Author: Dennis (Page 1 of 4)

Why is Valyrian available on Duolingo, but not Bulgarian?!

7. September 2025 / Dennis / 0 Comments

Duolingo – that app with the green, wide-eyed owl mascot that stalks you with push notifications more persistently than your mother-in-law when you skip family dinner. You’d think: “Cool, I’ll learn a new language, maybe something practical like… Bulgarian!”

Well, think again. Because while people in Bulgaria live with a flat 10% tax rate, buy affordable real estate, and sip their way through hip cafés in Sofia – Duolingo has decided that the true global priority is the language of Game of Thrones: Valyrian.

Valyrian.
A language that exactly zero people on this planet need in real life, except maybe if you want to impress someone at Comic Con or prove how “nerdy” you are on a first date. But Bulgarian? Spoken by over 7 million people, EU member state, official language? Nope. No owl, no heart, no level-up.

Reddit request (in English) asking if we’ll ever get Bulgarian on Duolingo

I’ve submitted multiple (!) requests. Always politely. Always pointing out: “Dear folks, Bulgaria is a real place. It has beaches, mountains, a long history, and yes, people who speak Bulgarian.” But apparently that’s not enough to earn a spot on Duolingo. Maybe we’d need to launch an HBO spin-off first: “The Rise of Sofia – House of Shopska Salad”. Then it would probably work.

Instead, the world is happily learning how to yell “Qapla’!” in Klingon. Which is, of course, super useful in case you accidentally fall into a wormhole and land on the bridge of the USS Enterprise.

But Bulgarian? Still missing.

So, if you really want to learn Bulgarian – spoiler alert – you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Bansko Nomad Fest – Digital Nomads Meet Bulgarian Lifestyle

7. September 2025 / Dennis / 0 Comments

Every year, the small town of Bansko at the foot of the Pirin Mountains turns into one of the most exciting meeting points for digital nomads in Europe: the Bansko Nomad Fest. What started as a vision in 2020 has now grown into one of the largest gatherings for location-independent entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers.

When and Where?

The next Bansko Nomad Fest takes place from June 20 to 30, 2026. More than 700 participants from all over the world are expected to come together for eleven days of exchange, learning, and enjoying the unique atmosphere of the town. Early-bird tickets are already available.

View of Bansko, where the Bansko Nomad Fest is taking place

What Makes the Festival Special?

Bansko has become a true hotspot for digital nomads in recent years – and for good reason:

Vibrant Community: Weekly meetups, multiple coworking spaces, and an international network make Bansko the heart of Bulgaria’s nomad scene.
Diverse Program: Workshops, talks, networking events, and leisure activities create the perfect mix of inspiration and relaxation.
Nature at its Best: Whether hiking, mountain biking, or skiing – the mountains around Bansko offer outdoor adventures all year long.

Experience Bulgarian Hospitality

In addition to sessions and networking events, Bulgarian culture plays a central role. Participants can try traditional dishes in small taverns (“mehanas”) and experience local customs up close. From a glass of homemade rakia to folkloric dance performances – the Nomad Fest combines work, learning, and culture in a unique way.

Practical Benefits

For many digital nomads, Bansko is attractive beyond the festival:

Rent: A furnished apartment costs around €250–400 per month.
Dining Out: A restaurant meal can be as little as €5–7.

On top of that, Bulgaria is planning to introduce a Digital Nomad Visa, making it easier for international remote workers to stay longer.

Conclusion

The Bansko Nomad Fest is much more than just a conference – it’s an experience that combines work, community, and culture. Anyone seeking inspiration, international contacts, and an unforgettable time in the mountains should mark June 20–30, 2026 in their calendar.

👉 More info and tickets available at: banskonomadfest.com

Do you want to not only join the Bansko Nomad Fest but also live and work in Bulgaria long-term?
Check out our guide: Start in Bulgaria – Your Path to Company Formation.

