Bulgaria has become an increasingly attractive destination for international entrepreneurs, investors, and companies looking to establish a presence in the European Union. One of the most popular legal pathways for non-EU nationals to obtain a Bulgarian residence permit is through the registration of a Trade Representative Office of a foreign company.
This option is regulated under Article 24, paragraph 1, item 6 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act and the applicable implementing regulations. The procedure allows foreign business owners or representatives of foreign companies to obtain long-term residence in Bulgaria while developing commercial relations and exploring business opportunities in the country.
Below you will find a detailed overview of how the procedure works, the legal requirements after the latest amendments to the law, and how investors can successfully obtain residence permits through this route.
What Is a Trade Representative Office in Bulgaria?
A Trade Representative Office (TRO) is a form of presence of a foreign company in Bulgaria. It is registered with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and allows a foreign company to establish official representation in the country.
The purpose of the representative office is to:
- conduct market research
- promote the activities of the foreign company
- establish business contacts in Bulgaria and the EU
- negotiate with local partners
- prepare future investments or commercial operations
Important: A trade representative office cannot conduct direct commercial activity or generate income in Bulgaria. Its function is strictly representative and promotional.
Who Can Obtain a Residence Permit through a Trade Representative Office?
Under Bulgarian law, up to two representatives of the foreign company may obtain a long-term residence permit in Bulgaria on this basis.
These individuals must be officially registered as representatives of the foreign company in the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
This route is particularly attractive for:
- foreign entrepreneurs exploring EU markets
- owners of international companies expanding to Europe
- consultants and executives representing foreign businesses
- companies planning to establish future operations in Bulgaria
Key Legal Requirements
Recent amendments to the Foreigners in Bulgaria Act (June 2025) introduced stricter requirements aimed at ensuring that the foreign company is economically active and legitimate.
To register a trade representative office and obtain residence permits, the foreign company must provide documents proving:
- Tax Compliance
The foreign company must demonstrate good tax standing in its country of registration.
- Minimum Turnover Requirement
The company must prove annual turnover of at least EUR 51,130 for each of the two consecutive years prior to the registration of the representative office.
This turnover must be documented with official financial documents issued in the country where the company is registered.
- Certificate of Good Standing
The company must provide a Certificate of Good Standing (or equivalent corporate document) issued by the competent authority in its country of registration.
The certificate must:
- be issued no earlier than 6 months before submission
- remain valid for 6 months from the date of issuance
- Official Certification by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
All documents submitted by the foreign company are reviewed by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which issues a certificate confirming the registration of the trade representative office.
This certificate is a key document required for the residence permit procedure.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining Residence in Bulgaria
Step 1: Registration of the Trade Representative Office
The first step is the registration of the representative office with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
The procedure includes:
- preparation of corporate documents of the foreign company
- legalization and translation of documents into Bulgarian
- appointment of representatives
- submission of the application to the BCCI
Once the application is approved, the Chamber issues a certificate for the registered representative office.
Step 2: Application for a Bulgarian Visa D
After the representative office is registered, the foreign representative must apply for a long-term visa (Visa D) at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate.
Typical documents include:
- certificate of the trade representative office
- proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
- proof of sufficient financial means
- medical insurance
- criminal record certificate
The Visa D is mandatory before applying for residence.
Step 3: Application for a Residence Permit
After entering Bulgaria with a Visa D, the representative must apply for a long-term residence permit at the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior.
The residence permit is usually issued for up to one year and can be renewed annually.
Requirements for Renewal of the Residence Permit
For extensions of the residence permit, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry must issue a new certificate confirming the activity of the representative office.
To obtain this certificate, the representative must declare and demonstrate:
- activities performed during the previous period
- implementation of the representative office activity plan
- existence of an office in Bulgaria
- business contacts or relations with Bulgarian partners
This requirement ensures that the representative office is genuinely operating and not used only for immigration purposes.
Advantages of the Trade Representative Route
This immigration option remains one of the most flexible pathways for obtaining residence in Bulgaria because:
- No minimum investment in Bulgaria is required
- No obligation to hire employees
- Fast administrative procedure
- Possibility for two representatives to obtain residence
- Opportunity to explore the EU market before starting full operations
For many foreign entrepreneurs, it serves as a strategic first step before establishing a Bulgarian company or investing in the country.
Legal Assistance for Residence Permits in Bulgaria
Although the procedure may appear straightforward, in practice it requires careful preparation of corporate documents, compliance with the new requirements, legalization of foreign documents, and coordination with several Bulgarian institutions.
Professional legal assistance ensures:
- correct preparation of the company documents
- successful registration of the representative office
- preparation of the Visa D application
- submission of the residence permit application
- compliance with renewal requirements
Our law office assists foreign companies and entrepreneurs throughout the entire process of obtaining residence in Bulgaria through a trade representative office.
