Bulgaria is a European country that is a promising destination for expats to move to. Find out how foreign business owners who will open a representative office in the country can obtain a residence permit in the country

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Bulgaria is a popular expat country that has been a member of the European Union since 2007, and in March 2024 became part of the Schengen area. Thanks to this, the holders of the residence permit here received the rights and advantages of an EU resident. You can issue a residence permit in Bulgaria in different ways. However, one of the fastest options is to obtain a residence permit by opening a representative office of your own company. The main requirements and advantages of obtaining a residence permit by opening your own business in Bulgaria are discussed further in this article.

Why should you choose Bulgaria to open a business representative office?

Bulgaria offers foreign investors:

- Strategic location – at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

- EU membership – access to a market with more than 500 million consumers.

- Economic stability – consistent GDP growth and a favorable business environment.

- Skilled workforce – access to a well-educated and multilingual workforce.

- Competitive costs – low operational and operating costs compared to other EU countries.

- Favorable business climate and dynamic economy, which makes it an attractive country for foreign investors.

Opening a sales office in Bulgaria is a viable market entry strategy for companies seeking to explore the European market.

Requirements for companies to obtain the right to open a representative office in Bulgaria

To obtain a residence permit, it is sufficient to register a representative office of a foreign company at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). It is important that the company meets the following requirements:

- The main company must be successfully operating for more than two years.

- It is not necessary to invest in the activity of the representative office.

After registration, you can apply for a D visa. One visit to Bulgaria is required to obtain a resident card.

The process of submission and consideration of documents takes from 6 months.

Step-by-step procedure for opening a representative office of a foreign company in Bulgaria

Step 1 – Registration at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

The commercial representative office must be registered with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC), which acts as the official register of such offices in Bulgaria.

Step 2 – Prepare a package of documents for registration.

- Application form – completed application form from BPPP.

- Certificate of good standing – issued by the competent authority in the parent company's country of origin, certifying its legal existence.

- Power of attorney – authorization of a representative to act on behalf of the parent company.

- Charter – a certified copy of the charter of the parent company.

- The decision of the parent company - the decision to open a sales representative office in Bulgaria.

- Proof of address – lease agreement or ownership of office premises in Bulgaria.

- Confirmation of the company's activities for the previous two years.

- Confirmation of paid taxes.

Step 3 – Submit an application for opening a representative office and a package of documents for registration with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

Submit the application and supporting documents to the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Pay the required registration fee.

Step 4 – Wait for a decision.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry will consider the application and, if it is satisfied, will issue a Certificate of Registration of the Trade Representative Office.

Step 5 – Get a residence permit in Bulgaria.

After the registration of the trade representation, the next step is to obtain a visa and residence permit for the foreign representative in accordance with Article 24, Paragraph 1, Clause 6 of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria.

In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

How to get a residence permit in Bulgaria based on the opening of a representative office of a foreign company?

A foreign representative must be duly appointed by the parent company to represent its interests in Bulgaria. The representative must have a valid registration with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

- A package of documents for obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria based on the opening of a representative office of a foreign company:

1. Questionnaire – a completed questionnaire for obtaining a long-term residence permit.

2. Certificate of registration – issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a trade representative office.

3. Proof of housing - lease agreement or deed of ownership of housing in Bulgaria.

4. Certificate of criminal record - issued within the last six months.

5. Medical insurance – valid medical insurance covering the duration of the stay.

6. Financial confirmation – confirmation of the availability of sufficient funds to support a stay in Bulgaria.

7. Passport – valid passport with copies of relevant pages.

8. Photographs – recent passport-sized photographs.

Submit the application and supporting documents to the Migration Office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the local Migration Service.

The processing time for a residence permit application can vary, but it usually takes between 30 and 60 days.

After approval, a residence permit will be issued, allowing the foreign representative to live and work in Bulgaria for the specified period.

Advantages of obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria through the opening of a company representative office

1. Low start-up requirements: No need for initial investment and financial reporting.

2. Flexibility: The company can belong to any sphere of economic activity.

3. Mobility: There are no permanent residence requirements, but you can come and live in Bulgaria without restrictions.

4. Visa-free regime: Travel to the countries of the Schengen zone without a visa.

5. Simplicity of the procedure: the residence permit is issued for one year with the right of extension without the requirement of permanent residence in the country.

Opening a commercial office in Bulgaria and obtaining a residence permit for a foreign representative is a structured process that involves registration with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and compliance with the requirements set by the Bulgarian immigration authorities.

By following these steps and ensuring that all documentation is in order, companies can successfully open a representative office in Bulgaria and take advantage of the opportunities offered by this strategic EU member state.

We will remind you! We previously talked about the advantages and disadvantages of moving to Bulgaria, as well as the average real estate prices in the country.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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