Can a non-EU citizen open a bank account in Bulgaria for their EOOD?

Yes, but it is more difficult than for EU citizens. Bulgarian banks apply stricter KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures for non-EU nationals, and some branches may refuse. DSK Bank and UniCredit Bulbank are generally more flexible with non-EU clients. Expect KYC fees of EUR 100-500 and a processing time of 1-2 weeks. Having a Bulgarian lawyer assist with the bank account opening significantly improves success rates.

Can a non-EU citizen buy property in Bulgaria through an EOOD?

Yes, with an important distinction. A Bulgarian EOOD is a Bulgarian legal entity and can purchase buildings, apartments, and commercial real estate without restrictions. It can also purchase agricultural and forest land — something a non-EU individual cannot do directly. However, the company must be genuinely operational, and anti-avoidance provisions apply if the sole purpose of the company is to circumvent land ownership restrictions.

Can a Non-EU Citizen Register a Company in Bulgaria? (And Get Residency?)

Q: What tax does a non-resident founder pay on a Bulgarian EOOD?

The Bulgarian EOOD pays 10% corporate income tax on its profits regardless of the founder's nationality or residency. When dividends are distributed to a non-resident founder, Bulgaria withholds 5% dividend tax at source (unless reduced by a double tax treaty). The combined effective rate is 15% (10% CIT + 5% dividend withholding). Bulgaria has double tax treaties with over 70 countries that may reduce or eliminate the withholding tax.

The Short Answer: Yes to Company. No to Automatic Residency.

This is the question we hear most often from non-EU entrepreneurs: "Can I register a company in Bulgaria, and will that give me residency?" The answer requires separating two very different legal processes.

Company registration: Yes. Any person of any nationality can register an EOOD (single-member LLC) in Bulgaria. There is no citizenship requirement, no residency requirement, and no minimum investment threshold beyond the symbolic EUR 1 minimum capital. Bulgarian company law does not distinguish between EU and non-EU founders.

Residence permit: No. Owning a Bulgarian company does not automatically entitle you to live in Bulgaria. Residence for non-EU citizens is governed by the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (FRBA), and company ownership alone is not listed as a ground for issuing a residence permit under Article 24 of that Act. You must apply for a Type D long-stay visa at a Bulgarian consulate and demonstrate genuine business activity, financial means, and a clean criminal record.

These two facts create both an opportunity and a trap. The opportunity: Bulgaria offers one of the simplest and cheapest company formation processes in the EU. The trap: many providers imply that registering a company leads to residency, without explaining the separate immigration process required.

EUR 1

Minimum share capital (EOOD)

10%

Corporate income tax

3-6 mo

Company + D visa + permit timeline

Residency requirement to register

Registering a Company: Yes, No Restrictions

The process for a non-EU citizen to register a Bulgarian EOOD is fundamentally the same as for an EU citizen or a Bulgarian national. The Bulgarian Commercial Register (part of the Registry Agency) does not ask for proof of residency, EU citizenship, or a Bulgarian personal identification number from the founder.

What You Need

Articles of association (in Bulgarian) detailing the company name, registered address, scope of activity, share capital, and management
Founder's decision to establish the company (in Bulgarian)
Specimen signature of the manager — notarized. If done abroad, this must be apostilled (for Hague Convention countries) or legalized through the consular chain
Power of attorney to a Bulgarian lawyer — notarized and apostilled abroad
Declarations under Article 141(8) of the Commercial Act and Article 13(4) of the Commercial Register Act
Bank certificate confirming deposit of the initial share capital (minimum EUR 1)
State registration fee: EUR 28 for electronic filing (EUR 56 for paper filing)

The Key Difference for Non-EU Founders

While the legal requirements are the same, the practical process differs in one important way: the specimen signature and power of attorney must be notarized in your country of residence and then apostilled (if your country is party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention) or legalized through the Bulgarian consulate. All documents must then be translated into Bulgarian by a sworn translator registered with the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This adds 1-3 weeks and EUR 100-300 to the process compared to an EU citizen who can simply visit a Bulgarian notary.

Remote registration is possible. You do not need to be physically present in Bulgaria to register an EOOD. With an apostilled power of attorney, your Bulgarian lawyer can handle the entire process — from opening the capital accumulation bank account to filing with the Commercial Register. The company can be operational within 1-2 weeks of receiving your apostilled documents. See our detailed guide on registering an EOOD remotely.

Registered Address

Every Bulgarian company needs a registered address. This does not need to be a physical office — a virtual office / registered address service is legally sufficient and costs EUR 180-300 per year. Your lawyer can arrange this as part of the formation package.

Does Company Ownership = Residence Permit? No.

This is where the misinformation is thickest online. Let us be direct: registering a Bulgarian company does not give you the right to live in Bulgaria.

