Company formation · Bulgaria
Company formation in Bulgaria with a lawyer you can trust
We match you with an attorney admitted to a Bulgarian Bar Association who handles business setup under the Commercial Act. You get clear, agreed fees and support in English, so you can focus on your venture.
- Lawyers entered in a Bulgarian Bar Association register
- Fees freely agreed and set out in writing
- Cross-border experience with EU and non-EU clients
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Why you need local counsel
Company formation in Bulgaria: what a lawyer does for you
Company formation in Bulgaria involves choosing a legal form, preparing constitutional documents, and registering with the relevant authority. Bulgaria follows the continental civil-law tradition, and the Commercial Act governs business entities. Because only attorneys-at-law entered in a Bulgarian Bar Association may practise law, a local lawyer ensures your filings meet national requirements. They can also advise on the flat 10% corporate tax and the 5% dividend tax, and on property transfers that require a notarial deed and entry in the Property Register. If a dispute arises, representation before the courts follows specific rules. Our free service matches you with a lawyer who handles company formation in Bulgaria and speaks your language.
The Bulgarian framework
How company formation works in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has been an EU member since 1 January 2007, and EU law takes precedence over conflicting national provisions. The Commercial Act is the principal legislation for businesses, alongside the Civil Procedure Code and other codes. Official registers are kept by the Registry Agency.
Civil-law tradition and EU membership
Bulgaria follows the continental civil-law tradition, with codes rooted in Roman law and influenced by German doctrine. The Commercial Act governs commercial entities. Since Bulgaria joined the EU on 1 January 2007, EU law takes precedence over conflicting national provisions, which matters for cross-border operations and regulatory compliance.
Who may practise as your lawyer
Only a person who has taken the statutory oath and is entered in the register of a Bar Association may practise as an attorney-at-law. Candidates need a Master’s degree in law, legal capacity, at least two years’ legal service, and must pass the bar examination. The Supreme Bar Council keeps the single register of attorneys.
Flat 10% corporate tax and 5% dividend tax
Bulgaria applies a flat 10% corporate income tax and a flat 10% personal income tax, with dividends taxed at 5%. There are no progressive brackets. This low-tax regime is a key factor for cross-border clients considering relocation, employment, or investment through a Bulgarian company.
Real property: notarial deed and registration
If your company acquires real property, the transfer must be effected by a notarial deed before a notary public competent for the property’s location. The deed must be entered in the Property Register kept by the Registry Agency to be effective against third parties. Payments exceeding BGN 10,000 must go through a special bank account.
Costs and fee arrangements
Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed between lawyer and client; the Supreme Bar Council issues non-binding minimum reference amounts. In civil disputes, the losing party is generally ordered to reimburse the winning party’s reasonable fees and costs. State court fees for a monetary claim are 4% of the claim, but not less than BGN 50.
Key time limit — Commercial & Corporate Law
Debt recovery (general limitation period) — 5 years. General limitation for bringing a debt recovery claim.
Data drawn from official Bulgarian bodies and the European e-Justice Portal, as published at the time of writing.
- European e-Justice Portal – National justice systems: Bulgaria
- Bulgarian Bar Act (via Ministry of Justice)
- Bulgarian Labour Code (English)
- European e-Justice Portal – Time limits for civil procedures: Bulgaria
- Bulgarian Code of Administrative Procedure (English)
- Bulgarian Family Code (English)
- European e-Justice Portal – Costs of legal proceedings: Bulgaria
- Bulgarian Ministry of Finance – Tax policy
- European e-Justice Portal – Land registers: Bulgaria
Common concerns
What makes company formation in Bulgaria feel complex
Cross-border founders often face the same hurdles. A local lawyer removes them.
Language and legal terminology
Bulgarian is the official language of courts and registers. Without a lawyer who works in English, you risk misunderstandings in constitutional documents, filings, and correspondence with the Registry Agency.
Choosing the right legal form
The Commercial Act offers several forms, each with different capital, liability, and governance rules. A lawyer explains the practical differences and helps you select the structure that fits your business model.
Tax and property rules
A flat 10% corporate tax is attractive, but property transfers need a notarial deed and Property Register entry. A lawyer ensures your acquisition and tax position are handled correctly from the start.
How we help
Why use our matching service
We connect you with a lawyer who handles company formation in Bulgaria and speaks your language.
Vetted Bulgarian lawyers
Every lawyer we propose is entered in a Bulgarian Bar Association register and has experience with the Commercial Act. You get a professional who meets national requirements.
Transparent fees
Fees are freely agreed between you and the lawyer before work begins. You receive a clear written estimate, so there are no surprises.
English-speaking advisers
Many of our partner lawyers work in English and understand the needs of international clients. You communicate directly without intermediaries.
End-to-end support
From drafting constitutional documents to registering with the Registry Agency and advising on tax, your lawyer guides you through each step.
Cross-border clients
Who we help
We assist founders and investors from across Europe and beyond who are considering company formation in Bulgaria.
Frequently asked questions
Company formation in Bulgaria: your questions answered
Do I need a lawyer for company formation in Bulgaria?
Under the Bar Act, only attorneys-at-law entered in a Bulgarian Bar Association may practise law. While some steps can be done by you, a local lawyer ensures your documents comply with the Commercial Act and helps you avoid costly errors. Our service matches you with a qualified professional.
What taxes will my Bulgarian company pay?
Bulgaria applies a flat 10% corporate income tax. Dividends are taxed at 5%. This low, flat regime is a key factor for cross-border clients. A lawyer can explain how these rates apply to your specific business structure.
Can my Bulgarian company own real property?
Yes, but the transfer of ownership must be effected by a notarial deed before a notary public competent for the property’s location, and the deed must be entered in the Property Register. Payments exceeding BGN 10,000 must be made through a special bank account.
How are lawyers’ fees regulated in Bulgaria?
Fees are freely agreed between lawyer and client. The Supreme Bar Council issues non-binding minimum reference amounts by type of work, which courts may use when ordering the losing party to pay costs. You will always know the fee before work starts.
What language will my lawyer speak?
Bulgarian is the official language of courts and registers. Many lawyers in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and other cities work in English and other languages. We can match you with a lawyer who speaks your preferred language.
What if a dispute arises after formation?
In civil and commercial litigation, parties may appear in person before district and regional courts, but representation by an attorney is mandatory in cassation proceedings before the Supreme Court of Cassation. A lawyer ensures your interests are properly defended at every stage.
Next steps
Start your company formation in Bulgaria today
Tell us about your project. We will match you with a Bulgarian lawyer who handles company formation and speaks your language. The matching is free and without obligation.