How to start a business in Bulgaria for immigrants and avoid difficulties?

Employment in Bulgaria

Employment in Bulgaria for residence permit holders requires the creation of their own business registered in the country. Our first steps in this direction began just a few days after we placed an advertisement on the Internet. Bulgaria attracts many foreigners as an ideal place for business; almost anyone can register a business here, even if they are in the country on a tourist visa.

Starting a business

We decided to open a pet grooming salon, and it took us no more than two weeks. The cost of setting up the business was about350 eurosIn this process, our broker once again helped us, providing invaluable assistance. To date, our salon located in Sarafovo has become popular and has gained a good reputation in the region.

Immigration with family

If you are interested in how to move to Bulgaria with your family, you can read the first part of our story. It is also worth mentioning which groups of people are sometimes distrusted by Bulgarians, as well as what steps to take to get your child into kindergarten in this country.

Planning the move

We moved with a clear goal and understood that this was not just a vacation by the sea, but a serious step into a new life. We carefully planned what we would do in the first few months and what business to develop in Bulgaria. We relied on our own skills and experience.

• I am an electrical engineer with significant experience in this field.
• I also have skills in sales and marketing.
• My wife Olga is a qualified groomer with an impressive background.

Market analysis

First, we started researching information online to understand which professions are the most relevant in Bulgaria. It's important to note that working in Bulgarian companies with a residence permit is only possible if you have your own business. It is from this business that you can offer the services of a qualified employee. However, this approach can create inconveniences in terms of accounting and taxation and is not always accepted by employers.

Business experience

We initially thought about starting our own business. This step required careful analysis, as we already had experience running a small business in Russia. We went through many challenges before making our final decision, choosing the option that suited us best. At the same time, we studied the legal norms regarding the establishment, operation, and documentation of businesses in Bulgaria, which helped us move forward with confidence.

Self-employment

If you are interested in the real estate market in Bulgaria, you can check out the listings on specialized websites. In the first few months of my income, I achieved it by working for myself, becoming a handyman and offering my repair services. I brought all the necessary equipment for work with me from Russia. I received my first order just a week after posting an ad on Russian-speaking forums and Bulgarian websites similar to "Avito".

Many of our fellow citizens prefer to work with Russian-speaking specialists, as adapting to the cultural nuances of Bulgarians can be quite challenging. We are confident that through hard work and careful planning, we will be able to achieve all our goals.

An interesting story about an acquaintance.

I want to share a story about an acquaintance of mine who had a rather interesting experience. The woman decided that her yard should have stone pathways, so she invited craftsmen from Bulgaria to do the work. However, on the scheduled day, the workers did not show up, and she had to find out the reason for their absence. The next day, when she contacted them, she learned that the weather forecasts had predicted rain, which was the reason for the cancellation of the work. However, no one bothered to inform her in advance about the postponement, and as it turned out, there was no rain that day.

My experience and word of mouth

In my case, success came thanks to recommendations. Clients who were satisfied with the quality of my work began to refer my services to their acquaintances, and soon I received orders from Bulgarian neighbors. I handled a wide range of tasks – from installing entire electrical systems to plumbing work. I repaired water heaters and assembled furniture and kitchen sets according to custom orders.

Business registration

When it comes to registering a business, my wife and I did not plan to resort to gray schemes; instead, we decided to open a legal business within the framework of EU legislation. We considered it important to operate within the legal field, which would ensure the protection of our business. As immigrants with residence permits, we already attract more attention from the authorities, and we definitely did not want to get into unpleasant situations, up to and including deportation.

Loyalty to a new country

I firmly believe that starting a business in a new country is an important step towards economic stability and demonstrates our loyalty to local laws and customs. In Bulgaria, this loyalty is usually mutual.

• If your professional activity is not related to the sale of pyrotechnic materials, you are unlikely to encounter frequent inspections by the fire department.
• Also, for those who do not open cafes or stores, inspections by sanitary services are almost eliminated.

The process of registering a business

Registering a business in Bulgaria is a relatively simple process. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can prepare all the necessary documents in just two weeks, and their starting fees are from 200 euros. It's quite easy to find a good specialist, as there are many offers available online, or you can rely on recommendations, just like we did.

