Open a Company in Bulgaria from the USA

Many founders search how to open a company in Bulgaria from the USA because they want an EU-registered entity without moving to Europe. A US citizen Bulgarian company is a standard EOOD or OOD: Americans can own 100% of the shares, register remotely, and invoice EU clients under Bulgarian company law. This guide covers documents, tax boundaries, banking, and what our packages cost from €1,700.

Can Americans own a Bulgarian company?

Yes. There is no requirement for a Bulgarian co-shareholder or local residency just to own the company. A Bulgarian company for Americans uses the same legal forms as any other foreign-owned setup:

• EOOD — one shareholder (typical for solo founders)
• OOD — two or more shareholders

English speakers often say they want to form an LLC in Bulgaria from the US. That label is convenient, but the entity is not a US LLC — it is a Bulgarian limited company with a UIC. Differences: Bulgarian LLC guide. EOOD vs OOD: comparison. Broader non-EU rules: non-EU citizens.

Why US founders choose Bulgaria

• EU company — clients and marketplaces that expect an EU counterparty
• 10% corporate tax on taxable profit — see corporate tax in Bulgaria
• Low share capital — our packages register from €2 — capital guide
• Remote formation — no need to fly to Sofia for registration

Software and SaaS founders often combine this with our IT company in Bulgaria notes. UK readers have a parallel path: company from the UK.

How Americans form the company (hub links)

US founders follow the same non-EU remote path as other passport holders: Power of Attorney, US notary, Hague Apostille, courier, then Commercial Register filing. Full mechanics: remote company formation. Non-EU ownership rules: open a company as a non-EU citizen. Apostille / translation add-ons: Apostille, certified translation.

Typical remote clock: about 10–15 days after a complete file (€2,000). In Sofia: about 3 business days (€1,700). Timeline detail: how long registration takes. Packages: company formation.

US-specific: Apostille and document quirks

The United States and Bulgaria are both Hague Apostille parties, so a state-issued Apostille on your notarised Power of Attorney is the usual path — not embassy legalisation. Confirm which state issues the Apostille for your notary (rules differ by state). Use the exact name spelling on your passport in every draft; US middle names and suffixes are a common mismatch that delays filing.

Keep a clear scan of passport biodata page and a recent US proof of address for later bank KYC. Address for the company itself is Bulgarian: registered office address.

Tax: Bulgaria vs your US obligations

In Bulgaria the company pays 10% on taxable profit. Dividends to individuals are generally subject to 5% withholding in the standard domestic case (treaties and shareholder type can change the outcome) — details in the corporate tax guide.

As a US person, owning a foreign company can trigger US reporting and tax rules that sit on top of Bulgarian tax (including information reporting on foreign corporations and how you extract profit). Formation here does not replace a US cross-border accountant. Plan dividends, salary, and reporting before you rely on the 10% headline alone — especially if you also have a US LLC or S-corp.

Optional EU VAT registration with us is €200 when you need VIES invoices: VAT registration in Bulgaria. Ongoing books: accounting for a Bulgarian company. Year-one ops: doing business in Bulgaria.

US owners and banking KYC

Expect questions on US tax ID / ITIN where relevant, source of funds, and whether the Bulgarian company will serve US clients, EU clients, or both. A simple “consulting / software” activity with a website and sample invoice often clears faster than vague “holding / trading” wording. We only form new companies — aged shelf UICs create harder US-owner narratives: shelf company risks.

Some US founders open an EU EMI account first for invoicing, then add a Bulgarian bank later. Either way, keep passport, proof of US address, and a one-page business summary ready before KYC starts — banking guide.

Banking for US owners

Banks and EMIs run full KYC on American beneficial owners. Expect passport/ID, proof of US address, and a clear business model. A new company with a clean ownership chain is easier to explain than a shelf entity — we only form new companies: shelf company risks. Banking guide: business bank account in Bulgaria.

Costs for US founders in 2026

• €1,700 — in-person formation
• €2,000 — remote formation from the USA
• From €2 — share capital in our packages
• €200 — optional VAT registration
• From €150 / €250 — Apostille / certified translation when needed
• €600 / year — registered address if renewed standalone

Full breakdown: how much it costs to open a company in Bulgaria. Packages: company formation.

Common questions

Can a US citizen open a company in Bulgaria?

Yes — 100% foreign ownership of EOOD/OOD is allowed without Bulgarian residency.

Is it a US LLC?

No. It is a Bulgarian EOOD/OOD (often called an LLC in English only).

Do I have to travel?

No. Remote formation with US notarisation and Apostille is the usual path (~10–15 days, €2,000).

What about IRS / US tax?

Bulgarian corporate tax is separate. Get US advice on foreign-company reporting and how you extract profit.