | Dependent on the parent company |
| Liability of the parent company | Full liability on the branch office's debt and obligations |
| Corporate tax rate | 10% |
| Possibility of hiring local staff | Yes |
How can I register a branch in Bulgaria in 2026?
A branch opened in Bulgaria must be registered in the Commercial Registry before starting any type of activity. The registration must be performed by the foreign company’s representative or by an appointed lawyer, vested with a power of attorney. Here are a few requirements to consider at the time you want to open a branch in Bulgaria in 2026:
- After opening a bank account, certain documents must be prepared by the foreign parent company for registration;
- The Articles of Association and the Memorandum of Association must be elaborated in Bulgarian; if not, these must be authorized in Bulgarian translation;
- The certificate of registration of the foreign company is necessary;
- The decision of opening a branch, the decision of appointing the representative and the registration of an office address are also needed,
- The certificate of good standing regarding the foreign company’s activities, and the previous year’s balance sheet are needed at the time of branch registration.
Who can establish a branch in Bulgaria?
Any legal entity from another country can establish its branch in Bulgaria. It is sufficient that the parent organization is officially registered in its place of residence and conducting business activity. The branch itself is not a legal entity, and therefore, it acts on behalf of the parent company.
What are the documents needed to establish a branch in Bulgaria?
In order to register a branch in Bulgaria, the parent company must submit various documents confirming its legal capacity and the desire to expand its presence. In the vast majority of cases, the following documents will be required:
- A certificate of registration of the parent company;
- Articles of Association;
- Resolution or decision on establishing a branch;
- Power of attorney;
- Signature specimen of the designated person.
It is necessary to translate all documents into the Bulgarian language. Depending on their origin, they may additionally be legalized and apostilled to be accepted by the Bulgarian Commercial Register.
What is the registration time frame?
The process of registration is quite effective and convenient for businesses. Upon submitting all relevant documents to the Commercial Register of Bulgaria, the registration of a branch office usually takes just a few working days. The only possible delay can arise from insufficient paperwork.
Below you can find a useful infographic on the steps for opening a branch in Bulgaria:
How the taxation of a Bulgarian branch works?
A branch must pay the same taxes as the local companies and must submit the financial accounts every year. The VAT returns must be submitted every month. The liability for branches’ actions is owned by the parent company. Moreover, the representatives are liable for the branch’s tax debts, and the balance sheet of the parent company must be published in the Commercial Register (Registry Agency), having the same fiscal obligation as the parent company or any Bulgarian company. Any public act of the branch must first receive the authorization of the foreign company.
You are invited to watch the following video presentation about branches in Bulgaria:
What are the requirements for non-EU investors in Bulgaria in 2026?
Establishing a branch in Bulgaria as a foreign investor from a non-EU country is subject to varied conditions, and among these is the application for a short-stay visa in Bulgaria. Opening a branch by a business person from a country outside the EU does not involve hiring of local staff. The invitation letter and all the documentation for Bulgarian visas for entrepreneurs can be prepared with the help of our team of company formation agents in Bulgaria.
FAQ about branches in Bulgaria
No, there is no requirement regarding the minimum share capital for branches in Bulgaria. A branch in Bulgaria is not a separate legal entity, unlike a limited liability company, the most suitable business structure available in Bulgaria.
Yes, a local representative is needed for a branch in Bulgaria. He or she will have to represent the company from a legal point of view and take care of important aspects and activities in the firm.
Yes, registration for tax purposes is a mandatory request for any kind of business in Bulgaria, including for branches. The corporate income tax and the VAT are two important taxes to pay attention to when opening a branch in Bulgaria. We remind you that the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency is the authority in charge of VAT registration for branches in Bulgaria.
The financial accounts and the VAT returns, plus the balance sheets, need to be deposited on a monthly and yearly basis, respectively. There are different fiscal obligations that can be taken care of by an accounting firm in Bulgaria.
Yes, it is possible to open more than just one branch in Bulgaria, as the legislation allows. The registration of another branch in Bulgaria is the same as the first one, without complications.
Yes, foreign and local entrepreneurs can decide on virtual offices instead of traditional ones for their businesses. A virtual office package in Bulgaria can be easily purchased.
Branches established in Bulgaria have the same financial obligations as the parent company. A series of documents must be submitted to the financial authorities in the country.
Yes, if you respect the business and company formation conditions imposed, you can open a branch in Bulgaria without complications.
For professional support on establishing a branch in Bulgaria and meeting the necessary requirements, do not hesitate to contact us. We can also help you with opening a business in Bulgaria.