YARD Law Co. advises American individuals and companies on doing business, buying property, and living in Bulgaria — coordinating the company, immigration and cross-border tax issues that specifically affect US citizens, in plain English.
As non-EU nationals, US citizens can own and manage a Bulgarian OOD (LLC) with no residency requirement — minimum capital of BGN 2, registered in 3–5 business days, and usually completed remotely under a power of attorney. Documents issued in the US must carry an apostille (both countries are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention). See our guide to company formation for foreigners.
US citizens can buy buildings and apartments in their own name; agricultural and other land is typically acquired through a Bulgarian company, a common structure for non-EU buyers. An apostilled power of attorney lets us complete the purchase without you travelling, and we run due diligence and title checks before you commit — the notary does not perform a full legal check in your interest.
US citizens use the non-EU route: usually a long-stay type-D visa followed by a renewable long-term residence permit, on grounds such as business activity through your Bulgarian company, commercial representation, or pension income. Applications are assessed individually by the Migration Directorate, so the legal ground must be chosen carefully.
Bulgaria applies a flat 10% rate to personal income and corporate profit. Importantly, the US and Bulgaria have no bilateral income-tax treaty, so Americans rely on the US foreign tax credit or foreign earned income exclusion to avoid double taxation — coordination with a US tax adviser is essential. US persons also remain subject to US worldwide taxation, FBAR/FinCEN reporting on foreign accounts, and FATCA information exchange between the two countries. See Bulgarian tax on investment and crypto income.
Yes. US citizens can own and direct a Bulgarian OOD with no residency requirement, usually incorporated remotely under an apostilled power of attorney within about a week.
Yes. Documents issued in the United States must carry an apostille to be used in Bulgaria. Because both countries are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, no further consular legalization is required.
No. There is no bilateral income-tax treaty between the United States and Bulgaria. Americans generally use the US foreign tax credit or the foreign earned income exclusion to avoid double taxation and should coordinate with a US tax adviser. Bulgaria’s flat rate is 10%.
Yes, via the non-EU route — typically a long-stay type-D visa followed by a renewable long-term residence permit on grounds such as business activity, commercial representation, or pension income.
Yes. American clients are served entirely in English. Documents filed with Bulgarian authorities are prepared and explained by your lawyer, with sworn translations arranged where required.
This page was prepared by the legal team at YARD Law Co., a Sofia-based law firm serving international clients. It is general information, not tax or legal advice; US tax matters should be coordinated with a qualified US adviser.
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