For a non-EU entrepreneur who already has a company abroad, one of the most accessible ways to live in Bulgaria is to give that company a Bulgarian presence: a trade representative office registered with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Its accredited representatives can then apply for long-term residence, renewable every year.
What a representative office is — and is not
A representative office is not a Bulgarian company and not a branch. It has no separate legal personality and may not trade or earn income in Bulgaria. Its role is to research the market and promote the foreign company. That limitation is also its advantage: there is no obligation to hire local staff or show local revenue, and no profit tax arises because the office does not trade — although it still has accounting, expense-tax and reporting obligations.
What the foreign company must show
- Annual turnover of at least EUR 51,129.19 (formerly BGN 100,000) in each of the last two financial years, evidenced by financial statements (or an official document based on them) certified by the home-country chamber of commerce or the company’s bank
- A certificate that it has no outstanding tax liabilities
- An office address in Bulgaria, backed by a lease of at least one year with the lessor’s signature notarised, or by a title deed
- Its corporate documents — certificate of incorporation, articles, certificate of good standing issued within the last six months — apostilled or legalised and translated into Bulgarian by a certified translator
A newly formed company, or one with turnover below the threshold, will not qualify. In that case, other routes such as the digital nomad ground or a Bulgarian company with local staff may fit better.
Step by step
Documents and power of attorney
Company documents are apostilled and translated; you sign a power of attorney so we can act for you in Bulgaria.
BCCI registration
We file the application and obtain the BCCI accreditation certificate — about 10 to 15 working days once the file is complete.
Type D visa
The representative applies at a Bulgarian consulate in their country of nationality or residence, with the BCCI certificate, a letter from the company, proof of accommodation and a clean criminal record. Allow 10 to 30 days, depending on the consulate.
Arrival
The Type D visa is usually issued for up to six months with multiple entries.
Residence application
While the visa is valid, the application for long-term residence is lodged with the Migration Directorate in Sofia; allow up to about five weeks.
Residence card
A biometric card is issued for up to one year.
Family
Once the representative holds the permit, family reunification can follow for the spouse and children.
Keeping the permit
Each year the BCCI accreditation must be renewed with the company’s updated tax, turnover and good-standing documents and a declaration by each representative of the activity carried out in the past year, backed by evidence of the office and of real representative work or contacts with Bulgarian partners. The residence permit is then renewed on the strength of the new certificate. If the accreditation lapses, the basis for residence falls away with it — so the renewal calendar matters.
Most of the procedure can be run remotely under a power of attorney. You only need to travel once you are ready to enter Bulgaria on the visa.
Questions clients ask
Do I have to live in Bulgaria full-time?
No permanent presence is required to keep the permit, but residence depends on the office remaining accredited — and each renewal requires evidence of real representative activity in the past year. If you plan to apply for permanent residence or citizenship later, time actually spent in Bulgaria becomes relevant.
Can the representative office sign contracts with Bulgarian customers?
No. It may not carry on commercial activity. If you want to trade in Bulgaria, you need a Bulgarian company or a branch.
How many people can obtain residence through one office?
Up to two commercial representatives, each with their own family members through family reunification.
This guide is general information about Bulgarian law as it stood on the date of publication. It is not legal advice for your specific case.
