When planning company registration in Bulgaria, most foreign founders focus on tax benefits, setup speed, and EU access. But one often-overlooked element can cause significant delays or rejections: the company name. In Bulgaria, naming your business involves specific legal, linguistic, and cultural rules, particularly around the use of the Cyrillic alphabet. Failure to understand these rules can result in rejected applications, branding inconsistencies, or even legal challenges.

This guide outlines everything foreign investors need to know about naming rules for Bulgarian companies, including Cyrillic requirements, naming conventions, translation issues, and practical tips for a smooth registration process.

Why Naming Rules Matter in Bulgarian Company Registration

Your company name is more than just a label; it is a legal identifier that must comply with Bulgarian legislation. It appears on all official documents, tax filings, contracts, and public records.

During company registration in Bulgaria, the Commercial Register — overseen by the Registry Agency — performs strict checks to ensure that company names meet local standards. Non-compliance leads to outright rejection of your application, delaying your business plans.

Unlike in some countries where trade names and legal names can differ significantly, in Bulgaria, your registered legal name becomes your official business identity in all communications and filings.

The Legal Basis for Company Naming in Bulgaria

Company naming in Bulgaria is governed by:

• The Commercial Act

• The Ordinance on Keeping, Storing, and Access to the Commercial Register

• Guidelines from the Registry Agency

These rules apply to all company types, including EOOD (single-owner limited liability company) and OOD (multi-owner limited liability company), which are the most common legal entities for foreign founders.

Let’s break down the most important legal and linguistic requirements.

1. Mandatory Use of Cyrillic Alphabet

One of the most unique aspects of company registration in Bulgaria is the mandatory use of the Cyrillic script. Regardless of your native language or branding preferences, your official company name must be submitted and registered in Cyrillic.

For example, if you want to register a company named “Global Tech Solutions,” you must submit a name like “Глобал Тех Солюшънс” as your official name.

This is not optional. The Registry Agency will not accept Latin-only company names.

2. Transliteration vs. Translation: Key Differences

Many foreign founders mistakenly assume they need to translate their company name into Bulgarian. In reality, you are typically expected to transliterate it — that is, phonetically render your brand name in Cyrillic letters.

For example:

• “Bright Minds Consulting” would become “Брайт Майндс Консултинг”

• “Green Leaf Ltd.” would be “Грийн Лийф ЕООД”

Translation changes the meaning (e.g., “Green Leaf” translated would be “Зелено Листо”), which can create confusion and weaken brand consistency. Unless your business strategy specifically requires localization, transliteration is preferred for maintaining global brand identity.

3. Company Type Must Be Included

In Bulgaria, your company’s legal structure must be included as a suffix in the registered name. The most common suffixes are:

• ЕООД (for sole-owner limited liability company)

• ООД (for multi-owner limited liability company)

• АД (for joint-stock company)

For example:

• “Tech Horizon EOOD” must be submitted as “Тек Хорайзън ЕООД”

• “Blue Ocean Group OOD” becomes “Блу Оушън Груп ООД”

Failure to include the correct legal suffix will lead to rejection of the registration application.

4. Name Availability and Uniqueness

Just like in other jurisdictions, your company name in Bulgaria must be unique and not misleading. The Commercial Register checks whether the name:

• Is identical or confusingly similar to an existing name

• Suggests false government or public association

• Violates public morals or trademarks

• Misrepresents business activity or legal form

You can check name availability through the online portal of the Bulgarian Commercial Register. However, similarity checks are done manually, and slight variations (such as punctuation or word order) may still be flagged.

5. Trademarks and Brand Conflicts

Registering a company name in Bulgaria does not grant you trademark rights. Foreign founders often confuse company name registration with trademark protection. If you plan to build a strong brand in Bulgaria or the EU, it’s advisable to separately register your trademark with the Bulgarian Patent Office or at the EUIPO for broader protection.

Using a company name that conflicts with an existing trademark could lead to legal disputes, even if the name is accepted by the Commercial Register.

6. Multi-language Branding Considerations

While the official name must be in Cyrillic, businesses can use the Latin version of their name in branding, marketing, and websites. For example, invoices, business cards, and company websites can include the Latin transliteration or English equivalent.

Still, on official documents like incorporation certificates, tax filings, and legal contracts, only the Cyrillic name will appear.

Some companies choose to register both a Cyrillic and a Latin name as separate trade names, which allows for more flexibility but involves additional administrative work and costs.

7. Common Pitfalls in Naming Bulgarian Companies

Here are common mistakes foreign investors make when registering company names in Bulgaria:

• Using Latin characters only

• Attempting to register purely descriptive or generic names

• Failing to include the correct legal suffix

• Translating instead of transliterating brand names

• Not checking for existing names or similar trademarks

• Using prohibited terms such as “Bulgaria,” “national,” or “government” without special permission

Avoiding these issues during the initial planning stage can save time and money during the setup process.

8. How to Choose a Compliant Name

To ensure your company name complies with Bulgarian rules, follow these tips:

• Use simple, phonetic words that transliterate easily

• Perform a preliminary search in the Commercial Register

• Check for existing trademarks before finalizing the name

• Choose a name that can be pronounced in Bulgarian

• Work with a local consultant or legal expert to review your name

Some free name check tools are available, but official verification only happens during application review.

9. Registration Process for Company Name

The process to register your company name in Bulgaria typically involves:

1. Choosing the name in Cyrillic and verifying its availability

2. Preparing company formation documents (articles of association, resolutions, etc.)

3. Submitting the application to the Bulgarian Commercial Register

4. Waiting for approval (typically 3–5 working days)

5. Receiving the Certificate of Incorporation with the official name

If the name is rejected, you'll need to re-submit the application, potentially incurring new costs and delays.

Conclusion

Naming your company correctly is a foundational step in successful company registration in Bulgaria. For foreign founders, the Cyrillic script requirement and transliteration expectations are unfamiliar territory. Yet, ignoring them can derail the registration process or compromise your brand in the long term.

Taking time to understand the linguistic and legal nuances of Bulgarian company naming rules ensures that your business starts off on the right foot. Whether you’re launching a local operation or a European headquarters, a well-planned name can help you avoid regulatory hurdles, align with your brand, and gain faster approval from Bulgarian authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I register my company name in English in Bulgaria?
No, the official registered name must be in Cyrillic. However, you can use the English or Latin version in branding, websites, and informal communication.

2. Is it mandatory to include EOOD or OOD in the company name?
Yes, Bulgarian law requires the legal structure of the company (such as EOOD or OOD) to be part of the official name.

3. Can I use a translated version of my company name?
You can, but it’s generally better to transliterate the name instead of translating it, especially if you're maintaining an international brand identity.