Yes, foreigners can open a company in Bulgaria without residency or visiting the country. Under 2026 rules, non-EU citizens enjoy full ownership rights with remote setup options via power of attorney.
Bulgaria’s business-friendly laws make it a top EU choice for entrepreneurs seeking low taxes and easy access. This guide covers everything from requirements to steps, optimized for searches like “company formation Bulgaria non-resident” and “open Bulgarian company remotely 2026”.
Why Choose Bulgaria for Company Setup?
Bulgaria offers a flat 10% corporate tax rate, one of Europe’s lowest, with no restrictions on foreign ownership. Non-residents benefit from EU market access, double taxation treaties with over 70 countries, and minimal capital needs— just 2 BGN (~€1) for an EOOD (single-member LLC).
In 2026, remote registration via the Commercial Register portal has streamlined further, processing applications in 3 business days online. No local partner or residency permit is needed, unlike stricter rules in neighboring Romania or Hungary. This draws US, UK, and Asian investors eyeing VAT advantages (threshold now €51,130 turnover).
Virtual offices cost €50-100/month, providing a compliant address without physical presence. Post-setup, manage everything digitally—tax filings, banking, and invoicing—ideal for digital nomads or holding companies.
Who Qualifies as a Foreigner?
EU/EEA citizens face zero barriers, treated as locals for registration. Non-EU foreigners (US, UK, India, etc.) can own 100% of shares without residency, visas, or Bulgarian bank accounts pre-setup.
Key distinction: Company directors don’t need residency, but if you’ll work in Bulgaria >6 months, a Type D visa or permit applies separately. For passive ownership or remote ops, no immigration hurdles exist. Over 15,000 foreign-owned firms registered last year prove accessibility.
Step-by-Step Remote Company Formation (2026)
Follow these 7 steps to register remotely—no travel required. Total time: 5-10 days; cost: €300-800 with agents.
- Choose Structure: EOOD (sole owner) or OOD (multi-member LLC) suits most foreigners. AD (joint-stock) for larger ventures.
- Secure Address: Rent a virtual office or use agent’s (mandatory for registry).
- Prepare Docs: Notarized articles of association (template online), passport copies (apostilled), specimen signature, capital proof (bank letter), manager declaration.
- Grant Power of Attorney (PoA): Notarize PoA to a Bulgarian lawyer/agent for filings (costs €100-200).
- Deposit Capital: Agent opens Bulgarian bank account, deposits minimal capital.
- File Electronically: Submit via registryagency.bg (55 BGN fee). Approved in 3 days; get Bulstat number instantly.
- Post-Registration: VAT/tax ID auto-issued; open corporate bank account remotely with docs.
Agents like those at sofiaoffices.com handle end-to-end for €500, including translations.
Required Documents for Non-Residents
Gather these, legalized if from abroad:
| Document | Details | Non-EU Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Association | Company name, activity (NACE codes), capital, address | Bilingual BG/EN; notarized |
| ID/Passport | Founder(s) and manager copies | Apostille + translation |
| Specimen Signature | Certified sample | Via embassy or notary |
| Capital Proof | Bank certificate (≥2 BGN) | Any currency, converted |
| No-Obstacle Declaration | No bankruptcy/criminal record | Self-declare or certified |
| PoA | For agent | Notarized, apostilled |
| Address Lease | Virtual office contract | Must be physical site |
All uploadable digitally in 2026 portal—no originals needed initially.
2026 Legal Updates and Changes
No new residency mandates; remote PoA filings expanded post-2025 digital reforms. VAT threshold doubled to €51,130, easing compliance for startups. Stricter AML checks on banks mean extra KYC (business plan, source of funds)—prepare ahead.
Commercial Register now integrates e-signatures for foreigners via qualified providers (e.g., EU trusted lists). Brexit UK citizens: Same as non-EU, no changes.
Costs Breakdown (2026 Estimates)
| Item | Cost (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | 55 | Online |
| Notary/Legal Fees | 150-300 | PoA, docs |
| Virtual Address | 50-150/yr | Annual |
| Agent Service | 300-600 | Full remote |
| Capital | 1+ | Refundable |
| Bank Setup | 0-50 | Varies |
| Total | 500-1200 | DIY cheaper |
Compare to Estonia (€2000+) or Cyprus (€3000+): Bulgaria wins on price.
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Bank Accounts: Some banks reject non-residents; use Revolut Business or agents for intros.
- Translations: All foreign docs need certified BG translations (€50/doc).
- Name Approval: Check availability free on registry portal; avoid restricted words.
- Taxes: 10% corporate; dividends 5% if non-resident. File quarterly if VAT-registered.
Pro Tip: Start with EOOD for simplicity; convert later tax-free.
Benefits Beyond Setup
Once registered, leverage Schengen access for business travel (no visa for short stays), EU grants, and .bg domain for SEO. Non-residents report 40% savings vs. home countries. Scale to e-commerce or IT services seamlessly.
FAQs: Foreigners & Bulgarian Companies
Do I need a Bulgarian visa to own a company? No, ownership is separate from visas.
