Cases from practice

Challenge

Three partners from different countries wanted to set up a company in Bulgaria without travelling to the country.

Solution

We prepared the incorporation documents, arranged registration in the Commercial Register by power of attorney, and supported remote bank account opening.

Result

• Company registered without presence in the country
• Corporate bank account opened
• Operations started on schedule

Challenge

A foreign investor wished to obtain a long-term residence permit on the grounds of an investment in a Bulgarian company.

Solution

We analysed the applicable legal ground, prepared the full set of documents and represented the client before the competent authorities.

Result

• Residence permit issued
• Status of family members arranged
• A clear plan for renewal

Challenge

A client with long-term residence in the country wished to acquire Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation.

Solution

We verified that the legal conditions were met, prepared and filed the application, and accompanied the client throughout the proceedings.

Result

• A complete and accurate application filed
• Proceedings followed through to completion
• Minimal delays on the file

Challenge

A foreign buyer wished to acquire a property in Sofia and needed certainty that the transaction was free of encumbrances.

Solution

We carried out full due diligence on the property and the seller, drafted the preliminary and final contracts, and assisted with closing the transaction.

Result

• A transaction free of legal encumbrances and risk
• The buyer's interests protected
• Ownership transferred on time

Challenge

A company received a tax audit act from the National Revenue Agency with additional assessed liabilities and penalties.

Solution

We analysed the act, prepared a reasoned appeal with supporting evidence and represented the client throughout the proceedings.

Result

• Assessed liabilities reduced
• Imposed penalties dropped
• A clarified tax position going forward

Challenge

An employee was dismissed without lawful grounds and the employer refused to pay the compensation due.

Solution

We prepared a claim before the court with all the necessary evidence and conducted the representation before the court instances.

Result

• Dismissal recognised as unlawful
• Compensation awarded in the client's favour
• Case won in court

Challenge

A Bulgarian company with foreign participation sought to lease an industrial property from a state enterprise on a long-term basis through a public tender with open bidding.

Solution

We prepared the full set of tender documents and drew up a power of attorney to represent the manager. We appeared at the auction as attorneys, bidding on his behalf and for the account of the company. Following the successful bid, we drafted a 3-year lease agreement and a handover protocol for the transfer of possession. We then assisted with bringing the premises into compliance with fire safety requirements and prepared the documentation for safe working conditions.

Result

• Tender won and 3-year lease agreement signed
• Industrial property handed over under a formal handover protocol
• Premises brought into compliance with fire safety regulations
• Safe working conditions documentation completed

Challenge

A defence industry company operating in Bulgaria required key specialist engineers — two from Ukraine and one from Russia — to support its production activities.

Solution

We conducted the EU Blue Card procedure for all three specialists, covering document preparation, verification of qualification requirements and representation before the competent authorities.

Result

• Three EU Blue Cards issued
• Two Ukrainian specialists and one Russian specialist granted combined residence and work permits
• Company fully staffed with the key engineering personnel required for its operations

Challenge

Russian nationals residing in Bulgaria since 2023 on the basis of pension income found themselves unable to transfer their pension from Russia to Bulgaria. With only 4 days remaining before their residence permits expired, the basis for residence had to be changed urgently.

Solution

Within 4 days we prepared the complete documentation for changing the basis of residence from pensioners to real estate investors and filed with the Migration Directorate. Following the successful completion of that procedure, we initiated family reunification proceedings.

Result

• Residence basis successfully changed from pensioners to real estate investors
• New residence permit issued before the previous status expired
• Family reunification procedure successfully completed

Challenge

A client selling their business in France wished to relocate to Bulgaria with their entire family. They required comprehensive legal and tax advice — covering tax residency status, restructuring of the holding, property acquisition and obtaining residence status.

Solution

We prepared a legal opinion on the client's status as a tax resident in Bulgaria, the scope of Bulgarian taxation, and the advantages of dividend distribution between EU companies. We incorporated a Bulgarian company and contributed the shares of the French holding into the new entity by way of a contribution in kind. On relocation, we assisted with the purchase of an apartment through the company and obtaining residence permits for the client and their family members.

Result

• Legal opinion prepared on tax residency status and optimal corporate structure
• Bulgarian company incorporated; French holding shares contributed in kind
• Apartment purchased through the Bulgarian company
• Residence permits obtained for the client and all family members

Challenge

Our client held a valid family reunification permit issued by the Migration Directorate. Despite this, the Bulgarian Consulate in Istanbul refused to issue the Type D visa required to enter Bulgaria.

Solution

We appealed the refusal before the Sofia Administrative Court, arguing that the existence of a valid family reunification permit left the consulate no discretion to refuse the visa.

Result

• Type D visa refusal annulled by the Sofia Administrative Court
• Mandatory instructions issued to the Consulate in Istanbul to issue the Type D visa

Challenge

The Migration Directorate refused to issue a long-term residence and work permit under Art. 24i of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, on the grounds that the criminal record certificates submitted were deemed invalid and not reflecting actual facts and circumstances.

Solution

We appealed the refusal before the Sofia Administrative Court, challenging both its legal and factual basis. Following confirmation of our position, we filed a cassation appeal before the Supreme Administrative Court.

Result

• Refusal declared unlawful by the Sofia Administrative Court
• Decision upheld by the Supreme Administrative Court
• Mandatory instructions issued to the Migration Directorate to grant the residence and work permit

Challenge

A client had signed a brokerage agreement under which, if they ultimately did not proceed to sign a final sale and purchase contract for the selected property, the broker was entitled to retain the paid deposit as a contractual penalty. On reviewing the agreement, we established that the clause was unfair within the meaning of the Consumer Protection Act — it imposed a disproportionate sanction solely on the consumer, without any corresponding obligation on the broker in the event of non-performance on its part.

Solution

We notified the broker in writing that the clause was contrary to the Consumer Protection Act and therefore void, meaning there was no legal basis for retaining the deposit. We indicated that should the broker refuse to return the sum, we would be compelled to bring a claim, which would result in additional court costs for the broker. We supported the client's position with court practice from materially identical cases between consumers and property brokers.

Result

• Out-of-court settlement reached between the client and the broker
• Paid deposit returned in full
• Court proceedings and the associated costs and delays avoided