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.

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.