To begin with, we needed passports and other personal documents, and we had two preliminary visits with a lawyer to discuss all the details, during which the main information about our rights was emphasized. We also had to visit a notary several times together with our attorney.

Official documents and legal support

After completing all these procedures, we now have full rights to do business in Bulgaria.

Documentation and analytics

Every month, we gather and send the necessary documentation related to our reports so that he can process them for the company and submit them to the tax authorities. We have also received valuable insights and analytical data about the foreign real estate market.

Animal salon

The pet care salon we opened in Bulgaria turned out to be a profitable business, as it does not require complex licensing to start. It is neither a grocery store, nor a veterinary clinic, nor a café. Based on our experience and professionalism, we were confident in our ability to successfully operate in the existing market.

Searching for a space

We chose an office in the very center of the village of Sarafovo, which turned out to be quite convenient since it is located close to our home. Finding a suitable place for the business was not difficult at all, as almost every second vacant building has rental ads with the owners' contact information. Rental rates in Sarafovo start at 200 euros per month.

After spending some time exploring the area and taking down advertisements, we finally made our choice and rented a 40-square-meter space on the first floor of one of the local buildings.

Signage and illumination

We hung up a sign with the name of our beauty salon — "Beauty Salon 'Alamag," inspired by the name of a star from the constellation Scorpius. We also installed lighting to improve visibility.

Diversity of services

From the very beginning, we chose to offer a wide range of services that would be interesting to both dog owners and owners of other pets. Our list of services includes:

• haircuts
• trimming
• bathing
• creative coloring
• color strand extensions
• other animal care procedures

We have set aside a separate area for a professional photo studio where owners can capture their furry friends after treatments. We also offer a selection of pet grooming cosmetics and accessories such as:

• collars
• leashes
• handheld carriers
• car seats
• deck chairs

All our products are unique; we have found partners from different countries who provide exclusive items that you won't find anywhere else.

Logo and workflow

The logo of our salon features our adorable pet, a Yorkie named Alan, who is also our model. The salon operates without days off, and we have placed a phone number on the door for booking services or checking availability. Primarily, we operate by appointment, but during free moments, we also accept clients on a first-come, first-served basis. We strive to create an atmosphere that is as close to home as possible.

Customer base

At the moment, we already have regular clients, which include both Russian-speaking citizens and local residents. We also have foreigners coming to us: English, Germans, and Israelis. As the summer months approach, the flow of clients significantly increases — many come on vacation with their dogs, which leads to more frequent changes in the "image" of their pets.

Our client base is expanding thanks to word of mouth, which works exceptionally well here. Animal lovers are in constant contact with each other, and even those who live 50-70 kilometers away from the coast have become our regular customers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our experience of moving and starting a business in Bulgaria has become a wonderful example of how one can adapt and find new opportunities in a foreign country. We faced certain challenges related to legislation and the peculiarities of the local market, but thanks to thorough preparation and research of possible paths, we were able to realize our dreams. The pet grooming salon we opened has not only become a source of income but also a kind of gathering place for people who share our love for pets.

Employment and entrepreneurship

It is important to understand that employment in Bulgarian companies for residence permit holders is only possible through the establishment of one's own business. We chose this path because it provided us with more freedom and opportunities. Starting a business in a relatively short time, along with the costs of registration and legal consultations, turned out to be quite reasonable. Being at the forefront of events as an entrepreneur creates a special sense of responsibility and involvement in the local community's life.

Adaptation and development

Working for ourselves has provided us with a stable income and the ability to adapt to a new environment. We studied the needs of the local residents and offered them our services, partly thanks to word-of-mouth, which played a key role in attracting clients. Dialogue with Bulgarian colleagues and customers has added vibrant colors to our new life.

The significance of business legality

One must not underestimate the importance.legality of the businessfor immigrants. We knew that every action we took had to be justified and comply with all legal requirements. So when we opened our company, we did so with full confidence that we were getting a solid platform for further growth.

Future

Our story in Bulgaria is far from over. We plan to expand and develop our business by exploring and mastering new horizons. Moving to another country is not just a physical relocation, but also an opportunity for personal growth, and we are glad that we took this step.

Conclusion

If you find yourself at a crossroads and are considering a move, remember that every challenge can become a stepping stone to success. The key is not to be afraid to dream and take action! Our story is just one of many examples of how you can achieve your cherished desires if you prepare for it seriously.