7 September 20262 min read
Norway combines 22% corporate tax with a dividend tax that grosses up to roughly 37.8%, plus a wealth tax and an exit tax. Here is how a Bulgarian EOOD compares in 2026.
Norway is not in the EU but is inside the EEA, so Norwegian founders can own and run an EU company without immigration friction. The tax difference is what drives most enquiries.
| Item | Norway (AS) | Bulgaria (EOOD) |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | 22% | 10% |
| Dividend tax (owner) | About 37.8% effective after the gross-up | 5% final |
| Wealth tax | Yes, on net worth including shares | None |
| Share capital | NOK 30,000 | BGN 2 (about EUR 1) |
| VAT (standard) | 25% | 20% |
Norway AS. 22% corporate tax leaves EUR 117,000. Distributing that triggers roughly 37.8% dividend tax, about EUR 44,200. Net: around EUR 72,800, an effective rate near 51.5%. The wealth tax then applies annually to what you keep.
Bulgaria EOOD. 10% plus 5% leaves about EUR 128,250, an effective 14.5%, with no wealth tax on the shares.
Test your own figures in the calculator.
Exit tax on shares. Norway taxes unrealised share gains when you emigrate, and recent tightening has removed much of the old deferral comfort. If your AS holds significant value, get Norwegian advice before you move anything.
Wealth tax while resident. As long as you are resident, your worldwide net wealth, including Bulgarian shares, sits in the Norwegian wealth tax base. Incorporating abroad does not remove it.
Effective management. A Bulgarian company managed from an Oslo kitchen table is a Norwegian company in substance. Board decisions, banking, accounting and contracting need to sit in Bulgaria. Read our substance and address guide.
Yes. There is no nationality or residence restriction on owning or directing a Bulgarian EOOD, and the EEA membership makes practical matters such as travel and document recognition straightforward.
Norway and Bulgaria have a double tax treaty, so the same income should not be taxed twice. What the treaty will not do is protect a company that is really managed from Norway.
Often yes, for Norwegian-facing work, with new international revenue running through the EOOD. Whether that is safe depends on transfer pricing between the two.
Passport, a signed power of attorney, and a few declarations. The full list is in the registration documents guide.
Want a straight answer for your situation? Book a free consultation.
We've helped 750+ EU founders. Setup in 5 business days, fully remote, English throughout.
A Belgian BV pays 25% corporate tax and 30% withholding on dividends, with heavy social contributions for company directors. A Bulgarian EOOD pays 10% and 5%. Full 2026 comparison, VVPRbis rules and what substance you need.
Read articleDenmark taxes company profit at 22% and dividends at up to 42%. Bulgaria charges 10% and 5%. Here is the full 2026 maths, the exit-tax rules, and what actually has to move.
Read articleBulgaria payroll in 2026: BGN 1,213 minimum wage, employer and employee contribution rates, worked net-pay examples, director options, and cross-border rules.
Read article