Your First 30 Days in Bulgaria: The Complete Setup Checklist (2026)

You have decided to move to Bulgaria. Now what? This guide covers everything you need to do in your first month — in the right order, with realistic timelines, exact costs, and links to our detailed guides for every step. It is written by a law firm that handles EU citizen relocations every week.

Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area and adopted the euro on January 1, 2026. As an EU citizen, you enter with your national ID card alone — no visa, no prior approval. The setup process involves one government authority for residence (the Migration Directorate), one for tax registration (the NRA), and a handful of practical steps that slot neatly into a 30-day timeline.

Week 1 — Arrival & Residence

Step 1: Secure Accommodation (Day 1–3)

Before you can register for residence, you need accommodation proof. The Migration Directorate accepts two forms:

• Rental agreement + notarized landlord declaration under Art. 20a of the EU Citizens and Their Family Members Residence Act. The landlord signs a declaration before a Bulgarian notary confirming your right to reside at the address. Alternatively, the landlord can appear in person at the Migration Directorate instead of notarizing.
• Property deed if you own the property.

Read the full guide: Notarized Landlord Declaration — What It Is and How to Get One

Step 2: Apply for Residence Certificate & Get Your LNCH (Day 3–7)

With your accommodation proof in hand, apply at the Migration Directorate (Дирекция „Миграция”) for a prolonged residence certificate. This is the only authority involved — there is no police registration and no GRAO registration for EU citizens.

EU citizens qualify for prolonged residence on four grounds:

1. Company owner or manager — you own or manage a Bulgarian EOOD/OOD
2. Employee — you have an employment contract with a Bulgarian employer
3. Self-sufficient — health insurance valid in Bulgaria + minimum EUR 5,100 in a personal bank account
4. Family member — your spouse, partner, or dependent is an EU citizen who already holds a Bulgarian residence certificate

Upon registration, you receive an LNCH (Личен Номер на Чужденец) — a 10-digit personal identification number. This is the foreigner equivalent of the Bulgarian EGN. You need it for everything: bank accounts, tax registration, employment contracts, company management, healthcare, and every official interaction in Bulgaria.

Timeline and fees:

• Paper certificate: issued the same day if documents are complete — EUR 7
• Plastic residence card (standard): 3–5 working days — EUR 18
• Plastic residence card (expedited): 3 working days — EUR 36

Detailed guides: EU Residence Permit for EU Citizens | How to Get Your LNCH | Address Registration for Foreigners

Week 2 — Banking & Company Formation

Step 3: Open a Personal Bank Account (Day 7–10)

With your residence certificate and LNCH, you can open a personal bank account. The process is straightforward — visit a branch with your documents, complete KYC verification, and your account is typically active the same day.

What you need:

• Valid national ID card or passport
• Residence certificate (paper is sufficient)
• LNCH number
• Proof of address (your rental agreement)

Monthly maintenance fees: EUR 2–10 depending on the bank and package. DSK Bank and UniCredit Bulbank are the most commonly used by foreigners and offer English-language support. All accounts are now in EUR following Bulgaria's eurozone entry.

Detailed guides: Opening a Bank Account as an EU Citizen | Best Banks for Foreigners in Bulgaria | Opening a Bank Account as a Foreigner

Step 4: Register Your Company or Freelancer Activity (Day 10–14)

Now you choose your business structure. The two main options for EU citizens:

Option A: Register an EOOD (Single-Member LLC)

An EOOD is the standard structure for entrepreneurs and business owners. It gives you limited liability (your personal assets are protected), the ability to retain earnings at 10% corporate tax, and access to the combined 15% CIT + dividend rate when profits are distributed.

• Minimum capital: EUR 1
• Registration timeline: 1–3 business days via the Trade Registry (electronic filing)
• State fee: EUR 55 (electronic filing)
• Lawyer fees: EUR 700–999 + VAT for full incorporation (includes all documents, filings, EIK number, and NRA registration)

Detailed guides: Register a Company as an EU Citizen | EOOD vs OOD | Company Registration Cost Breakdown | Documents Required | Register an EOOD Remotely

Option B: Register as a Freelancer

Freelancer registration (свободна професия / svobodna profesiya) is done at the NRA and takes one day. The effective income tax rate is 7.5% (10% flat rate on 75% of gross income after the 25% standard expense deduction). Social contributions are additional but capped.

Freelancer status is simpler and cheaper to maintain, but offers no liability protection. We recommend it for income under EUR 100,000 per year.

Detailed guides: Bulgaria Freelancer Tax Rate | Company vs Freelancer Comparison | Freelancer vs EOOD Income Threshold

Week 3 — Corporate Setup

Step 5: Open a Corporate Bank Account (Day 14–21)

If you registered an EOOD, you now need a corporate bank account. Unlike personal accounts, corporate accounts do not open the same day. All major Bulgarian banks charge a non-refundable KYC review fee of EUR 100–500 and take approximately one week to process the application for a simple EOOD with a single EU-citizen owner. Complex structures with multiple shareholders or non-EU beneficial owners can take 2–3 weeks.

