Relocating to Bulgaria as an EU Founder: 2026 Checklist

Why physical relocation matters

Incorporating in Bulgaria gives you the 10% corporate rate. But to also benefit from the 10% flat personal income tax and 5% dividend tax as a tax resident, you need to actually move. EU citizens have the legal right to do so without a visa — but there is paperwork.

Step 1 — Address & residency certificate

• Sign a rental contract (or buy property)
• Register your address at the local municipality
• Apply for a 5-year EU residence certificate at the Migration Directorate (cost: ~EUR 3)

Step 2 — Personal ID number (LNCh / EGN)

You'll receive a personal number for foreigners (LNCh) with your residence certificate. It unlocks banking, tax registration, healthcare, and contracts.

Step 3 — Bank account

Bring: passport, residence certificate, proof of address, and proof of income source. Allow 2-4 weeks for opening as a non-Bulgarian — banks have tightened onboarding since 2023.

Step 4 — Tax residency

You become a Bulgarian tax resident if any of:

• You spend more than 183 days per calendar year in Bulgaria
• Your centre of vital interests is in Bulgaria
• Your permanent address is in Bulgaria

File a tax residency certificate request at the NRA once conditions are met. This is the document you'll show your old country to exit their tax net.

Step 5 — Exit your old jurisdiction properly

This is where most founders make expensive mistakes:

• Germany: file Wegzugsbesteuerung; beware exit tax on shareholdings >1%
• France: file form 2074-ETD; exit tax above EUR 800k
• Netherlands: deregister at the gemeente; conserveerende aanslag may apply
• Spain: 183-day rule plus economic-interests test; modelo 030

Always get written advice from a tax adviser in your departing country — Bulgarian advisers cannot opine on foreign exit rules.

Step 6 — Healthcare

Once registered, you pay 8% health contribution on a minimum base (currently ~EUR 510/month for self-insured). EU citizens can also use S1 / EHIC arrangements during transition.

Realistic timeline

Week	Milestone
1-2	Rental, address registration
2-4	Residence certificate, LNCh
3-6	Bank account, company setup
6-12	Tax residency consolidation

Bottom line

A clean relocation to Bulgaria takes 2-3 months of focused effort. The combined corporate + personal + dividend tax burden of ~15% is hard to match anywhere else in the EU.