Thinking about bringing your business to Europe but not ready for the cost and paperwork of a full company? For non-EU companies, a trade representative office is one of the lightest, lowest-cost ways to get an officially recognized presence in Bulgaria. And it comes with a valuable bonus: the person who runs it can obtain Bulgarian residence, with a path toward long-term status in the EU.
It's a route surprisingly few people know about, and it sits somewhere between "just visiting" and "setting up a whole company." But it only works if it's done properly. Bulgarian authorities have tightened the rules in recent years, and refusals are common when the basics aren't in place.
Atty. Aglaya Samokovliyska prepared a detailed guide on the topic for Sofia Expats, the weekly newsletter for English speakers in Sofia. It covers:
- What a trade representative office is – and who it is (and isn't) for
- Trade representative office vs. a Bulgarian company
- The requirements for the parent company, the office and each representative
- The step-by-step process, timing and costs
- The 7 common mistakes that get applications refused
Want to discuss your case in detail?
Book a meeting with us directly and we'll tell you whether this route fits your company – before you spend anything on it.
Book a meetingThis publication is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
