Taxes and Social Contributions for Companies in Stara Zagora

Bulgaria offers one of the lowest tax rates in the EU, making it attractive for business. For companies in Stara Zagora tax obligations are administered by the NRA office in Stara Zagora Region.

Stara Zagora is a centre of the Thracian Plain with developed energy, agriculture and food processing industries, with many companies benefiting from the competitive tax environment.

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.

Bulgaria's corporate income tax rate is 10% — one of the lowest in the European Union.

Social security contributions in Bulgaria are split between the employer and the employee:

• Self-insured person (EOOD manager) — approximately €150–200/month on the chosen insurable income
• Employees — around 31–33% of gross salary (split between employer and employee)

For companies in Stara Zagora contributions are paid electronically through the NRA portal.

Key tax deadlines for companies in Stara Zagora:

• Annual tax return — by 30 June of the following year
• Advance payments — if net revenue exceeds ~€153,000
• VAT return — by the 14th of the following month (if VAT-registered)
• Social security declarations — by the 25th of the following month
• Annual financial statements — filed with the CR by 30 June

Legal ways to optimise the tax burden for companies in Stara Zagora:

• Deductible expenses — rent, utilities, company vehicles, business travel
• Depreciation — of fixed assets
• Voluntary pension contributions — up to 10% of the tax base
• Choosing the right insurable income — when self-insured