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.

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.

The post Why is Valyrian available on Duolingo, but not Bulgarian?! appeared first in Start in Bulgaria.

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.

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.

The post Bansko Nomad Fest – Digital Nomads Meet Bulgarian Lifestyle appeared first in Start in Bulgaria.

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.

The post Bulgaria’s Economy Keeps Momentum in Q2 2025 appeared first in Start in Bulgaria.

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.

The post Francesco’s Encore: Building a Creative Business in Bulgaria appeared first in Start 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”.

Follow Imagine Travel: Reading Retreats on Facebook

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.

The post Crossing Borders: Nadya & Alek’s Journey Through Bulgaria’s Bureaucratic Maze appeared first in Start in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria was completely unknown territory for him. He knew no one, didn’t speak the language, and had never been there before. Through Facebook, he quickly found temporary accommodation in Sofia. Through that he got enough time to settle in, open a bank account, and lay the foundation for a new start.

Why Mikhail Decided to Start a Business in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, Mikhail dissolved his Russian business registration and founded an OOD – the most popular company form for small businesses. The registration was surprisingly quick: everything was official after just one day. With the help of a friend who had already founded several companies, he received the necessary document templates, found an accountant, and was ready to go.

While his location changed, his client base remained largely the same. Mikhail continued working for international clients, including a Belarusian marketing agency and a travel agency that had relocated to Cyprus. His network stayed global – he has never had a local client in Bulgaria.

Starting a Business in Bulgaria – Opportunities and Cultural Differences

What struck Mikhail early on was Bulgaria’s more relaxed, but also less predictable business culture. Shops were sometimes closed during posted opening hours, meetings could be rescheduled at short notice, and planning was often less structured than in Western Europe. He recalls running a debating club, only to find the coworking space owner had left for a team-building trip to Greece without notice.

These experiences taught him patience and flexibility. “If a local isn’t stressed, there’s probably no reason to be,” he advises.

The Advantages of Starting a Business in Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers clear benefits for entrepreneurs: low corporate taxes, affordable social security contributions, and lower living costs. At the same time, one must accept a lower standard of public services and a “do it yourself” mentality. Mikhail calls it the “Wild East of Europe” – a place where creative and resilient people can build a good life.

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.

The post From Russia to Bulgaria – Mikhail’s Journey to Starting a Business in Bulgaria appeared first in Start in Bulgaria.

How It All Started: From Living Room to Language School

It all started with a simple idea—and one question: “Have you ever thought about teaching English?” Although Amy’s first language is actually Spanish, she saw this as an opportunity. She began by teaching small groups of mothers and their children in her living room. Over the years, this evolved into a professional language center. For Amy, starting a language school in Bulgaria wasn’t a business plan—it was born out of necessity. And that’s exactly what made it work so well.

Her teaching style, shaped by her background in psychology, business, and acting, was well received by her students. She created an environment where kids felt safe and where learning was fun.

Check out Amy’s language school on Facebook.

Starting a Language School in Bulgaria: Challenges and Solutions

Of course, building a language school in Bulgaria also came with challenges. Language barriers, bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of initial local networks could be discouraging. But Amy found support: a dedicated accountant and a trustworthy lawyer helped her navigate the administrative jungle.

One major advantage: the comparatively low costs of starting a business. Unlike in the U.S., Amy found the financial burden manageable—especially with professional guidance. Her advice to other foreigners: “Find local supporters. Community can be a real game changer.”

A Family Business with Heart

Today, Amy’s language school is a true family business. Her children started helping early on—teaching classes, managing the books, and assisting with organization. During the pandemic, Amy showed just how adaptable she could be: she switched her classes to Zoom and at times taught over 50 children simultaneously online.

This flexibility paid off—not only financially, but also in her deep relationship with her students. Many stayed with her for years—from preschool through college prep.

Conclusion: Starting a Language School in Bulgaria – Just Do It!

Amy’s advice for anyone thinking about starting a language school in Bulgaria is simple: “Just do it! Try and fail if you must—it’s better to try than never try at all.” For her, success isn’t only measured in business growth, but in positively impacting people’s lives.

If you’re thinking of starting a language school in Bulgaria, Amy is an inspiring role model. With courage, creativity, and community spirit, it’s absolutely possible to build a stable, meaningful business—even in a foreign country.

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.

The post Starting a language school in Bulgaria: Amy’s courageous path to independence appeared first in Start in Bulgaria.

Some business ideas are born at the drawing board – others right in the saddle. That was the case for Frank Op Den Kamp, a Dutchman who moved to Bulgaria and discovered a real market gap: cycling tours in Bulgaria. Inspired by rides with a local cycling enthusiast, he came up with the idea to offer ambitious cyclists from Western Europe a new destination – with fewer crowds, more nature, and lower costs than the Alps.

The Wheel Crew: Comfort Meets Adventure on Two Wheels

Together with a partner, Frank founded The Wheel Crew – a tour operator offering custom cycling tours in Bulgaria. Options range from weekend getaways to week-long adventures. Everything is included: airport transfer, hotel, daily guided rides, technical support, and even optional wellness services. The target group: sporty travelers eager to discover new regions – without logistical hassle.

