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.
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.
Since 31st of January 2012 The Republic of Bulgaria apply a visa-free
system for holders of valid Schengen visas until the date of full accession to
the Schengen zone. The holders of Schengen visas have the right to enter and
reside in the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of validity of their Schengen
visas and permitted duration of stay, but no more than three months in any
sixth-month period from the date of first entry and without Bulgarian
short-stay visa.