Rebranding? Pivoting? Or simply outgrown your original name? Changing a company name in Bulgaria is one of the simplest amendments you can make to your corporate registration. No notary required, no ownership changes, no capital adjustments. The entire process takes 1-3 business days through the Trade Registry, and your EIK (company number) stays exactly the same. This guide covers every step: the documents you need, what it costs, how the filing works, and what you must update after the name change is registered.
When to Change Your Company Name
A company name change is a formal amendment to the Trade Registry, not a casual update. Here are the most common reasons businesses in Bulgaria file for a name change.
- Rebranding: Your company has evolved and the original name no longer reflects your market positioning, service offering, or target audience. This is especially common for startups that pivot from their initial concept.
- Mergers and acquisitions: After acquiring a company or merging operations, the combined entity may need a new name that represents the merged brand. For more on this topic, see our guide on registering a company in Bulgaria as an EU citizen.
- Legal requirement: The Trade Registry may require a name change if your current name is found to be confusingly similar to a later-filed trademark, or if it contains misleading information about the company's activities.
- Internationalization: Companies expanding beyond Bulgaria often want a name that works better in international markets. Since company names must be registered in Cyrillic but can optionally include a Latin-script version, some businesses add or update their Latin transliteration.
- Partner changes: If the company name includes a former partner's name and that partner has departed, a name change is the clean solution.
Step-by-Step Process
Changing a company name in Bulgaria follows a clear five-step process. The entire procedure is straightforward because, unlike ownership transfers or capital changes, a name change does not require notarization.
- Check name availability. Before anything else, search the Trade Registry portal to verify that your desired name is not already taken. The name must be unique — the Trade Registry will reject any name that is identical or confusingly similar to an existing registered company. Search using the Cyrillic version of the name, as that is the primary registration. This step is free and takes minutes.
- Adopt the sole owner decision (EOOD) or General Assembly resolution (OOD). For an EOOD (single-member LLC), the sole owner issues a written decision to change the company name. For an OOD (multi-member LLC), the General Assembly must pass a resolution approving the name change — this requires a majority vote as specified in the Company Agreement. Neither document requires notarization. The decision or resolution must state the old name, the new name, and authorize the amendment of the Founding Act.
- Amend the Founding Act (or Company Agreement). The company's Founding Act (for an EOOD) or Company Agreement (for an OOD) must be updated to reflect the new name. Your lawyer prepares the amended document. For an EOOD, the amended Founding Act does not require notarization — a simple written form signed by the sole owner is sufficient. For an OOD, the same applies: the amendment does not need notarization for a name change (notarization of the Company Agreement is only required at initial incorporation).
- Prepare the filing documents. Your lawyer prepares: (1) Application Form A4 for the Trade Registry, (2) the sole owner decision or GA minutes, (3) the amended Founding Act or Company Agreement, and (4) a declaration of true circumstances (standard Trade Registry declaration attesting that the submitted information is accurate). The state fee is paid — EUR 15 for electronic filing or EUR 30 for paper filing.
- File with the Trade Registry. Your lawyer submits the application electronically using a qualified electronic signature (KEP). Electronic filing is the standard approach — it is faster, cheaper, and allows real-time status tracking through the Trade Registry portal. The registrar reviews the application and, if everything is in order, registers the name change within 1-3 business days. The new name immediately appears in the public Trade Registry database.
KEP requirement: Electronic filing with the Trade Registry requires a qualified electronic signature (KEP). Your lawyer uses their own KEP to file on your behalf. You do not need to obtain a KEP personally for this amendment. If your lawyer already holds a Power of Attorney covering corporate amendments, the entire process can be completed remotely without your presence in Bulgaria.
Documents You Need
A name change requires fewer documents than initial company registration. Here is the complete list.
| # | Document | Notarization | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sole owner decision / GA minutes | Not required | Written decision (EOOD) or General Assembly resolution (OOD) approving the name change and authorizing the Founding Act amendment |
| 2 | Amended Founding Act / Company Agreement | Not required | Updated to reflect the new company name. Must be a complete, current version with all other clauses intact |
| 3 | Application Form A4 | Not required | Standard Trade Registry form for registering changes to an existing company. Completed in Bulgarian |
| 4 | Declaration of true circumstances | Not required | Standard declaration under the Commercial Register Act attesting that the submitted information is accurate |
| 5 | State fee payment | N/A | EUR 15 electronic / EUR 30 paper. Payment receipt or electronic payment confirmation attached to the application |
No notary needed: Unlike ownership transfers (which require notarized share sale contracts) or initial OOD registration (which requires notarized Company Agreement signatures), a name change requires zero notarization. This makes it one of the fastest and cheapest Trade Registry amendments. For a full overview of documents needed at registration, see our company registration documents checklist.
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A company name change is one of the most affordable corporate amendments in Bulgaria. Here is what it costs.
State Fee
The Trade Registry charges a state fee for processing the amendment application. The fee depends on how you file.
- Electronic filing: EUR 15 — this is the standard approach used by lawyers filing via KEP
- Paper filing: EUR 30 — filed in person at a Registry Agency office. Slower and more expensive; rarely used in practice
If the Trade Registry rejects the application (for example, because the proposed name is already taken), the state fee is not refunded. You must correct the issue and re-file with a new payment. This is why checking name availability before filing is essential.
