The requirements for registering an association vary depending on whether the association will carry out activity for private benefit or for public benefit. Certain laws lay down additional conditions for associations that carry out specific activities. For example, sports clubs, which are non-profit associations, must meet the requirements of the Physical Education and Sport Act.

Founding Assembly

The founders may be Bulgarian and foreign legal entities and natural persons. Minors and persons who have not attained the age of majority may not be founders.

An association for private benefit is established by a minimum of 3 legal entities and/or natural persons.

An association for public-benefit activity is established by at least 7 natural persons or 3 legal entities.

At the Founding Assembly, decisions are taken concerning:

  • the name of the association;
  • the seat and the registered address of management;
  • the subject of activity and its designation as private or public benefit;
  • the objectives and the means for achieving them;
  • the ancillary economic activity;
  • the election of members of the management body;
  • the adoption of a statute.
Required Documents

For the registration of an association in the Register of Non-Profit Legal Entities at the Registry Agency, the following documents are required:

  • Application, form А15;
  • Minutes of the Founding Assembly;
  • List of the founders bearing their signatures;
  • Statute of the association;
  • Minutes of a meeting of the Management Board electing a chairperson;
  • A notarised specimen of the signature of the persons representing the association (specimen);
  • Declarations under Article 13 of the Commercial Register and Register of Non-Profit Legal Entities Act;
  • Payment order for the state fee paid;
  • Power of attorney, if the documents are submitted by an authorised representative.

If a founder is a legal entity, a decision of the relevant competent body is required for participation in the establishment and for the appointment of a representative to the bodies of the association. A foreign legal entity must provide an official document evidencing its existence and its representatives.

Submission of Documents to the Register of Non-Profit Legal Entities

The documents may be submitted on paper at any office of the Registry Agency or electronically with an electronic signature, which entitles the applicant to a 50% discount on the state fee. Application А15 and the accompanying documents may be submitted in person by the person representing the association or by an authorised attorney.

State Fees

The fee for registering an association in the Register of Non-Profit Legal Entities is BGN 50 for submission on paper and BGN 25 for electronic submission.

Registration Period

The official must enter the new association on the working day following the submission of the documents. Registration usually takes 3 to 5 working days.

If the documents are incomplete or deficient, the official will give instructions for correction within 3 days. If the deficiencies cannot be remedied, registration will be refused.

A refusal of registration may be appealed within 7 days before the district court at the seat of the association.

Should you require further information, consultation or assistance with the registration of an association, please contact us on tel.: 0887550706 or by e-mail: [email protected]