What does it cost to register a company?
It costs less than most people think. The minimum capital of a single-member limited company is €1 (≈BGN 2) — symbolic, though in practice it is sensible to put in enough to cover the first outgoings. The company comes into existence on registration in the Commercial Register at the Registry Agency. The state fee is €28 for an online filing and €56 at the counter — so filing electronically saves you half. Registration takes 1 to 3 working days electronically and up to 5 on paper. You will need the constitutive act, the sole owner's decision, the manager's consent and specimen signature with notarial certification, declarations, and a certificate that the capital has been paid in. Companies have until 31 December 2026 to bring their documents into line with the redenominated capital.
📋 The rules
- Minimum capital: €1 (≈BGN 2)
- State fee: €28 online, €56 at the counter
- Registration takes 1–3 working days electronically
- The manager's consent and specimen must be notarised
- By 31 Dec 2026: align documents with the redenominated capital
🔓 Exceptions
- A sole trader needs no capital, but you are liable with all your personal property
- Some activities require a licence or registration before you can begin
- Filing electronically requires a qualified electronic signature
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Registration is the easy part — the weight comes afterwards. The company must produce annual financial statements and publish them in the Commercial Register; failing to file is penalised. The manager is responsible for the accounts, for their own contributions as a self-insured person, and for the tax returns — even where the company is dormant, in which case a declaration of inactivity must be filed. Note: as a sole trader you are liable with all your personal property, whereas in a limited company liability is in principle capped at the capital — though a manager who fails to pay contributions and taxes can be held liable personally.
📎 Official sources
- Registry Agency · Commercial Register →
- lex.bg · Commerce Act →
- National Revenue Agency · Company taxes →
❓ Frequently asked
What is the minimum capital?
One euro (about BGN 2). The figure is symbolic, but in practice it is sensible to pay in enough to cover the company's first outgoings.
How much is the state fee?
Twenty-eight euros for an online filing and €56 at the counter. Filing electronically halves the fee, but it requires a qualified electronic signature.
How long does registration take?
One to three working days electronically, and up to five on paper. The company comes into existence on registration, not on signing the documents.
How does a sole trader differ?
A sole trader needs no capital, but you are liable with all your personal property. In a limited company, liability is in principle capped at the company's capital.
What if the company is dormant?
You still have duties — a declaration of inactivity is filed and the annual financial statement is published in the Commercial Register. Failing to file is penalised.
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