Under the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, a non-EU citizen needs a specific legal ground listed in Article 24(1) to obtain a long-stay visa and subsequent residence permit. Simply being the owner or shareholder of a Bulgarian company is not one of those grounds.

What can serve as a basis for residence through business includes:

Being the manager (director) of a Bulgarian company and demonstrating genuine business activity, financial means, and the ability to support yourself
Hiring at least 10 Bulgarian citizens through your company (Article 24(1)(4) of FRBA)
Being appointed as a trade representative of a foreign company registered with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce
Making a qualifying investment under the Investment Promotion Act (Golden Visa route)
Holding a Startup Visa certificate from the Ministry of Innovation and Growth

Be skeptical of providers who promise residency through company registration. If someone tells you that registering an EOOD will give you a residence permit, they are either oversimplifying or misleading you. The company is typically a prerequisite for one of the residency routes above, but it is not sufficient on its own. The D visa and residence permit are separate applications with their own requirements, costs, and processing times.

Routes to Residence Through Business

If your goal is both a Bulgarian company and the right to live in Bulgaria, here are the realistic paths. We have ranked them by practicality for most non-EU entrepreneurs.

1. D Visa via Company Establishment (Most Common)

Register an EOOD, appoint yourself as manager, and apply for a Type D visa at the Bulgarian consulate in your home country. This is the route most non-EU entrepreneurs use.

Requirements: Genuine business plan, proof of funds, health insurance (EUR 30,000+ coverage), clean criminal record, proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
Cost: EUR 2,000-5,000 total (company registration + legal fees + D visa + documents)
Timeline: 3-6 months from start to residence permit
Result: 1-year temporary residence permit, renewable annually
Key risk: Consulates scrutinize whether the business is genuine — a EUR 1 company with no plan or activity will likely be refused

For a full walkthrough of this process, see our Bulgaria D Visa for Business guide.

2. Trade Representative Office (TRO)

If you already own or work for a foreign company, you can be appointed as its trade representative in Bulgaria. The foreign company registers a Trade Representative Office with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

Requirements (tightened in June 2025): The parent company must be at least 2 years old, with annual turnover of at least EUR 51,000 (BGN 100,000) in each of the two preceding financial years, no outstanding tax obligations, and a physical office lease in Bulgaria (virtual offices no longer accepted)
Representative limit: Maximum 2 representatives per TRO (reduced from 3 in 2025)
Renewal requirement: You must demonstrate that the TRO actually performed real representative activities in Bulgaria
Cost: EUR 1,500-4,000 (legal fees + BCCI registration + office lease)
Timeline: 3-6 months

2025 TRO changes: The Bulgarian government significantly tightened TRO requirements in June 2025 to combat abuse of this route. The turnover threshold, mandatory physical office, and activity verification during renewal are all new requirements. Existing TROs have up to two years to comply. If you are considering this route, confirm you meet the current requirements before proceeding.

3. Startup Visa

Bulgaria introduced a Startup Visa for non-EU citizens developing innovative or high-tech projects. The certificate is issued by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth through the National Investment Management System.

Requirements: Electronic application (in Bulgarian or English) with a business plan for an innovative/high-tech project, evaluated by a Council of Experts on a point-based system (minimum 8 out of 11 points required)
Financial proof: Bank statement showing funds equivalent to at least 3 Bulgarian minimum wages, held for 30 consecutive days before application
Duration: 1-year residence permit, extendable by 2 more years after submitting an approved progress report
Processing: Approximately 30 days for the Ministry review
Cost: Application is free; legal assistance EUR 500-1,500
Key limitation: The project must be genuinely innovative — a standard consulting business or e-commerce store will not qualify

4. Freelancer Work Permit

Non-EU citizens can obtain a work permit for freelance (self-employed) activity in Bulgaria, then apply for a D visa and residence permit.

Process: Apply for a freelance work permit through the Bulgarian Employment Agency, then for a Type D visa at the consulate
Requirements: Detailed plan of freelance activities in Bulgaria, evidence of sufficient funds, health insurance, clean criminal record
Duration: 1-year residence permit, renewable for another 12 months
Alternative: Since 2025, the Digital Nomad Visa may be a better option for remote workers — it requires EUR 31,000+/year income and no Bulgarian clients, but does not require a Bulgarian company or work permit

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The D Visa Process

Regardless of which business route you use, the immigration procedure follows the same general pattern:

Step 1: Establish Your Business Basis in Bulgaria

Step 2: Apply for a Type D Visa at the Bulgarian Consulate

You must apply at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You cannot apply from within Bulgaria. Standard documents required:

Valid passport (18+ months remaining, 2 blank pages)
Completed visa application form + passport photographs
Company registration documents or TRO certificate
Business plan or description of activities
Proof of funds (bank statements, typically 3-6 months)
Health insurance valid in Bulgaria (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage)
Clean criminal record certificate — from your home country and any country where you have lived 12+ months in the past 5 years, apostilled and translated
Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
Visa fee: approximately EUR 100

Step 3: Processing

30-90 days at the consulate. Processing times vary significantly by location — consulates in high-volume countries may take longer. The D visa itself is valid for up to 6 months.

