If you are setting up or running a company in Bulgaria, one of the first practical questions is how much accounting actually costs. The honest answer is that there is no single price — and that is not a weakness of the market, but a reflection of how professional accounting works.
This guide explains how accountancy fees in Bulgaria are structured, what really drives pricing, what foreign-owned companies typically encounter in practice, and why publishing a fixed price list often creates more confusion than clarity.
Quick answer — what you need to know upfront
- Accountancy fees in Bulgaria are driven by actual workload and compliance scope, not company size or share capital
- VAT registration, payroll, and cross-border activity are the main cost drivers
- Extremely cheap accounting often leads to compliance risk and higher costs later
- Professional monthly fees usually start around €100 for basic micro companies — investing in proper accounting from the start helps prevent costly corrections and penalties later
What determines accountancy fees in Bulgaria
Accounting fees are not arbitrary. In Bulgaria, accounting is filing-driven, deadline-based, and regulated. Fees therefore reflect the volume of work, responsibility, and risk carried by the accounting firm.
Number of transactions
Transaction volume is usually the single most important factor. Each invoice, bank movement, and expense document must be reviewed, recorded, and reconciled. A company with ten transactions per month requires a fundamentally different level of effort than one with two hundred, even if both are legally considered “small”.
VAT registration
VAT registration significantly increases accounting workload. It brings monthly VAT returns and additional EU reporting requirements such as VAT, VIES, OSS, or Intrastat, each with its own rules and deadlines. As a result, VAT-registered companies should expect higher accounting fees than non-VAT entities with similar activity.
For a structured overview of these reporting obligations, see VAT, VIES, OSS & Intrastat – What’s the Difference?
Payroll and employees
Once a company has employees, accounting is no longer limited to bookkeeping. Payroll involves monthly salary calculations, tax and social security filings, contract administration, and handling events such as sick leave or terminations.
In practice, payroll fees are usually calculated per employee per month. As a realistic benchmark, professional payroll processing typically starts from €15–€25 per employee per month, depending on the number of employees and the complexity of payroll administration. Variable salaries, bonuses, foreign employees, or frequent contract changes increase the workload and therefore the cost.
A more detailed overview of employer obligations and recurring payroll work is covered in our guide on Payroll in Bulgaria.
Cross-border activity
Foreign-owned companies often underestimate this factor. Cross-border activity may include foreign shareholders or directors, EU or non-EU clients and suppliers, dividend distributions, or management fees. Even when routine, these elements require higher expertise, review time, and documentation discipline.
Reporting and management needs
Some businesses only need statutory compliance. Others require regular management reports, cash-flow visibility, group reporting, or explanations in English. The more insight and structure you expect, the more time and responsibility the accountant carries.
Typical accountancy fee ranges in Bulgaria (indicative)
The ranges below are indicative and non-binding. They reflect common market reality for professional accounting firms and are provided for orientation only.
In practice, monthly accounting fees in Bulgaria vary significantly depending on transaction volume, VAT status, payroll, and cross-border activity.
- Micro company (no VAT, low activity): €80 – €150
- VAT-registered SME: €150 – €300
- Company with payroll: €250 – €450 (depending on employee count and complexity)
- International or group structures: €350 – €800+
If you encounter prices far below these levels, it is worth asking what is excluded and where responsibility ultimately sits.
What is usually included in a monthly accounting fee
A standard monthly accounting fee in Bulgaria typically covers the core compliance layer required to keep the company legally sound.
This usually includes bookkeeping in Bulgaria, preparation and filing of monthly VAT returns (if VAT-registered), VIES and Intrastat reporting where applicable, payroll processing and statutory declarations, annual corporate income tax return preparation, and required statistical and regulatory filings (such as reporting to the National Statistical Institute (NSI)). Ongoing compliance monitoring is also part of this baseline service.
What is usually not included
Certain services fall outside the scope of a standard monthly fee and are normally priced separately.
These typically include company formation or registration, one-off tax consulting, audit preparation and coordination, complex cross-border tax planning, and representation before the tax authorities during inspections or disputes.
An overview of these additional services and how they are typically scoped is available on our Services page.
Common pricing traps to avoid
When comparing accounting prices in Bulgaria, it is important to look beyond the headline number and understand what is actually included.
Too cheap to be compliant
Fees that barely cover data entry leave no room for review, risk assessment, or professional judgment. In practice, €30/month “accounting” often covers little more than document entry. When fines for late VAT returns (often €500+) or incorrect Intrastat filings apply, the apparent savings disappear quickly.
Hidden extras
Low base fees sometimes come with add-ons for basic elements such as VAT returns, payroll processing, or routine questions. What looks inexpensive at first can quickly exceed a transparent, all-inclusive fee.
No real accountability
Professional accounting requires clear responsibility. If it is unclear who reviews the work or stands behind the filings, the risk ultimately shifts to the client.
How Aidos works
As an international accounting firm in Bulgaria, Aidos deliberately does not publish a fixed price list.
Our accounting and advisory services are structured around fixed monthly fees with a clearly defined scope, separation between accounting execution and internal control, and a strong focus on compliance, clarity, and continuity.
Get a tailored quote
If you want a meaningful quote for accountancy fees in Bulgaria, the starting point is understanding how your business actually operates: transaction volume, VAT status, employees, cross-border elements, and reporting expectations.
You can contact us for a tailored quote here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Accountancy Fees in Bulgaria
How much does an accountant cost in Bulgaria per month?
Monthly accounting fees typically range from around €80 to €800+, depending on transaction volume, VAT registration, payroll, and cross-border activity.
Why don’t accounting firms publish fixed price lists?
Because accounting is not a commodity. Fixed price lists often lead to underpricing, hidden extras, or compliance gaps.
Is cheap accounting in Bulgaria risky?
Yes. €30/month “accounting” usually covers only basic data entry. When fines or corrections apply, the real cost quickly exceeds any initial savings.
Are VAT returns and payroll always included in the monthly fee?
Not always. Some firms charge a low base fee and invoice VAT returns, payroll, or filings separately. Always clarify scope in advance.
How are payroll fees usually calculated?
Payroll fees are typically calculated per employee per month. Complexity such as bonuses, variable pay, or foreign employees can increase the rate.
Can accounting fees change over time?
Yes. Fees may change if business activity changes significantly. Transparent firms review scope before adjusting fees.
How do I get an accurate quote for accounting services?
A reliable quote requires understanding how your business actually operates so the scope can be defined clearly.
Final note
A clear and fair accounting fee is only possible when the real activity of the business is understood. That extra step is not bureaucracy — it is how long-term compliance and predictability are achieved.
If you are planning to register a business in Bulgaria, our Company Registration in Bulgaria page outlines the practical steps, timelines, and how we support the setup process.
All services and fees are provided in accordance with our General Terms & Conditions, which define scope, responsibilities, and engagement principles in a transparent way.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute accounting, tax, or legal advice. Fees and requirements depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each business.
Last reviewed and updated: February 2026
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