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Doing business in Bulgaria: 5 key areas for investors before market entry

November 24, 2025
Accace - Outsourcing and advisory services in Bulgaria

When it comes to doing business in Bulgaria, the country stands out as a dynamic and attractive market for businesses seeking expansion in Eastern Europe. With a skilled workforce powering its leading industries such as telecommunications, logistics, retail and manufacturing, the country offers robust opportunities for growth and innovation.

The favourable regulatory environment is reflected in streamlined company formation processes, competitive corporate and personal tax rates, and a range of investment incentives prioritising key sectors like retail, real estate and energy. Bulgaria’s labour laws facilitate easy access for both EU and non-EU talent, while its transparent tax system supports both established enterprises and new ventures.

Collectively, these advantages make Bulgaria an appealing destination for investors and entrepreneurs aiming to capitalise on a growing economy and stable business climate. In our infographic, we provide a brief overview of they key areas for better decision-making.

Compare Bulgaria to 16 other markets in our guide

Our free eBook on international expansion was created in cooperation with our global business community, Accace Circle, providing basic yet valuable information from 17 countries. Breeze through the specifics of doing business across different markets and compare key data that may be crucial for your ambitions of international expansion.


Industries & investment incentives

Most common industries:

  • Telecommunications
  • Logistics
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing (has the strongest workforce in Bulgaria)
  • Creation and distribution of information and creative products

Industries favoured by investment incentives:

  • Retail
  • Real estate operations
  • Production and distribution of electrical and thermal energy and gaseous fuels
  • Production from rubber plastics and other non-metallic mineral raw materials

Company formation in Bulgaria

Most common legal form of business: Limited liability company

Required no. of shareholders: at least 1

Required no. of directors: at least 1

Official company registers: www.portal.registryagency.bg/

Incorporation time
1 day till 2 month

%
Incorporation fee
cca BGN 157 – 212

%

Corporate tax

Standard CIT rate
10%

%

Who are tax residents: companies incorporated in Bulgaria

Tax period: calendar year

Due date for CIT return: between March 1 and June 30 of the year following the calendar (tax) year

Standard VAT rate
20%

%
Reduced VAT rate
9%

%

0% applies to services explicitly regulated by law

VAT registration for residents: mandatory if taxable turnover in Bulgaria exceeds BGN 100,000 in any 12-month period.

VAT registration for non-residents: mandatory when they are planning to perform activities in Bulgaria for which VAT is due, regardless of threshold.

Other applicable taxes:

  • Excise tax on petrol and diesel fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, heavy oil, kerosene, beer and spirits, tobacco, tobacco products, and electricity
  • Energy tax, calculated based on energy usage and covers fees for transmission, green energy, grid access, combined production, and unreimbursed costs.
  • Property tax with different rates based on municipality
  • Road tax, varying by vehicle type; vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes require a vignette fee.
  • Real estate tax, where landlords pay 10% income tax and 9% VAT on rental income; sellers pay 10% tax on capital gains from property sales.
  • Other taxes, including inheritance, donation, vehicle, patent, insurance premium (2%), tourist (BGN 0.20–3 per night), and transfer taxes (0.1%–3% on real estate or vehicles), plus other local taxes as set by law.

Labour law and employment

Who is entitled to work in Bulgaria:

  • Citizens of Bulgaria
  • Non-EU/EAA citizens, after receiving an NEA Work Permit
  • EU/EAA or Swiss citizens and their family members can work in Bulgaria without the issue of NEA Work Permit

Types of employment contract:

  • Contract for indefinite period
  • Contracts for definite period – on different grounds such as a contract for a specific term, until completion of work, for temporary replacement of an absent employee, work in a position occupied through a job contest
  • Contract for remote work/for work from the employer’s premises

Personal income tax

Standard PIT rate
10%

%
Reduced PIT rate
1% *

%

* On income acquired in a seafarer capacity

Who are tax residents:  Individuals who have a permanent address in Bulgaria, stay in the country longer than 183 days in a 12-month period, who are sent abroad by the Bulgarian government, or whose centre of vital interests is situated in Bulgaria.

Tax period: calendar year

Due date for PIT return: between 10 January and 30 April for most, or 1 March to 30 June for sole traders and farmers.

Taxable incomes in Bulgaria: employment and self-employment income, capital gains, rental and other income, e.g., sale of agricultural products

Social security contributions

Paid by employer
14.12%

%
Paid by employee
10.58%

%

Health insurance contributions

Paid by employer
4.8%

%
Paid by employee
3.2%

%

How we can help with doing business in Bulgaria

Expanding internationally or entering the Bulgarian market can be straightforward when you have the right support. Doing business in Bulgaria presents unique opportunities and challenges, but with the guidance of experienced professionals, you can navigate the local landscape with confidence. Whether you’re launching your business for the first time or looking to grow your existing company, our team of local Bulgarian experts is here to help you create tailored business solutions.

We offer comprehensive advisory and BPO services in Bulgaria to ensure your tax, legal and corporate matters, as well as accounting, reporting, payroll and HR operations, are not only efficient and precise, but also fully compliant with all Bulgarian regulations and requirements.

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