Do I Need a Notary for Company Registration?

Do I Need to Visit a Notary?

Short answer: Yes, but for only one thing — the specimen (sample of the manager's signature) requires mandatory notarial certification. All other documents can be signed with a QES (Qualified Electronic Signature) for electronic filing.

The Specimen — the Only Mandatory Visit

The specimen is a sample of the manager's signature that is submitted to the Trade Register (Търговски регистър). According to Art. 141(3) of the Commerce Act, the manager's signature must be notarially certified.

This requirement applies even for electronic filing — you cannot replace notarial certification with a QES for the specimen.

How the Procedure Works

1. Visit any notary in the country (it does not have to be in the district of the registered office)
2. Bring the identity document of the manager
3. The notary certifies the signature and places a stamp
4. You receive the certified original — scan it and attach it to the electronic application

For OOD with Multiple Managers

If an OOD has more than one manager, each manager must have a separate notarially certified specimen. The cost is multiplied by the number of managers.

Notary Fees

Notary fees for signature certification are set by the Notary Fees Tariff and are relatively low.

What Is Signed Only with a QES

For electronic filing, the following documents do not require notarial certification — they are signed with a QES:

• Articles of Association (EOOD) / Articles of Partnership (OOD)
• Resolution of the Sole Owner / Minutes of the Founding Meeting
• Declaration under Art. 13(4) of the Commercial Register Act
• Declaration under Art. 141(8) and (9) of the Commerce Act
• Declaration under Art. 142 of the Commerce Act
• Application A4 with the Trade Register