Lawyer Fees
A lawyer handles the document preparation, name availability check, and Trade Registry filing. Lawyer fees for a straightforward name change are modest compared to a full company registration. The exact amount depends on the complexity — for example, whether you need a Latin-script transliteration registered alongside the Cyrillic name, or whether the amendment is bundled with other changes (such as an address or activity change).
Bundle your amendments: If you are planning other changes — such as updating your registered address, adding a new business activity, or changing the manager — consider filing them together with the name change in a single application. You pay the state fee only once (EUR 15), regardless of how many changes are included. This saves both time and money. For registered address considerations, see our guide on EOOD registered address requirements.
After the Name Change: What to Update
Once the Trade Registry approves the name change, the new name is officially registered and publicly visible. However, the company name appears in many places beyond the Trade Registry, and you need to update all of them.
Automatically Updated
- NRA (National Revenue Agency): The NRA receives automatic updates from the Trade Registry. Your tax registration, EIK number, and VAT number (if applicable) remain unchanged. You do not need to file a separate notification with the NRA.
- NSI (National Statistical Institute): Statistical registrations update automatically based on Trade Registry data.
Must Be Updated Manually
- Bank accounts: Notify your bank and provide a current Trade Registry extract showing the new name. The bank will update the account holder name. Processing time varies by bank — typically 3-7 business days.
- Invoices and accounting software: All invoices issued after the name change must reflect the new company name. Update your invoicing software, templates, and any automated billing systems. Your accountant should be notified immediately.
- Contracts: Existing contracts remain valid — a name change does not affect contractual obligations. However, it is good practice to notify counterparties and issue an addendum to major contracts confirming the name change and the unchanged EIK.
- Insurance policies: Notify your insurance providers (professional liability, property, health) to update the policyholder name.
- Virtual office / registered address provider: If you use a virtual office service, they need to update the company name on the registered address consent letter and any signage or mail handling records.
- Company stamp and letterhead: Order a new company stamp reflecting the new name. Update letterhead, email signatures, business cards, and website.
- Licenses and permits: If your company holds industry-specific licenses (e.g., a transport license, tour operator registration, or financial services license), notify the issuing authority. Some licenses may require a formal amendment filing.
For a comprehensive overview of all ongoing obligations, see our guide on EOOD annual obligations in Bulgaria.
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Can the company name be in English or Latin script?
The primary company name must be registered in Bulgarian (Cyrillic script). This is a mandatory requirement under the Bulgarian Commercial Act. However, you can optionally register a Latin-script transliteration or foreign-language version as a secondary name. Many international businesses register both versions — for example, a Cyrillic primary name and an English or Latin-script version for use on international invoices, contracts, and correspondence.
The Latin transliteration must follow the official rules established by the Bulgarian Transliteration Act of 2009. Your lawyer can advise on the correct transliteration of your chosen name.
Does the EIK change when I rename my company?
No. The EIK (Unified Identification Code) is a permanent 9-digit number assigned to your company at registration. It remains unchanged throughout the company's entire existence — the EIK only ceases when the company is liquidated or transformed (merged or divided). A name change is a simple amendment that does not affect the EIK, your VAT number, or any other regulatory identifier.
This is an important point for practical purposes: all contracts, invoices, and official documents that reference your EIK remain valid after a name change. You do not need to update the EIK anywhere — only the company name.
Are there restrictions on company names?
Yes. The Bulgarian Commercial Act imposes several restrictions on company names (trade names).
- Uniqueness: The name must not be identical or confusingly similar to any existing company name already registered in the Trade Registry.
- Truthfulness: The name must not contain information that could mislead third parties about the nature, scope, or financial state of the business.
- Legal form designation: The name must include the appropriate legal form abbreviation — "OOD" for a multi-member LLC, "EOOD" for a single-member LLC, "AD" for a joint-stock company, etc.
- Public order: The name must not be offensive or contrary to public order and morality.
- Trademark considerations: While the Trade Registry does not automatically check for trademark conflicts, using a name that infringes an existing trademark can lead to legal challenges and a forced name change.
"Can I just do this myself?" Technically, yes — if you have a Bulgarian KEP (qualified electronic signature) and are comfortable preparing legal documents in Bulgarian. In practice, most business owners use a lawyer because: (1) the application and all documents must be in Bulgarian, (2) an error means the state fee is forfeited and you must re-file and pay again, and (3) a lawyer can bundle the name change with other amendments (address, activity, capital) in a single filing for one state fee. The lawyer fee is modest, and the risk of rejection drops to near zero.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Bulgarian company name to an English or Latin-script name?
Does the EIK (company number) change when I rename my company?
How much does it cost to change a company name in Bulgaria?
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Do I need a notary to change my company name?
Is the NRA automatically notified of my company name change?
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What if the name I want is already taken?
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance on changing a company name in Bulgaria based on current legislation as of April 2026. Specific requirements may vary depending on company type and circumstances. All fees are in EUR (Bulgaria adopted the euro on January 1, 2026). This article does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified Bulgarian lawyer. Last updated: April 8, 2026.