The Hellenic Business Council in Bulgaria (HBCB) has submitted an official position paper to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry, Mr. Alexander Pulev, outlining practical measures to reduce administrative burdens, improve regulatory efficiency and create a more predictable environment for businesses and investors.
The document, signed by Mr. Panagiotis Mavridis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HBCB, was officially submitted on 15 October 2026 in response to the Ministry’s invitation to bilateral business chambers to contribute concrete recommendations for administrative reform.
The initiative reflects HBCB’s commitment to constructive dialogue with Bulgarian institutions and to promoting a competitive, transparent and investment-friendly economic environment.
From Administrative Challenges to Practical Solutions
Businesses operating in Bulgaria continue to encounter administrative procedures that can delay investment decisions, recruitment, commercial operations and corporate registrations.
Recognising these challenges, HBCB has presented eight specific areas for improvement, supported by references to applicable legislation, responsible public authorities and proposed indicators for measuring progress.
The Council’s recommendations focus on:
1. Streamlining Investment Certification Procedures
Establishing a unified, transparent electronic process that allows investors to track applications, receive timely notifications and obtain clear information on required documents and administrative deadlines.
2. Introducing Effective Application of Tacit Consent
Identifying specific low-risk administrative procedures where tacit consent can be applied, while maintaining essential safeguards for public safety, environmental protection and the public interest.
3. Eliminating Unnecessary Administrative Documentation
Ensuring that businesses are not repeatedly required to provide information already available in public registers, in accordance with the principle of once-only data submission.
4. Simplifying Recruitment Procedures for Non-EU Workers
Improving coordination between public authorities, consular services and employers through an integrated digital process, clearer requirements and predictable processing timelines.
The Council highlights the practical difficulties faced by businesses recruiting employees from third countries, where lengthy administrative and visa procedures can significantly delay the arrival of much-needed personnel.
5. Improving Commercial Registration Procedures
Preventing repeated administrative refusals based on newly introduced requirements, encouraging consistent interpretation of regulations and improving the recognition of electronic signatures.
6. Increasing Regulatory Clarity for Commercial Premises
Providing consistent guidance on refurbishment, alterations and changes of use in existing buildings, allowing businesses to plan investments and commence operations with greater certainty.
7. Expanding Access to Electronic Payments
Encouraging wider availability of cashless payment methods and assessing potential regulatory measures to enhance transparency and fair competition.
8. Evaluating Targeted Tax Incentives for Investment
Exploring the extension of existing investment incentives and the possibility of time-limited tax relief for eligible new investments and significant expansions of production activities, linked to measurable economic contributions and employment creation.
A Call for Predictability, Transparency and Accountability
At the heart of the Council’s position is a straightforward principle: administrative simplification should not mean weaker regulatory oversight, but rather clearer rules, consistent procedures, greater transparency and accountability for deadlines.
The proposals emphasise the importance of efficient digital public services, stronger cooperation between institutions and measurable improvements that can benefit both established businesses and potential investors.
Beyond outlining the challenges, HBCB has proposed practical mechanisms for evaluating reform progress, including transparent processing timelines, improved electronic services and publicly available information on administrative performance.
Strengthening Institutional Dialogue
In its official communication, HBCB has expressed its readiness to participate in further consultations and proposed a working meeting with the relevant authorities to discuss the recommendations in greater detail.
The Council has also requested that proposals extending beyond the Ministry’s direct responsibilities be considered through appropriate interinstitutional cooperation.
The Hellenic Business Council in Bulgaria believes that meaningful administrative reform requires continued communication between policymakers and the business community, with particular attention to the practical impact of regulations on everyday business operations.
An Ongoing Dialogue – Your Voice Matters
The submission of our proposals marks an important step, but the dialogue does not end here.
As discussions on improving Bulgaria’s business and investment environment continue, the Hellenic Business Council in Bulgaria remains open to additional recommendations, practical observations and constructive proposals from its members and the wider business community.
We encourage businesses to share the administrative challenges they encounter, along with suggestions for meaningful improvements.
Contributions may be sent to office@hbcbg.com and will help inform the Council’s continued engagement with the relevant institutions.
Our objective is not simply to identify challenges, but to contribute to practical solutions that make Bulgaria a more competitive, efficient and attractive place to invest and do business.
HBCB remains committed to serving as an active bridge between the business community and public institutions, promoting constructive dialogue, sustainable economic development and a transparent, predictable business environment.
