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

15. August 2025 / / 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”.

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.

From Russia to Bulgaria – Mikhail’s Journey to Starting a Business in Bulgaria

12. August 2025 / / 0 Comments

Sometimes life forces us to make decisions we never imagined – and that’s exactly how Mikhail’s journey to Bulgaria began.
The experienced copywriter from Russia had specialized in English-language content since 2015, working with international clients and living as a freelancer. But when the war broke out in 2022, everything changed: for safety and political reasons, he had to leave the country – with nothing but a backpack, laptop, and a few clothes.

A dim, somber bedroom in Russia. On the unmade bed lie a black backpack, an open laptop, and a few wrinkled clothes. Soft light filters through a window, casting shadows across the room.

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.

Starting a language school in Bulgaria: Amy’s courageous path to independence

28. July 2025 / / 0 Comments

Starting a language school in Bulgaria might sound like a distant dream for many expats. But for Amy Sabella, it became reality. Originally from New York, Amy moved to Bulgaria with her family—what was meant to be a fresh start quickly turned into a challenge. After separating from her partner, Amy suddenly found herself alone in a foreign country with two young children. But instead of giving up, she used her talents and the local demand to build a new life.

Starting a Language School in Bulgaria - Logo

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.

Monika’s path to becoming an entrepreneur: Passion, perseverance, and strategy lead to success

19. July 2025 / / 0 Comments

Experiences of a Bulgarian Entrepreneur: From Employee to Founder

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!

From Las Vegas to Sofia: The Sweet Success Story of Hristo Mirchev

17. July 2025 / / 0 Comments

Starting a Business in Bulgaria – A Journey of Taste

In the dynamic world of culinary arts, there are few stories as shaped by determination and passion as that of Hristo Mirchev, founder and CEO of HM Chocolates in Sofia. Born in Bulgaria and raised in the US, Hristo moved back and forth between both countries – ultimately finding the perfect stage for his dream back in his homeland: building his own chocolate business. This blog article tells the story of his entrepreneurial journey in Bulgaria.

Dennis Kwiatkowski and Hristo Mirchev in front of HM Chocolates in Sofia, discussing starting a business in Bulgaria
Dr. Dennis Kwiatkowski and Hristo Mirchev in front of HM Chocolates in Sofia

From Political Theory to Sweet Dreams

The Unusual Career of a Bulgarian Entrepreneur

Hristo’s path was anything but straightforward. After completing high school in the US, he started studying political science at the American University of Bulgaria (AUBG). But he soon realized that his true passion lay not in theory, but in the kitchen. Back in the US, he trained as a chef and gained valuable experience – including positions at the JW Marriott in Las Vegas and several Michelin-starred restaurants in Denmark.

From Hobby to Business: The Birth of HM Chocolates

How a Small Idea Became a Real Business in Bulgaria

Back in Bulgaria, Hristo worked in the kitchens of renowned celebrity chef Andre Tokev. But it was his passion for chocolate – and a shared hobby with his girlfriend – that laid the foundation for HM Chocolates. What started as home experiments quickly evolved into a business idea with real substance.

“It’s much harder than it seems […] everything related to the bureaucracy of the process […] it’s not that easy to build a company.”

Hristo Mirchev

The bureaucratic challenges were significant. Permits and municipal regulations required persistence – but Hristo didn’t let that discourage him.

Successful Business Formation in Bulgaria: What Hristo Learned

From Idea to Execution – Practical Tips from First-Hand Experience

Hristo’s story is a great example of successful business formation in Bulgaria. Here are some key takeaways:

  1. Patience with Bureaucracy

Building a company in Bulgaria is doable – but sometimes complex. Success requires patience with administrative processes.

  1. Quality as a Unique Selling Point

Hristo’s uncompromising approach to quality clearly sets his products apart – a factor that’s essential in any industry.

  1. Think Big from Small Beginnings

What started as a hobby turned into a solid business model through hard work, strategic choices, and teamwork – including a café in Sofia.

Advantages and Challenges of Starting a Business in Bulgaria

Why Starting a Business in Bulgaria Can Pay Off – and What to Watch Out For

Advantages

  • Low Cost of Living and Operating Costs

Affordable rent, wages, and living expenses give founders a real head start.

  • Attractive Tax Structure

With a 10% corporate tax and 5% dividend tax, Bulgaria enables highly tax-efficient strategies.

  • Creative Entrepreneurial Culture

According to Hristo, Bulgarians are naturally entrepreneurial. While not every idea is fully thought out, there’s an inspiring climate for founders.

Challenges

  • Bureaucratic Hurdles

From local regulations to municipal approvals – getting fully operational can take time.

  • Non-Transparent Market Practices

Practices like paying wages under the table make competition harder for honest entrepreneurs like Hristo.

  • Differences in Customer Preferences

While younger Bulgarians are willing to pay for quality, older generations often prefer cheaper alternatives – a challenge for premium products.

A Look Ahead: Expanding with Flavor

Bulgaria as a Launchpad for Entrepreneurial Success

Hristo is already planning his next moves: B2B partnerships, event catering, and expanding the product line. Entering other European markets is also on the radar. But no matter how big HM Chocolates becomes, the recipe for success remains a mix of passion, quality, and vision.

A box of pralines from HM Chocolates
A box of pralines from HM Chocolates

Starting a Business in Bulgaria – More Than Just Tax Benefits

Hristo Mirchev’s story shows that starting a business in Bulgaria is not only possible – it’s worth it. Those willing to navigate bureaucracy, offer high-quality products or services, and position themselves wisely in the local market can go far. Hristo’s journey is more than a one-off success – it’s an inspiration for anyone ready to take a bold step forward with creativity and courage.

Check out our latest blog post: Want to know how other founders experienced their business formation in Bulgaria? 🇧🇬 Here you’ll find real success stories straight from the source:
https://startinbg.com/blog/unternehmer-in-bulgarien-erfolgsgeschichten/

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