Legal forms of philanthropic organizations included in the law: Association, Foundation
Five main social issues addressed by these organizations: Primary and high school education, arts and culture, basic needs, youth and family, environment
Average time established by law to register a philanthropic organization: 0-30 days
Average cost for registering a philanthropic organization: US$80
Currently, the practice of registration varies around the country, but it may take more than a month in some cases to register an NGO. The system will change from January 1, 2018 when registration is transferred from courts to the Registry Agency, where registration should take three days.
Government levels primarily regulating the incorporation of philanthropic organizations: Courts
Registration takes place in the regional courts. There are 28 regional courts in Bulgaria covering the whole territory of the country. From January 1, 2018 the registration procedure will change, and registration will be transferred from the courts to the Registry Agency—a body under the Ministry of Justice that has regional offices throughout the country.
View the full Bulgaria country report