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New Regime for Registration of NGOs and Foundations in Bulgaria

11/10/2016

As of 1 January 2018, all NGOs (including branches of foreign NGOs) and foundations in Bulgaria must register in a newly established public register with the Bulgarian Registry Agency. Existing NGOs and foundations have until 31 December 2020 to re-register, without incurring any state fees. The new law makes the registration process easier, quicker and cheaper.

Currently, NGOs and foundations must register with their respective district court. Registration with the Registry Agency will lead to several positive effects, including:

  • a faster procedure;
  • lower state taxes;
  • electronic filing of documents; and 
  • increased transparency and accountability of NGOs.

Further, the new law provides one month for organizations to report registration of circumstances or changes in these circumstances in the new register. Further, the new law introduces the option for temporary suspension of public benefit status which will occur when an NGO fails to timely declare its annual report and financial statements with the new register for two consecutive years.

Authors

Portrait ofAntonia Kehayova
Antonia Kehayova
Counsel
Sofia