Bulgaria Investor of the Year 2025

In 2026, Bulgaria marked 20 years since the first “Investor of the Year” awards, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to promote investment and economic growth.

Bulgaria has also recorded increased turnover on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE) in the first quarter of the year, improving market liquidity. In parallel, the BSE is introducing measures to support new company listings by lowering financial barriers. Combined with the gradual entry of Bulgarian pension funds into the market, these developments are expected to further strengthen the capital market.

The “Investor of the Year” awards, organized annually by the Bulgarian Investment Agency, recognize both established companies and emerging businesses. The main award this year was granted to BTL Bulgaria, a leading manufacturer of medical equipment. Beyond the awards themselves, the event serves as an important platform where innovative companies engage directly with government representatives, fostering a more supportive and dynamic business environment.

Bulgaria offers a competitive investment climate, including a flat corporate tax rate of 10%. Foreign investors are further supported by the Bulgarian Investment Agency, which assists with key aspects of establishing a business—from identifying suitable locations and facilitating access to cost-effective sites, to providing incentives such as reduced social contributions for newly hired employees.

Transition from Bulgaria’s Citizenship-by-Investment Program to the Bulgaria Golden Visa

Following the successful Bulgarian Citizenship-by-Investment program, which operated for nearly a decade, the framework evolved into a more structured and predictable model—now reflected in the Bulgaria Golden Visa.

This transition demonstrates continuity across different leaderships within the Bulgarian Investment Agency, including Mr. Stamen Yanev, Mrs. Nenova, and Mr. Ivanov. During Mr. Yanev’s tenure, Bulgaria attracted significant foreign investment and operated the fast-track citizenship-by-investment program (2013–2022). Mrs. Nenova played a key role in shaping the current Golden Visa framework, which is now fully operational under Mr. Ivanov.

Advocate Markov has worked closely with all directors of the Agency, consistently relying on their expertise and professionalism to ensure a smooth process and positive outcomes for investors.

What is the goal of the Bulgaria Golden Visa

The Bulgaria Golden Visa program creates a structured channel for directing investments into high-value projects that are strategically important to the country. Events such as these bring together industry leaders and capital, making them particularly relevant for Bulgaria AIF’s participation.

There are numerous companies in Bulgaria with strong potential to realize their projects when supported by the right capital and institutional backing. By investing through an AIF under the Bulgaria Golden Visa program, investors’ capital can be allocated to sectors of national importance, often benefiting from partial or full government support. This approach enhances both capital preservation and the potential for sustainable growth.