Obtain Special Permits and Licenses for Bulgarian Companies

Obtaining a business license in Bulgaria is part of the company registration process. You can rely on our lawyers in Bulgaria for guidance in preparing and filing the necessary documents.

Are all Bulgarian companies required to obtain business permits for their activities?

No. The requirement to apply for a business license depends on the activity and law applicable in certain Bulgarian industries.

Are there any procedures to comply with before applying for a Bulgarian business permit?

Yes, considering licensing is the last step in opening a company in Bulgaria. This means that you will have to register for taxation (VAT included for certain types of activities), and even for employment in some sectors.

Apart from observing these requirements for special permits and licenses for functioning, some companies will also be required to perform EORI registration.

Am I required to apply for a business license if I work as a sole trader in Bulgaria?

Yes, you may be required to obtain a business permit even if you work as a self-employed person in Bulgaria.

Is it mandatory for foreign companies to obtain business licenses in Bulgaria?

Yes, foreign companies operating through branches and subsidiaries in Bulgaria must obtain special permits and licenses.

NOTE: Bulgarian representative offices are not subject to any licensing conditions.

What are the sectors in which special business permits must be obtained in Bulgaria?

Here is a list of such operations:

banking, insurance, and other financial services;
medical and pharmaceutical, including veterinary ones;
transportation activities, including taxis;
production and sale of food and beverages;
sale of alcohol and tobacco and associated products;
gambling and gaming, including online activities;
construction;
energy production and distribution;
tourism-related activities;
educational services;
pawnshops;
private security activities;
car repair and maintenance;
beauty salons;
arms trade.

These are only some of the activities for which you must obtain a business license in Bulgaria. However, there are also other industries that are regulated and require special authorizations or permits.

You can rely on our law firm in Bulgaria if you need to apply for any of the above-mentioned business permits.

Are there any special licensing requirements for Bulgarian companies I need to be aware of?

Yes, private companies willing to go public must respect the regulations of the Public Offering of Securities Act and must receive a license from the Financial Supervision Commission or obtain a trading permit under the Public Offering of Securities Act.

Also, keep in mind that special investment purpose companies have specific requirements that must be met before beginning the trades.

What are the requirements to obtain a business license in Bulgaria?

They depend on the activity carried out. Generally speaking, applicants must usually:

submit evidence of having the necessary training and/or qualifications;
draft business plans;
comply with certain regulatory requirements and standards;
obtain liability insurance.

NOTE: The documents required to obtain a certain business permit depend a lot on the activity and can be quite extensive. This is why it is advisable to work with our Bulgarian lawyers to ensure compliance.

What business license do I need if I work as a self-employed individual in Bulgaria?

Being a doctor, lawyer, accountant, or any other profession that requires acknowledgment from a dedicated body also implies obtaining a business license in Bulgaria. However, this is usually issued in the form of a certificate that enables the respective person to carry out his or her activity.

Contact our law firm in Bulgaria for more details about licensing requirements.