DSK Bank and UniCredit Bulbank are the most reliable for corporate accounts. Your lawyer can coordinate the introduction and appointment.

Detailed guides: Corporate Bank Account for EOOD | Best Banks for Foreigners | Wise/Revolut vs Bulgarian Bank

Step 6: Get a KEP — Qualified Electronic Signature (Day 14–21)

A KEP (КЕП / квалифициран електронен подпис) is a qualified electronic signature required for all NRA filings in Bulgaria. You have two options:

• Evrotrust — cloud-based, obtained remotely via mobile app. Download the app, complete video identity verification, and receive your KEP without visiting Bulgaria. This is the most common choice for foreign business owners.
• B-Trust — physical USB token, requires in-person verification at a B-Trust office in Bulgaria. More traditional but equally valid.

Cost is minimal: approximately EUR 15–50 depending on the provider and validity period. Alternatively, your accountant can file using their own KEP with a power of attorney from you — most foreign owners use this approach.

Detailed guide: KEP Electronic Signature for Foreigners

Step 7: Hire an Accountant (Day 21–28)

Bulgarian accounting must comply with the Accountancy Act and requires familiarity with NRA filing systems. A local accountant is essential — this is not something you can handle yourself unless you speak Bulgarian and know the system.

Monthly costs:

• EOOD: EUR 100–300/month depending on transaction volume, VAT status, and number of employees
• Freelancer: EUR 60–80/month (simpler reporting requirements)

Your accountant handles all monthly filings (VAT, social security, payroll), prepares the annual corporate income tax return, and files the annual financial statements (GFO). They also manage your KEP registration with the NRA if you use theirs.

Detailed guides: Do I Need an Accountant for My EOOD? | Annual Cost of Running an EOOD | EOOD Annual Obligations

Week 4 — Operations & Daily Life

Step 8: Set Up Health Insurance (Day 21–28)

Health insurance in Bulgaria works through two channels:

• National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF / НЗОК): If you are employed or self-insured (as a freelancer or EOOD owner paying yourself a salary), you contribute through monthly social security payments. The health insurance rate is 8% of gross salary. NHIF covers GP visits, specialist referrals, hospital stays, maternity care, and some medications.
• Private health insurance: Most expats supplement NHIF with private coverage for faster specialist access, English-speaking doctors, and private hospital facilities. Budget EUR 300–800/year for individual plans. Major providers include DZI, Bulstrad, Allianz Bulgaria, and Generali.

For the initial residence application, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your home country is accepted. But it is not a long-term solution — transition to NHIF through employment or self-insurance as soon as your business structure is active.

Detailed guide: Health Insurance for Foreigners in Bulgaria | Social Security Contributions Guide

Step 9: Set Up Invoicing & Payment Infrastructure (Day 28–30)

With your company or freelancer activity registered, accountant onboarded, and bank accounts open, it is time to set up your operational infrastructure:

• Invoicing: Bulgarian invoices must comply with the Accountancy Act and VAT Act requirements. Your accountant can provide templates or recommend software. Include your EIK (company registration number), VAT number (if registered), and bank details.
• Fintech for international payments: Wise and Revolut Business are widely used alongside the Bulgarian bank account for cheaper cross-border transfers and multi-currency management.
• Notify clients: Inform existing clients of your new entity, updated invoicing details, and payment coordinates.

Detailed guides: How to Pay Yourself from an EOOD | Salary vs Dividends Strategy

Step 10: Practical Life Setup (Ongoing)

These are not legally required but make daily life significantly easier:

• Bulgarian SIM card: EUR 10–20/month for plans with generous data. Three major operators: A1 Bulgaria, Yettel, and Vivacom. Unlimited plans available from approximately EUR 20/month.
• Co-working space: Sofia has a mature co-working ecosystem. Dedicated desk prices range from EUR 150–350/month at spaces like Puzl CowOrKing (IT-focused), Campus X, SOHO, and Regus. Private offices for small teams start from approximately EUR 400–800/month.
• Driving license exchange: EU driving licenses are valid in Bulgaria. If you want a Bulgarian license, EU citizens can exchange theirs without an exam at the regional KAT (traffic police) office.

Detailed guide: Cost of Living in Sofia for Expats

The Complete 30-Day Checklist

Here is every task in one table. Use this as your master reference throughout the first month.

What We Handle For You

Innovires Legal manages full relocation setups for EU citizens every week. Here is exactly what we handle:

• Residence registration — document preparation, landlord coordination, accompaniment to the Migration Directorate
• Company formation — all corporate documents, Trade Registry filing, EIK and NRA registration, articles of association
• Bank account introductions — we coordinate appointments with DSK Bank and UniCredit Bulbank for both personal and corporate accounts
• Accountant introduction — we connect you with vetted, English-speaking accountants experienced with foreign-owned companies
• Registered address — our law firm address service provides a fully managed registered address for your company, including mail handling and official correspondence

We handle all Bulgarian-language interactions. You focus on your business. First consultation is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about relocating to Bulgaria as an EU citizen and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and are subject to change. Consult our team for advice tailored to your specific situation. Last updated: April 9, 2026.