site.btaNumber of Active Enterprises in Bulgaria Continues to Grow; Northwestern Region Still Has Fewest - Statistics

In 2023, the number of active enterprises in Bulgaria reached 404,257, with 43,353 newly established businesses, according to final data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI), published on the institute’s website on Friday.

According to the regional breakdown, the Southwestern Region had the largest number of active enterprises — 165,923, with Sofia (capital) accounting for the highest share, 30.7%.

The Northwestern Region recorded the smallest number of active enterprises — 27,091, and Vidin Province had the lowest relative share, 0.7%.

The distribution of newly established enterprises follows a similar pattern. The highest number of “newborn” companies was registered in the Southwestern Region — 18,035, while the fewest were in the Northwestern Region — 2,746.

A comparison with previous data shows that in 2022, there were 394,135 active enterprises and 39,445 new ones in Bulgaria.

The Southwestern Region again led with 161,962 active enterprises, of which 30.7% were in Sofia (capital). The Northwestern Region had the fewest — 26,453, with Vidin holding the smallest relative share of 0.7%. The highest number of new enterprises that year was also in the Southwestern Region — 16,935, and the fewest were in the Northwestern Region — 2,476.