Step 4: Enter Bulgaria and Apply for Residence Permit

Within 30 days of entering Bulgaria, you must apply for a residence permit at the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior. In Sofia, this is on Maria Louiza Blvd. The temporary residence permit is valid for 1 year and is renewable annually.

Critical: apostille and translation timeline. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Bulgarian by a sworn translator. This step alone takes 2-4 weeks. Criminal record certificates typically expire after 6 months, so time the process carefully. Start collecting documents early — this is the most common cause of delays.

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Tax for Non-Resident Founders

One of the most attractive features of a Bulgarian EOOD is its tax treatment — and this applies regardless of your nationality or residency status.

Tax	Rate	Notes
Corporate income tax (CIT)	10%	Flat rate on profits. Same for all companies regardless of founder nationality
Dividend withholding tax	5%	Withheld at source when distributing to non-resident individuals
Combined effective rate	15%	10% CIT + 5% dividend WHT. One of the lowest in the EU
VAT (standard)	20%	Mandatory registration above EUR 51,130 annual turnover
WHT on interest, royalties	10%	To non-resident recipients, unless DTT reduces

Double tax treaties (DTTs): Bulgaria has treaties with over 70 countries that may reduce the withholding tax on dividends below 5%, or provide credits for Bulgarian tax paid. Before distributing profits, check whether a DTT between Bulgaria and your country of tax residence applies. To claim treaty benefits, you must obtain a certificate of tax residency from your home country and file it with the Bulgarian tax authorities.

Important: If you obtain a Bulgarian residence permit and spend more than 183 days per year in Bulgaria, you will become a Bulgarian tax resident and be subject to Bulgarian tax on your worldwide income at 10%. This may be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on your situation — plan the transition carefully.

Managing your EOOD remotely: A non-resident founder who remains outside Bulgaria can manage the company remotely. You will need a qualified electronic signature (QES) to file tax returns and interact with the National Revenue Agency. Your Bulgarian accountant handles the day-to-day compliance. For a full breakdown of costs, see our company registration cost guide.

Bank Account Challenges for Non-EU Citizens

Opening a corporate bank account is the single most frustrating step for non-EU founders. Bulgarian banks apply stricter KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures for non-EU nationals, and some branches will refuse outright.

What to Expect

KYC fees: EUR 100-500 for document examination (significantly higher than for EU citizens, who often pay nothing)
Processing time: 1-2 weeks (compared to 1-3 days for EU citizens)
Required documents: Passport, company registration certificate, articles of association, proof of the company's business activity, sometimes a personal interview
Potential refusal: Banks may refuse without explanation. This is legal and not uncommon for non-EU citizens from certain jurisdictions

Which Banks Are More Flexible?

DSK Bank and UniCredit Bulbank are generally the most accommodating with non-EU clients. Postbank is also occasionally receptive. However, success varies by branch — a branch in central Sofia that regularly handles foreign clients is more likely to accept your application than a suburban branch.

Practical advice: Have your Bulgarian lawyer accompany you (or act on your behalf) when opening the bank account. Banks are significantly more cooperative when a known local law firm is involved. We typically open accounts for non-EU clients within 5-10 business days. For a detailed walkthrough, see our Bulgarian bank account guide.

Documents for Non-EU Founders

Here is the complete document checklist for a non-EU citizen registering an EOOD and then applying for a D visa. Prepare these in parallel to save time.

For Company Registration

Valid passport (copy + original for notarization)
Notarized specimen signature of the manager — done at a notary in your country, then apostilled
Power of attorney to your Bulgarian lawyer — notarized in your country, then apostilled
Sworn translation of all of the above into Bulgarian (by a translator registered with the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Articles of association and founder's decision (prepared by your lawyer in Bulgarian)

For the D Visa Application (Additional)

Criminal record certificate from your home country — apostilled and translated. Must be recent (typically valid for 6 months). Also required from any country where you lived 12+ months in the past 5 years
Bank statements (3-6 months) showing sufficient funds
Health insurance policy valid in Bulgaria, minimum EUR 30,000 coverage
Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria (rental agreement or hotel reservation)
Business plan describing the company's activities, market, and financial projections
Passport photographs (35x45mm, white background)

Apostille vs. Consular Legalization

If your country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (most countries worldwide), your notarized documents receive an apostille — a standardized certificate that authenticates the notary's signature. If your country is not a Hague member, documents must be legalized through the full consular chain: local notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country, and then the Bulgarian embassy/consulate. This takes longer and costs more.