Bulgaria’s Economy Keeps Momentum in Q2 2025

29. August 2025 / Dennis / 0 Comments

Bulgaria’s economy maintained solid growth in the second quarter of 2025. GDP rose by 3.1% year-on-year, mirroring the gains seen in Q1, and increased 0.7% quarter-on-quarter. These figures underscore a consistent pattern of expansion.

Economic activity across industries also gained strength. Gross value added climbed 2.5% year-on-year, signaling widespread output growth across sectors.

The growth was driven by several key components:

Final consumption, responsible for around 80% of Bulgaria’s GDP, rose by 0.9% quarter-on-quarter. With final consumption amounting to approximately 41,329 million leva (over €20 billion), consumer demand remained a dominant force in economic activity.
Exports of goods contributed growth of 0.6% compared to Q1. Meanwhile, gross capital formation (investment) accounted for 19.1% of GDP, totaling nearly 9,896.6 million leva (nearly €5 billion).
The foreign trade balance stayed in surplus, further bolstering overall performance.

Seasonally adjusted data confirmed the economy’s momentum, with growth of 0.6% compared to Q4 2024.

Monetary Values & Living Standards

In Q1 2025, Bulgaria’s GDP stood at 45,617.3 million leva, translating to roughly 7,093 leva per person. Converted at the average quarterly rate (1.859196 leva per US dollar), the total GDP was approximately $24,536 million, or about $3,815 per capita. In euro terms, GDP reached around €23,324 million, with per capita income near €3,626.

These figures highlight modest but meaningful gains in overall economic output and per-person productivity.

In Summary

Bulgaria sustained stable economic growth in Q2 2025, with 3.1% year-on-year and 0.7% quarterly increases.
Growth was broadly supported by consumer spending, exports, and investment, alongside a healthy trade surplus.
Output gains were widespread across sectors, as reflected in gross value added figures.
Per capita GDP stands at approximately €3,600–€3,800, signaling gradual improvements in living standards.

This consistent growth pattern suggests that Bulgaria’s economy remains resilient and steadily on the upswing, setting a positive tone for the months ahead.

Sources

https://www.novinite.com/articles/233915/GDP+Growth+Continues%3A+Bulgaria+Records+Steady+Increase+in+Second+Quarter

Bulgaria’s steady economic growth – with GDP rising by 3.1% in Q2 2025 – is a strong signal for entrepreneurs and investors alike. It highlights that consumer demand, exports, and investments are on solid ground, creating a stable and expanding market environment. For business founders, this means greater market potential, increasing purchasing power, and a supportive backdrop for launching new ventures. Combined with Bulgaria’s favorable conditions such as the 10% flat tax and relatively low operating costs, the country offers an attractive foundation for building and scaling a successful business.

Francesco’s Encore: Building a Creative Business in Bulgaria

25. August 2025 / Dennis / 0 Comments

In recent years, Bulgaria has become an exciting destination for entrepreneurs. Especially for people in the creative industries, the country offers opportunities that are often hard to find in Western Europe. A great example is Francesco Marzola, an Italian musician and composer who took the leap to start a business in Bulgaria. His story shows how passion, courage, and pragmatism can come together to open a new chapter in life.

From Musician to Entrepreneur

Francesco didn’t move to Bulgaria for economic reasons but out of love. His partner, a ballet dancer, was offered a position at the National Opera in Sofia. In Italy, it had become increasingly difficult for many creatives to make a living. So, Francesco decided to take the leap – and found a Master’s program in film music in Sofia that perfectly matched his vision.

This step opened unexpected doors. Soon after, he discovered opportunities in the booming gaming and online casino industries. With his dual expertise – composition and sound design – Francesco was able to carve out a niche for himself.

Starting a Business in Bulgaria – Easier Than Expected

The next step was clear: turn passion into a company. Francesco decided to register an EOOD (the Bulgarian equivalent of a limited liability company). With legal guidance, the entire process was completed within just one week – something that would have taken much longer in Italy.