Why Bulgaria? Opportunities Despite Challenges

The pandemic and geopolitical tensions took a toll on tourism. But Frank believes in the potential. Bulgaria is developing rapidly – both economically and in terms of infrastructure. Especially for niche offers like cycling tours in Bulgaria, there are promising opportunities: impressive mountains, fair prices, and varied terrain.

Becoming an Entrepreneur in Bulgaria: Reaching Your Goal with Local Support

Frank and his partner established an OOD, the Bulgarian equivalent of a limited liability company, to manage risk. Local support was key: his Bulgarian partner handled the setup, accounting, and communication with authorities. Frank says: If you want to succeed, you need someone on the ground who understands the language and the system.

Bulgaria is More Than a Hidden Gem

Frank’s story proves that cycling tours in Bulgaria are not just a leisure trend but a promising business model. With courage, passion, and the right network, expats in Bulgaria can do more than just settle – they can truly thrive. Those who understand the country can do more than just cycle – they can build something great.

Discover more inspiring founder stories from Bulgaria here:

Entrepreneurs in Bulgaria – Success Stories

The post A journey on two wheels: cycling tours in Bulgaria as a business idea appeared first in Start in Bulgaria.

How to Organize Interviews with Entrepreneurs in Bulgaria

It must have been around April 2024 when, as part of the research for the book “Start in Bulgaria”, I began to wonder what advantages other entrepreneurs saw in founding a company in Bulgaria. I would have loved to exchange ideas with some of them, listen to their stories, and learn from their experiences. Of course, I knew several Bulgarian founders, but foreign entrepreneurs in particular likely have their own unique perspective on the pros and cons of starting a business in Bulgaria.

While searching for exactly these kinds of entrepreneurs, a Facebook group called “Foreigners in Sofia & Friends” came to the rescue. In response to a post where I asked for entrepreneurs willing to share their stories about founding a business in Bulgaria, several people got back to me, and over the course of the year, I was able to conduct several super exciting interviews.

Entrepreneurs in Bulgaria: Interviews

The full interviews can be read in our book “Start in Bulgaria”. At this point, I’d like to thank all interviewees and list them here again. I will also introduce them in more detail in upcoming blog posts.

You also have a company in Bulgaria and would like to introduce it to the Start in BG community? Then write to us and introduce yourself!

The post Entrepreneurs in Bulgaria: Success stories appeared first in Start in Bulgaria.

Monika Marinova is a prime example of how personal drive and strategic thinking can lead to entrepreneurial success – especially in Bulgaria. Those looking for real experiences of a Bulgarian entrepreneur will find them in Monika’s story. After over 20 years in employment – with both Bulgarian and international companies – she took the leap into self-employment in 2023. Her choice: to found an OOD (a Bulgarian LLC), in which she holds 95% of the shares. The remaining 5% are owned by a family member.

Monika advises anyone looking to start a business in Bulgaria to find an experienced lawyer to help navigate the linguistic and legal hurdles professionally.

Entrepreneurial Diversity with Impact

Health as a Calling: Experiences of a Bulgarian Entrepreneur in the Health Sector

A personal health journey turned into a business with a mission. After losing 20 kg through mindful eating and exercise – without medication – Monika founded “Zariadno za Otslabvane”.

Through TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, she shares her experiences, motivates others, and provides practical tips on how to manage insulin resistance naturally.

Consulting & Trade: Creating Value from Experience

Another business of hers focuses on trade and business consulting. Monika helps clients find Bulgarian producers, organizes logistics, and supports export processes and complex permits – for example, for transporting non-registered vehicles across Europe.

Real Estate & AirBnB: Entrepreneurial Flexibility in a Dynamic Market

Monika has also established herself in the real estate sector. Despite uncertain regulations for short-term rentals in Bulgaria, she has built a successful AirBnB business. Her ability to quickly adapt to new topics and respond to change distinguishes her from others.

EU Projects: Entrepreneurial Opportunities with Social Impact

Her work on EU-funded projects is especially noteworthy. For example, she led a project focused on cultural preservation in 15 Bulgarian municipalities – including video production, brochures, and hiring local talent. These projects strengthen local structures and increase the visibility and credibility of her businesses.

Starting a Business in Bulgaria: Opportunities & Challenges

Advantages

• Inspiring entrepreneurial community
• Access to EU funding opportunities
• Low startup costs

Disadvantages

• Language barriers for non-Bulgarians
• Complex and changing regulations, e.g., in real estate

Experiences of a Bulgarian Entrepreneur That Inspire

Monika’s story clearly demonstrates how diverse and impactful entrepreneurship in Bulgaria can be. Her projects in health, consulting, real estate, and EU-funded initiatives are powerful examples of what’s possible with persistence, strategy, and a clear vision. Anyone interested in the experiences of a Bulgarian entrepreneur will find valuable inspiration in her journey.

Learn more about Monika at:
www.zariadnozaotslabvane.com
@monikamysmile on TikTok
@monikamysmile on Instagram

You can read Monika’s full story in our book “Start in Bulgaria”

Are you an entrepreneur and want to share your business story with the Start in BG community? Then get in touch with us here!

The post Monika’s path to becoming an entrepreneur: Passion, perseverance, and strategy lead to success appeared first in Start in Bulgaria.