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Registering a business in Sevlievo follows the same national framework that applies across Bulgaria. The process is administered primarily through the national Commercial Register and related authorities. Common company forms include sole proprietorships, limited liability companies, and joint-stock companies. Registration establishes your legal entity, tax identity and the ability to contract, hire staff and open a bank account. Local municipal requirements in Sevlievo - for example zoning, local permits and specific municipal taxes - can also apply depending on your activity and location.
This guide gives a practical overview of what to expect, when it is advisable to hire a lawyer and how to move forward. It is informational and not a substitute for personalised legal advice.
Many entrepreneurs successfully register businesses without legal help, but a lawyer is useful or necessary in a number of common situations:
- Choosing the right legal form and ownership structure - a lawyer can explain the legal and tax implications of an OOD, EOOD, AD, sole trader or partnership and recommend the best fit for your risk profile and business goals.
- Drafting and reviewing constitutional documents - shareholders agreements, articles of association and founders' agreements are key to avoiding future disputes.
- Complex ownership or investors - when there are multiple investors, cross-border investors, or special rights and transfer restrictions, precise drafting is essential.
- Depositing and documenting share capital - lawyers help prepare and certify the documents banks require to release capital and issue confirmation for registration.
- Licences and regulated activities - certain activities require pre-approval or licences from national or municipal authorities - for example construction, food handling, transport, financial services and others.
- Real estate, lease and municipal issues - negotiating leases, reviewing property titles and local zoning rules for your Sevlievo premises.
- Employment and social security compliance - lawyers and employment advisers can help draft employment contracts and ensure compliance with labour law and social security registration.
- Foreign founders or documents - if founding documents or identification are foreign, a lawyer helps with translation, notarisation, apostille and representation before registries.
- Buying or restructuring a company - legal due diligence when acquiring a business, or when transforming, merging or winding up entities.
The following legal elements are particularly relevant when registering and operating a business in Sevlievo:
- Companies law and Commercial Register - company formation, amendments, and liquidation are governed by Bulgarian company law and processed through the national Commercial Register. Registration creates legal personality and records officers, capital and legal form.
- Types of entities - common forms are:
- Sole trader - registered natural person who runs business activity.
- Limited liability company (OOD or EOOD) - the most frequently used form for small and medium businesses. It protects owners with limited liability for company obligations.
- Joint-stock company (AD) - used for larger enterprises with transferable shares and larger capital requirements.
- Minimum capital - some company types require statutory minimum capital. The level differs by company type and by applicable rules - always confirm capital and subscription rules with a lawyer or registrar.
- Taxation - Bulgaria applies a flat corporate tax rate. Businesses must register for corporate income tax, VAT where thresholds or activities require it, and payroll taxes when hiring.
- VAT registration - businesses with taxable turnover above the national threshold must register for VAT. There are also rules for voluntary registration, cross-border transactions and distance sales that may trigger registration sooner.
- Beneficial owner disclosure and AML - companies are required to disclose their ultimate beneficial owners to the relevant registers and comply with anti-money laundering obligations applicable to many service providers.
- Labour and social security law - employers must register employees with the National Revenue Agency and comply with employment contracts, minimum standards and social security contributions.
- Municipal and sector permits - Sevlievo municipality can require local licences, permits for signage, construction, waste management and local taxes. Regulated sectors such as food, healthcare or transport have additional national and municipal requirements.
- Language and documentation - official filings are in Bulgarian. Foreign documents normally require translation and appropriate notarisation or apostille to be accepted.
Typical steps include choosing a company form, preparing founding documents, depositing required capital if relevant, securing a registered office address, completing the application to the Commercial Register, obtaining a BULSTAT number and tax registration with the National Revenue Agency, and obtaining any sector or municipal permits needed for your activity.
If documents are complete and there are no complications, registration at the Commercial Register can be completed within a few business days to a couple of weeks. Timeframes extend if you need licences, special approvals or if foreign documents must be notarised and translated.
Yes. Foreign natural persons and legal entities can establish businesses in Bulgaria under generally the same rules as local founders. Foreign documents typically require notarisation, translation into Bulgarian and may need an apostille. Specific rules may apply for certain regulated activities.
You need a registered office address in Bulgaria for company registration. Directors do not have to be Bulgarian citizens, but at least one person must be authorised to represent the company. For non-resident directors, practical issues such as receiving notices and tax residency should be considered.
Common documents include the articles of association or founding deed, identification documents for founders and directors, proof of registered office, bank statement confirming capital deposit where required, and declarations about beneficial owners. Foreign documents may need notarisation and translation.
VAT registration is mandatory when your taxable turnover exceeds the national threshold over a 12-month period or when you engage in activities that require mandatory VAT registration. You can also register voluntarily. There are special rules for intra-EU supplies and distance sales that can affect timing.
Costs include state registration fees, notary fees, legal and translation fees, bank charges for capital deposit and any municipal permit fees. The total cost varies with company type, complexity and whether you use professional services. Ask for a fee estimate from a lawyer or service provider before you start.
A beneficial owner is the natural person who ultimately owns or controls the company. Bulgarian law requires companies to disclose beneficial owners to the relevant registers and to make records available for anti-money laundering compliance. Failure to declare can lead to fines and registration issues.
Yes. Changes in name, address, capital, management, and activities are made by filing the appropriate documents with the Commercial Register. Some changes require shareholder resolutions, notarisation and updated public filings.
Employers must register with the National Revenue Agency for social security and payroll taxation, sign employment contracts that meet legal minimums, and comply with labour law regarding working hours, leave, safety and termination. Local employment offices can also provide guidance on formalities.
Here are the types of organisations and bodies that can help with business registration and related matters in Sevlievo:
- Commercial Register - the central national registry for companies and commercial entities.
- National Revenue Agency - for tax registration, VAT, payroll and social security matters.
- Sevlievo Municipality - for local permits, municipal taxes, zoning and local business-related services.
- Regional Bar Association - to find qualified local lawyers and legal advisors experienced in company law and administrative procedures.
- Local chambers of commerce and business associations - offer practical support, networking and sometimes advisory services for new businesses.
- Certified translators and notaries - for handling foreign documents and required legalisation.
If you need legal assistance with business registration in Sevlievo follow these practical next steps:
- Prepare basic information - decide on business activity, potential owners, capital, and an intended address. Gather identification and any foreign documents you may need to legalise and translate.
- Consult with a local lawyer - schedule a consultation to discuss the best company form, required licences, expected costs and timeline. Ask for a written engagement letter describing services and fees.
- Obtain a checklist and cost estimate - a lawyer or business services provider should give you a clear checklist of documents, approximate fees and an estimated timeline so you can plan.
- Arrange for translations and notarisation - if you are a foreign founder, organise notarisation and translations early to avoid delays.
- Register with relevant authorities - once documents are ready, proceed with Commercial Register filing, tax registration with the National Revenue Agency and any municipal permits for Sevlievo.
- Maintain compliance - after registration, ensure ongoing filings, tax returns, payroll contributions and any licence renewals are handled on time. Consider retaining a lawyer or accountant for regular compliance support.
If you are unsure where to start, contact a local Sevlievo lawyer or business consultant who can walk you through the process and tailor advice to your specific situation.
