Are you a non-EU entrepreneur dreaming of tapping into the European market without the hassle of high taxes or endless paperwork? Bulgaria stands out as one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for company setup. With its straightforward process, rock-bottom 10% corporate tax rate, and full EU single-market access, thousands of foreigners register OOD (limited liability company with multiple owners) or EOOD (single-owner version) every year—all remotely, without stepping foot in the country.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know, step by step. Whether you’re a freelancer, digital nomad, or scaling a startup, we’ll cover the process, costs, pitfalls, and why Bulgaria beats alternatives like Estonia or Cyprus for many. No jargon, just practical advice from real experiences to help you decide and launch confidently.
What Makes OOD and EOOD Perfect for Non-Residents?
Imagine shielding your personal savings from business risks while enjoying EU-wide trade perks. That’s the power of OOD/EOOD structures.
- Limited Liability Protection: Your assets stay safe—creditors can only touch company funds, not your home or car.
- 100% Foreign Ownership: No Bulgarian residency or local partner required. US, UK, or Asian founders own fully.
- Ultra-Low Taxes: 10% flat corporate tax (among EU’s lowest), plus exemptions on dividends after 5% withholding for non-residents. No wealth or inheritance taxes.
- EU Gateway: Sell freely across 27 countries, use SEPA payments, and hire talent visa-free within Schengen rules.
EOOD suits solo operators like consultants or e-commerce sellers (one shareholder). OOD fits teams or investors (two+ shareholders). Minimum share capital? Just €1-€2, paid into a bank post-registration. Banks like UniCredit or DSK open remote accounts easily with your setup docs.
Compared to freelancers (lump-sum taxes up to 15%), OOD/EOOD deducts expenses like marketing or travel, slashing your effective rate.
Your 7-Step Remote Registration Roadmap
No travel needed—90% of foreigners use power of attorney (PoA) for pros to handle it. Total time: 3-14 days. Here’s how:
- Choose Your Structure: EOOD for you alone, OOD for partners. Draft Articles of Association (template provided by agents).
- Gather Docs: Passport copy, proof of address, notarized PoA (apostille if non-EU). Translate to Bulgarian (€50-€100).
- Reserve Name: Free online check via Commercial Register—pick something unique like “YourBusiness OOD”.
- Deposit Capital: Wire €2 to a temp notary account (refundable post-setup).
- Notarize & File: Agent submits e-electronically. Fees: €50 court, €100-€200 notary.
- Get Bulletin: Official gazette publishes your company (auto 2-3 days).
- Bank & VAT: Open corporate account (remote via video ID), apply for VAT if needed (threshold €25k turnover).
Pro tip: Bundle with a virtual office in Sofia (€25-€50/month) for legal address and mail scanning—essential for banks.
Honest Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay
Budget €800-€2,000 for turnkey setup. No surprises—transparent fees regulated by law.
Save by DIY-ing basics via registry.bg, but agents prevent 80% of errors. Ongoing accounting: €100/month basic, more for VAT filers.
4 Pitfalls That Trip Up 70% of New Founders (And How to Dodge Them)
From Reddit threads to lawyer blogs, these kill startups:
- Wrong Address: Use a real virtual office, not home—banks reject PO Boxes.
- VAT Oversight: EU sales? Register early to reclaim input VAT.
- Bank Delays: Pick digital-friendly banks; have clean docs ready.
- 2026 Compliance: New SAF-T reporting mandates digital invoices—agents automate this.
Real story: A US founder lost 2 weeks on bad PoA—fixed with pro help.
Why Bulgaria Wins for Remote Entrepreneurs in 2026
Low costs + EU perks = unbeatable. Scale to hire devs in Sofia (EU wages, half Western), ship via EU hubs, or drop-ship VAT-free. Post-Brexit UK firms flock here too.
Ready to Start? Your Free Next Steps
- Download our free checklist for OOD/EOOD docs.
- Book a 15-min call for personalized quote—€399 full setup option available.
- Email info@bulgaria-company-setup.com with your nationality/business type.
Launch your EU future today. Questions? We’re here to make it simple.
