Intro

If you run an online business, freelance remotely, or earn income from global clients, you’ve probably looked into ways to legally lower your taxes without ending up in a shady jurisdiction. Bulgaria might not be the first country that comes to mind—but it should be. With its flat 10% corporate tax, EU credibility, and no-nonsense registration process, Bulgaria is one of the best options for setting up a company that pays taxes legally and efficiently—without needing to move there.

1. Simple Goal: You Want a Legal EU Company That Pays Only 10% Tax

Let’s be clear. You don’t want to open an office in Bulgaria. You don’t want to hire staff. You just want to pay tax somewhere that’s legal, affordable, and accepted globally. That’s exactly what Bulgaria offers:

• Flat 10% corporate income tax

• Full compliance with EU regulations

• Tax-residency status for your company—without the red flags of tax havens

2. You Can Pay Taxes in Bulgaria Without Living There

Bulgaria doesn’t require company directors or owners to be local residents. This means:

• You can be a non-resident shareholder and manager

• You can run the company from anywhere in the world

• You don’t need to rent an office or live in Bulgaria

You will, however, need a local address (which service providers can offer) and proper accounting. But overall, it's very hands-off.

3. EU Jurisdiction Without the Western European Price Tag

Bulgaria is part of the European Union—but it’s not France or Germany. That’s a good thing.

• You get EU credibility, access to SEPA banking, and easy international invoicing

• But with lower regulation costs, less bureaucracy, and fewer reporting headaches

• No CFC rules for individuals (unlike in Western Europe)

If you're comparing it to places like Ireland or Estonia, Bulgaria often wins on tax simplicity and cost.

4. Low Maintenance, High Legitimacy

A Bulgarian company is a real company. It’s listed in the EU company registry, it has a tax number, and it can operate across the EU. But you can run it entirely remotely, provided you:

• File your annual reports and tax returns (handled by a local accountant)

• Maintain a business address and a representative (can be virtual)

• Use international banking or fintech platforms (Wise, Revolut, Bulgarian banks)

5. Ideal for Online Income, Crypto, Consulting, and Freelance Work

If your income is coming from online clients, marketplaces, affiliate programs, ad revenue, or crypto gains, a Bulgarian company is often a great fit. You can invoice clients worldwide, accept payments in multiple currencies, and pay just 10% on your net profits—legally and cleanly.

Important Caveats (That You Should Know)

• Your personal tax residency still matters. If you live in a high-tax country, that country may still claim your income unless you cut ties and relocate.

• You need to actually manage the company from outside high-tax jurisdictions to avoid “place of management” issues.

• Nominee directors and proper structure are essential if you don’t want to appear as running the company from your home country.

Conclusion: A Smart, Legal, Low-Tax Base for Your Global Income

If you're tired of paying 30%+ in tax in your home country—or don't want to rely on sketchy offshore setups—Bulgaria is a clean, EU-based, tax-efficient alternative. For remote workers, online business owners, or crypto entrepreneurs, it offers the perfect balance: a real company in a reputable country, but with only 10% tax and minimal setup headaches.