Why Bulgaria
Bulgaria is the most affordable EU country for opening a business. 10% corporate tax, symbolic share capital (1 lev), low operating costs and full EU membership.
Tax System
| Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Corporate tax | 10% |
| VAT (standard) | 20% |
| Dividend tax | 5% |
| Personal income tax | 10% (flat) |
Who It Is For
- SMEs that need EU status at minimum cost
- IT freelancers and agencies
- E-commerce focused on the EU market
- Holdings for owning EU-based assets
Cost & Timeline
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| OOD registration | €200–500 |
| Annual maintenance | from €400/yr |
| Share capital | from 1 lev (~€0.50) |
| Registration time | 3–7 business days |
| Bank account | 2–4 weeks |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 10% tax — one of the lowest in the EU
- Minimal share capital (symbolic amount)
- Cheap registration and maintenance
- Full EU membership
- Stripe, Wise, PayPal available
- Low operating costs
Cons:
- Slower bureaucracy than Estonia or UK
- 5% dividend tax (unlike 0% in Cyprus)
- Banking less developed than Western Europe
- Language barrier (Bulgarian, Cyrillic)
FAQ
Is Bulgaria suitable for VC-backed startups?
For early stages — yes. But for venture rounds, investors typically prefer Delaware C-Corp or UK Ltd.
How do I open a Bulgarian bank account as a non-resident?
UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, Fibank — require an in-person visit. Wise/Revolut Business — remote and fast.