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Tanya D
Tanya D
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Trade Representative of an Overseas Business Visa

Obtaining a residence permit as a foreign trade representative is a well-established route for non-EU citizens to live in Bulgaria. Despite the seemingly straightforward requirements for a trade representative office in Bulgaria, a stricter enforcement of the rules has created a bottleneck, leading to a higher rate of application rejections under the current system.

Trade representative office

How to Register a Foreign Trade Representation in Bulgaria

Expanding your business to a new country can be a great step. If you're looking to establish a presence in Bulgaria, one of the most common ways is to register a foreign trade representation. This guide will walk you through the essential documents and steps for a smooth registration process with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

Understanding a Trade Representation

A trade representation is a non-legal entity in Bulgaria. This means it cannot engage in commercial activities or generate profit. Its primary function is to promote your business, conduct market research, and build connections with potential partners. It's often the first step before setting up a full-fledged company.

Step-by-Step Document Checklist for Registration

To get started, you'll need to prepare a comprehensive set of documents. Here’s a breakdown of what’s required:

1. Documents from Your Home Country

  • Certificate of Good Standing: You must provide an official document from your home country's commercial register, proving your company's current status. It must be issued within the last six months and be valid for six months from its issuance date.
  • Representative Information: If the "Certificate of Good Standing" doesn't list the people who can legally represent your company, you'll need a separate official document confirming their details.
  • Tax Compliance: A certificate from the relevant tax authority in your country, confirming that your company has no tax debts for the past two calendar years.
  • Proof of Turnover: You need to show that your company had an annual turnover of at least 100,000 BGN (or the equivalent in foreign currency) for each of the last two years. This can be proven with:
    • An official document based on your accounting records, certified by your local chamber of commerce.
    • An accounting report for the last two years, certified by your local chamber of commerce or your bank.

2. Authenticating Your Documents

This is a crucial step to ensure your foreign documents are accepted in Bulgaria.

Note: All foreign documents must be translated into Bulgarian by a certified translator. The translation must also be legalised.

  • Authentication: Your documents need to be authenticated. This can be done in one of three ways:
    • By a consular service at a Bulgarian embassy or a foreign embassy in Bulgaria.
    • If your country is part of the Hague Convention, you can use an Apostille stamp on the original document. This eliminates the need for further certifications.
    • If Bulgaria has a legal aid agreement with your country, the original document with the signature and seal of the issuing authority may be enough, without needing an Apostille.

3. Documents for the Bulgarian Office

  • Management Decision: A formal decision from your company's management body to open a trade representation in Bulgaria.
  • Power of Attorney: A notarised power of attorney from your legal representative, appointing a person to manage the representation in Bulgaria. It must clearly define their authority.
  • Signature Specimen: You need to provide original signature specimens of the representatives who will manage the office in Bulgaria. These must be notarised or signed in front of a BCCI employee.
  • Office Address: Proof of a physical office in Bulgaria is required. This is usually a lease agreement for at least one year, with a notarised signature of the landlord.
  • Activity Program: A document outlining the planned activities of the representation for the current year. This simple document does not need to be notarised.

What Comes After the Trade Representative Registration

The submitted documents are usually reviewed within a short week. If the application is successful, the person who is registered as a trade representative receives a special certificate of registration. Additional registration at the local Bulstat registry office is required before the certificate can be issued.

Once your representation is registered, you must keep its information updated with the BCCI.

  • If there are any changes to your company (like a new address or new directors), you must submit an updated "Certificate of Good Standing" to the BCCI within 30 days.
  • If there are changes to your Bulgarian representation (like a new representative or a new office address), you must declare it to the BCCI within 7 days. The BCCI will then inform the Bulgarian Migration Directorate.

The Path to Bulgarian Residency for Trade Representatives

After your trade representative office is officially registered and you receive the necessary certificate, you can begin the process of obtaining a Bulgarian residence permit. The crucial first step is to apply for a Type D visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country. This visa grants you the right to enter and stay in Bulgaria for an initial period of up to six months. To ensure a smooth transition, it's vital to apply for your residence permit at the local Migration Directorate before your Type D visa expires. When submitting your residency application, be prepared to re-submit most of the same documents you used for your visa application, along with a newly issued certificate of registration for your representative office, as this document has a short validity period (typically one month). Once you have held a temporary residence permit and resided in Bulgaria for five consecutive years, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residency, opening the door to long-term settlement.

Additional documents for the Visa and Residence Permit Applications

In addition to the documents required for the initial TRO registration, you will need to provide specific documents for the visa and residence permit applications:

  • BCCI Certificate: A special certificate issued by the BCCI proving the registration of the TRO. This document is valid for a short period (usually one month) and must be submitted with your visa application.
  • Proof of Funds: You must show a bank statement with sufficient funds to support yourself in Bulgaria. The amount is typically a minimum of 12 times the Bulgarian minimum monthly salary.
  • Proof of Accommodation: A notarised rental agreement or proof of property ownership in Bulgaria.
  • Health Insurance: A valid health insurance policy covering urgent medical care and hospital treatment for your stay.
  • Criminal Record Check: A certificate from your home country showing you have no criminal convictions.

Long-Term Prospects

After holding a temporary residence permit for five years (and residing in Bulgaria for at least 30 months during that period), you may be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit. After another five years of permanent residence, you can become eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship.

What you can do as a trade representative with a visa / residence permit in Bulgaria?

  • work for your employer, full time;
  • bring your family/dependents with you to Bulgaria;
  • switch to this visa from almost any other visa category;
  • apply to settle in Bulgaria after you have lived here for five (5) consecutive years.

You cannot:

  • work as self-employed or employed by another company;
  • stay in Bulgaria if the trade representative contract is terminated by your employer;
  • get public funding from the government.

How many sales representatives can apply for residence permit?

As of 2025, the Bulgarian government has adjusted its policy regarding residence permits for foreign trade representatives. While it was previously possible to register up to three representatives, the current regulation now allows for a maximum of two sales representatives to be granted residency. This change directly impacts the application process for foreign companies seeking to establish a presence in Bulgaria, so it is essential to ensure that only two representatives who meet all authorization requirements are nominated. This new rule affects all applicants aiming for a long-term residence permit in Bulgaria through a trade representative office.

Working with Me as Your Representative for an Overseas Business Application

I have broad experience with trade representative visa applications to Bulgaria from abroad. I can provide you with information and legal assistance if you wish to enter Bulgaria as a representative of foreign business. You will need to provide specific evidence to ensure your application is successful. We will work together to gather this essential evidence. I can assess whether you fit the criteria for the trade representative visa. If I believe the application may fail, I will be able to inform you.