Introduction
You’re a non-EU entrepreneur dreaming of EU market access, low taxes, and residency without golden visa millions. In 2026, Bulgaria’s updated Foreigners Act makes it easier to pair company formation with long-term residency via Type D visas and renewable permits—often in weeks, remotely. Discover how EOOD setups, TROs, and new digital nomad ties unlock this path amid Schengen integration.
Bulgaria’s 2026 Residency Landscape
Bulgaria fully joined Schengen in 2025, boosting appeal for business visas. The Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (amended June 2025) prioritizes economic contributions: visas now demand verifiable activity like turnover or hires. Key shifts include stricter TRO proofs but faster digital processing at the Commercial Register and Migration Directorate. Non-EU citizens gain 1-year renewable residence, extendable to permanent after 5 years, then citizenship with language test.
Why Pair Business with Residency?
A Bulgarian company proves “self-employment” or “investment,” bypassing job seeker visas. Benefits: 10% flat corp tax, no wealth tax, double-tax treaties with 70+ countries. Residency grants family inclusion, healthcare access, and EU travel. In 2026, rules favor active firms—idle ones risk denial. Remote setup suits US/UK/Asian founders eyeing EU banking via SEPA.
Primary Pathways for 2026
EOOD Company Formation + Residency
EOOD (single-member LLC) is foreigner-friendly: 100% ownership, €2 min capital, remote via PoA. Qualifies for D visa if employing 10 Bulgarians in 6 months or investing €25,000+.
- Pros: Full control, scalable to LTD, VAT reclaimable.
- Cons: Hire quota scrutiny post-2025.
Trade Representative Office (TRO)
Ideal for testing: No full entity, just office for promotion. 2026 requires €50,000 turnover x2 years (Chamber certified), max 2 reps.
- Pros: Low setup (€500), quick visa.
- Cons: No sales allowed initially.
Digital Nomad Visa + Local Tie-In
New 2025 launch: 6-12 months for remote earners (€3,500/mo proof). Extend by forming EOOD for “business activity.”
- Pros: No local income needed first.
- Cons: Non-renewable without upgrade.
Step-by-Step: Company Setup + Visa Application
- Prep Docs: Passport (apostille), business plan, proof of funds (€550/mo/person).
- Form Company Remotely: PoA to lawyer; name reserve, capital bank (UniCredit Bulbank supports non-residents), register online (3 days, €150).
- Get Registered Address: Virtual office (€50/mo) or lease; notary consent.
- Apply D Visa: Bulgarian embassy/consulate; submit articles, bank statement, insurance. Approval 15-60 days.
- Enter & Residence: Within 90 days, Migration Directorate app (€300 fee); interview on business intent.
- Comply & Renew: Annual tax filing (10%), activity report (invoices/hires). Renew yearly.
Pro Tip: Use platforms like jobs.bg for hires; integrate Stripe/PayPal post-setup for EU sales.
Costs Breakdown (2026 Estimates)
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid
- Inactive Company: Migration flags zero turnover—invoice services or hire part-time.
- Doc Errors: Apostille everything non-English; use certified translators.
- Bank Delays: Choose DSK/UniCredit; provide source-of-funds letter.
- 2026 Turnover Hike: TROs now need Chamber audit—plan sales early.
Real founder story: A UK techie formed EOOD remotely, hired 12 via Upwork locals, got 2-year residence by Q1 2026.
Long-Term Roadmap
Year 1: Setup + initial residence. Year 2-5: Scale ops, hit permanent threshold (continuous stay, no crimes). Post-5: Citizenship app (B1 Bulgarian, integration test). EU passport follows, with full mobility.
Bulgaria’s Edge in 2026
10% tax vs. 20-30% EU average; Varna/Sofia hubs rival Tallinn. Post-Schengen, freight/passenger ease rivals Estonia. Tech visa pilots eyed for AI/green startups.