Opening a business bank account also turned out smoother than expected. With an English-speaking bank, Francesco found low fees and easy-to-use online invoicing platforms that made his financial processes efficient.

Advantages and Challenges

How does Francesco see the decision to start a business in Bulgaria?

Advantages:

Low taxes: A flat corporate tax of 10% offers financial flexibility.
Affordable living costs: Both living and operating expenses are significantly lower than in Italy.
Market opportunities: Niche industries like film music and gaming are growing and open to newcomers.

Challenges:

Language barrier: Bureaucracy is still difficult without Bulgarian.
Limited funding: Compared to countries like Germany, Italy, or the US, state funding and investor networks are less developed.

Composing the Future

For Francesco, Bulgaria is the perfect place to build his creative career. With a new website and plans to expand his team, he aims to win bigger projects in Bulgaria and internationally.

His story shows: those who are willing to take risks and adapt can transform their creative passion into a sustainable business in Bulgaria.

This is just a glimpse into Francesco’s inspiring journey. You can read his full story and many more in the book “Start in Bulgaria – How to open a company in Bulgaria?”

Want more inspiring stories? Explore the experiences of other entrepreneurs in Bulgaria and check out our overview post on how to start a business here—packed with tips, insights, and real success stories.

Crossing Borders: Nadya & Alek’s Journey Through Bulgaria’s Bureaucratic Maze

15. August 2025 / Dennis / 0 Comments

Starting a business in Bulgaria can be both an exciting adventure and a real test of patience. Nadya and Aleks took that leap with Imagine Travel (nowadays Imagine Travel: Reading Retreats) , a company offering authentic cultural and nature experiences. Their path through forms, unclear regulations, and strategic decisions offers valuable lessons for anyone dreaming of launching their own venture in Bulgaria.

Understanding the Landscape

If you want to start a business in Bulgaria, you need to understand the environment first. Nadya and Aleks knew the country and spoke the language – yet they still faced conflicting information and unclear instructions. In industries like tourism, special licenses from the Ministry of Tourism are mandatory. The tricky part? The guidelines are often vague, leaving founders guessing whether a tourism degree or relevant work experience is required.

Research & Professional Support

Months of research eventually led the two to hire a lawyer familiar with local regulations. Communication took place mostly via messaging apps – not ideal, but it kept things moving. Their advice to others: involve experts early to save time and stress.

Connections Are Key

In smaller towns, navigating bureaucracy can be much easier if you know the right people. Nadya and Alek’s relationships with local bank staff, municipal officials, and service providers opened doors and sped up processes.

Managing Financial Hurdles

Bulgaria’s flat corporate tax rate of 10% and dividend tax of just 5% are major draws. Still, start-up costs should not be underestimated. For Nadya and Alek, Bulgaria was particularly appealing compared to Cyprus, where they would have had to lock €15,000 in a bank account as a security deposit.

Building a Support Network

“Going it alone” wasn’t an option for them. Their partnership provided not only practical help but also emotional support. They recommend finding mentors or business partners who know the local market and can share their experience.

Staying Flexible & Gathering Feedback

Before Imagine Travel officially launched, they planned to run a series of test tours. These “focus group” trips would help them gather feedback and fine-tune their offers to match their customers’ needs.

Pros and Cons from Nadya & Alek’s Perspective

Pros:

Strategic location in Southeast Europe
Lower operating costs compared to other markets
Growing tourism industry with new opportunities

Cons:

Complex and time-consuming bureaucracy

Nadya and Alek’s journey shows that starting a business in Bulgaria takes patience, research, and strong connections. But for those willing to invest the effort, the rewards – from low taxes to strategic advantages – can be worth it.

And this is just the short version. You can read the full story, including all the behind-the-scenes challenges and solutions, in our book “Start in Bulgaria – How to Open a Business in Bulgaria”.

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