Freelance Profession in Stara Zagora
What is a Freelance Profession?
A freelance profession (svobodna profesiya) is a self-employed individual registered in the BULSTAT/UIC registry who provides independent services. Unlike an EOOD, you operate as an individual — not a legal entity.
In Stara Zagora this form is popular with IT professionals, consultants, designers, and members of the liberal professions. Stara Zagora is a centre of the Thracian Plain with developed energy, agriculture and food processing industries.
Business Environment in Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora (approximately 140,000 residents) is a centre of the Thracian Plain with developed energy, agriculture and food processing industries. The city has over 11,000 registered companies, making it an active business centre.
Key Industries:
- Energy
- Agriculture & Agribusiness
- Food Processing
- Mechanical Engineering
Office Rents: Average office rents in Stara Zagora are €3–7/sq.m., which is competitive compared to other cities in the region.
Bank Branches: DSK Bank, UniCredit Bulbank and Postbank have branches on Tsar Simeon Veliki Blvd. and around Beroe Square.
Notary Offices: Notaries are located mainly along Tsar Simeon Veliki Blvd., near the Municipality and in the area of the District Court.
Freelance vs. EOOD
| Freelance | EOOD | |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Unlimited (personal assets) | Limited (to share capital) |
| Min. capital | None required | €1 |
| Income tax | 10% after NPR (25–60%) | 10% corp. + 5% dividend |
| Social security | On chosen base (min. BGN 933) | As self-insured (manager) |
| Accounting | Simplified — free with Firmify | Full double-entry |
| Registration | BULSTAT registry | Commercial Register |
Registration Steps
- BULSTAT registration — file online with a QES or at an NRA office in Stara Zagora
- Receive UIC — usually within 1–3 business days; Firmify prepares all documents
- OKD-5 at NRA — within 7 days of starting activity, register as self-employed
- Activate accounting — free in Firmify; set your NPR percentage and insurable income
Taxes and Social Insurance
| Obligation | Rate | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax | 10% after NPR | April 30 |
| Advance income tax | 10% | Apr 15, Jul 15, Oct 15 |
| Pension insurance (DOO) | 14.8% of insurable income | 25th of month |
| Health insurance (ZO) | 8.0% of insurable income | 25th of month |
| Supplementary pension (DZPO) | 5.0% of insurable income | 25th of month |
At the minimum insurable income of BGN 933/month, total contributions are approximately BGN 260/month.
Frequently asked questions
Freelance Profession in other cities
Other topics for Stara Zagora
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