Why invest in Bulgaria

Why invest in Bulgaria

Stable political environment & low country risk:

NATO membership
EU membership

Macroeconomic and financial stability:

real GDP growth rate - -5.0% (2009)
inflation rate, annual change - 0.6% (2009)
unemployment rate - 9.1% (2009)
no currency risk, local currency is pegged to Euro
budget surplus for the previous 5 years (-3.9% for 2009)
investment grade credit rating by major rating agencies

EU's most favourable taxes:

10% corporate income tax rate; 0% in high-unemployment areas
10% flat tax rate on personal income
2-year VAT exemption for imports of equipment for investment projects over € 5 million, creating at least 50 jobs
depreciation of 2 years for computers and new manufacturing equipment
opportunity for R&D expenditure write-off
5% withholding tax on dividends and liquidation quotas (0% for EU tax residents )

Strategic geographic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia

Bulgaria and Romania are a step closer to having their border checks with the Schengen area lifted, following a vote on June 16 2010 at the European Parliament, according to a European Parliament media statement.

The most recent assessments show that both countries comply with data security requirements for connecting to the Schengen Information System, the database used by border control agents to exchange information in the fight against crime and illegal immigration, the statement said.

The European Parliament approved the next step towards both countries' accession to the SIS when MEPs adopted a report by Carlos Coelho (EPP, PT) by 525 votes to 18, with 54 abstentions, approving the Council decision which is a first move towards the lifting of border controls.