Alternative for some documents: Bilingual documents for company establishment can sometimes be certified directly by the Consulate Office of the Republic of Bulgaria in your country, eliminating the need for separate translation and legalization. Check with your local Bulgarian consulate whether this option is available.

Need a Document Checklist for Your Country?

Requirements vary by nationality. Tell us where you are based and we will send you the exact document list with apostille instructions.

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Common concerns:

"I read online that I can get residency just by registering a company — is that true?" No. Company registration and residence permits are separate legal processes governed by different laws. The Commercial Act allows anyone to register a company. The Foreigners Act sets the requirements for residence permits. You need both, but having one does not automatically give you the other.

"Is the 10% corporate tax really stable?" Yes. Bulgaria has maintained the 10% flat corporate tax since 2007. The 5% dividend tax has been in place since 2008. A proposed increase of the dividend tax to 10% was dropped from the 2026 budget in December 2025. The combined rate remains 15% (10% CIT + 5% dividend).

"Can I buy property through my EOOD?" Yes. A Bulgarian EOOD is a Bulgarian legal entity and can purchase buildings, apartments, commercial real estate, and even agricultural land — something a non-EU individual cannot do directly. However, the company must be genuinely operational.

"What if I never plan to live in Bulgaria — do I still need a D visa?" No. If you only want to own and operate a Bulgarian company remotely without living in Bulgaria, you do not need a visa or residence permit. You can manage the company through a power of attorney and a qualified electronic signature (QES), with your accountant handling tax filings. Many non-EU founders operate this way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a non-EU citizen register a company in Bulgaria? +

Yes. Bulgarian law places no citizenship or residency restrictions on company founders. A non-EU citizen can register an EOOD (single-member LLC) or OOD (multi-member LLC) with the same process and minimum capital (EUR 1) as an EU citizen. The key difference is that non-EU founders typically need an apostilled power of attorney and notarized specimen signature prepared abroad, then translated into Bulgarian by a sworn translator.

Does owning a Bulgarian company give me a residence permit? +

No. Company ownership alone is not a legal basis for obtaining a Bulgarian residence permit under the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act. To obtain residency through business, you must apply for a Type D visa at a Bulgarian consulate and then convert it to a residence permit at the Migration Directorate. The D visa requires demonstrating genuine business activity, sufficient funds, health insurance, and a clean criminal record — simply registering a company is not enough.

What is the easiest route to Bulgarian residency through business? +

The most common route is registering a Bulgarian company (EOOD), then applying for a Type D visa at the Bulgarian consulate in your home country on the basis of being the company's manager. This requires a genuine business plan, proof of funds, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The total process takes approximately 3 to 6 months and costs EUR 2,000 to 5,000 in legal and administrative fees.

What documents does a non-EU citizen need to register a Bulgarian company? +

Non-EU citizens need: a valid passport, a notarized specimen signature of the manager (done abroad with apostille), a power of attorney to a Bulgarian lawyer (notarized with apostille), sworn translation of all documents into Bulgarian, articles of association, founder's decision, declarations under the Commercial Act and Commercial Register Act, and a bank certificate confirming payment of share capital. All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized through the consular chain.

How much does it cost for a non-EU citizen to register a company in Bulgaria? +

The total cost ranges from EUR 900 to EUR 1,500 including lawyer fees (EUR 700-999 plus VAT), state registration fee (EUR 28 for electronic filing), notary fees, bank KYC charges (EUR 100-500), and apostille plus sworn translation costs. A registered business address is an additional EUR 180-300 per year. The minimum share capital is EUR 1, though having EUR 1,000-5,000 strengthens a subsequent D visa application.

Can a non-EU citizen open a bank account in Bulgaria? +

Yes, but it is more difficult than for EU citizens. Bulgarian banks apply stricter KYC procedures for non-EU nationals, and some branches may refuse. DSK Bank and UniCredit Bulbank are generally more flexible. Expect KYC fees of EUR 100-500 and processing of 1-2 weeks. Having a Bulgarian lawyer assist with the account opening significantly improves success rates.

What tax does a non-resident founder pay on a Bulgarian EOOD? +

The EOOD pays 10% corporate income tax on profits regardless of the founder's nationality or residency. Dividends distributed to a non-resident individual are subject to 5% withholding tax at source. The combined effective rate is 15%. Bulgaria has double tax treaties with over 70 countries that may reduce the withholding tax. If you become a Bulgarian tax resident (183+ days per year), you pay 10% flat tax on worldwide income.

Can a non-EU citizen buy property through a Bulgarian EOOD? +

Yes. A Bulgarian EOOD is a Bulgarian legal entity and can purchase buildings, apartments, commercial real estate, and even agricultural land — something a non-EU individual is prohibited from doing directly. However, the company must be genuinely operational, and anti-avoidance provisions may apply if the sole purpose is to circumvent land ownership restrictions.