Bulgaria freelancer tax calculator (self-employed)
Social security and income tax for freelancers registered as self-employed in Bulgaria, and how much you keep each month.
Contributions are paid by the 25th of the following month. The minimum insurable income is €620.20 and the maximum €2,300.00 a month.
Everything is settled in the annual tax return, due by 30 April. VAT is not included.
How freelancers are taxed in Bulgaria
A freelancer registered as self-employed deducts fixed statutory expenses instead of real ones: 25% for freelance professions and most services, 40% for copyright and licence income, 60% for farmers. What is left is the insurable income, at least €620.20 and at most €2,300.00 a month.
Social security is 27.8% of that amount: 14.8% state pension, 5% second-pillar pension and 8% health insurance. Sickness and maternity cover is optional (+3.5%). Income tax is a flat 10% of income after the statutory expenses and contributions.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax does a freelancer pay in Bulgaria?
On €3,000 a month a freelancer pays about €625.50 social security and €162.45 income tax and keeps €2,212.05. That is an effective rate of about 26.27%.
Is the freelancer tax in Bulgaria really 10%?
The income tax rate is 10%, charged after 25% statutory expenses and social security. Social security of 27.8% comes on top, so the total burden is higher than 10%.
What are the minimum social security payments?
The minimum insurable income is €620.20 a month, so the minimum is €172.42 a month, or €194.12 with sickness cover.
How do I register as a freelancer in Bulgaria?
You file a registration form with the National Revenue Agency (NRA) within 7 days of starting work. After that you pay social security monthly, advance income tax quarterly and file an annual return by 30 April.
Is it better to open a company (EOOD)?
It depends on your income and real expenses. Use the Freelancer vs EOOD calculator to compare both options.