Three Steps to a Successful HR Agency – Everything You Need to Know

Do You Want to Start Your Own Recruitment Business but Don’t Know Where to Begin? In Bulgaria, it’s completely possible – legally, quickly, and without unnecessary bureaucracy. In this article, we will show you the three key steps that will take you from your initial idea to a fully operational HR agency. No complicated paperwork, no travel, and clear instructions at every step.

Step 1

Register Your Company

According to Bulgarian legislation (Employment Promotion Act), recruitment services can only be provided by registered intermediaries – either individuals or legal entities. In practice, registering a legal entity is more common, as HR services are fee-based and considered commercial activity. Registering a new company in Bulgaria is a simplified process that can be completed entirely remotely. The process includes:

• Preparation of all necessary documents by our team
• Signing by the client
• Electronic submission by our team.

There is no need to travel to Bulgaria, prepare paper documents, or open a capital raising bank account. The entire process can be organized remotely. Additional information about the advantages of a variable capital company (VCC) can be found here or provided upon request.

Step 2

Register to Provide Recruitment Services

After establishing the company, it must be registered as a Private Employment Agency (PEA). Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• No outstanding debts to the state or municipality
• Not declared insolvent or under liquidation
• No administrative penalties within the last three years before applying
• Members of the management and/or supervisory boards must have no sanctions
• Managers or employees providing the recruitment services must have at least a secondary or higher education and, for maritime recruitment, at least three years of experience in the maritime sector

Procedure and Deadlines

Documents are submitted electronically via the Bulgarian Register of Mediation Services in Employment. A qualified electronic signature (QES) is required. If you do not have one, we can submit the documents on your behalf.

Application is reviewed within 14 days. If deficiencies or discrepancies are identified, the applicant has an additional 14 days to correct them. If further checks or approvals from other institutions are required, the review period can be extended, but by no more than 14 days.

Once approved, the company is entered into the registry here and receives a permanent electronic certificate for recruitment services. PEAs must pay the following state fees according to the Tariff:

• Recruitment services in Bulgaria – €410.06
• Recruitment services in other countries – €447.38
• Recruitment of seamen – €447.38

Temporary or one-time provision of recruitment services in Bulgaria is also possible after submitting prior electronic notice. "One-time" means the service is provided once, while "temporary" means up to six months within a calendar year.

Step 3

Conduct Recruitment Activities

Once registered as a PEA, the intermediary has the right to:

• Inform and/or advise job seekers and employers
• Provide psychological support to job seekers
• Direct adults to training programs
• Facilitate employment, including in other cities or countries.

The intermediary is entitled to use information from the Bulgarian Employment Agency about labor market supply and demand.

Main Obligations of HR agency

• Provide information about available job openings
• Advertise and/or publish job vacancies
• Conclude intermediary agreements with job seekers and employers
• Maintain an electronic registry of job seekers and those placed in positions
• Maintain the necessary material and technical base – office space for the HR agency.

Full Support from DPK.bg

The DPK.bg team provides comprehensive support for:

1. Company registration

2. Registration to provide recruitment services

3. Preparation of all necessary documents for legally compliant operations

With us, the process is fast, transparent, and hassle-free. Start your HR business confidently, knowing everything is fully compliant from day one.