This Manifesto of Foreign Entrepreneurs in Bulgaria represents the collective voice of foreign entrepreneurs and business founders in Bulgaria seeking to improve the entrepreneurial ecosystem for international talent. We come from many countries, cultures, and backgrounds, working across diverse sectors - from technology and creative industries to services, hospitality, and manufacturing. We have chosen Bulgaria as our home for innovation and growth. We care deeply about this country and are committed to seeing it stronger, more successful, and more connected to the global economy.

We call upon policymakers, institutions, and the business community to come together in meaningful dialogue and joint action to strengthen Bulgaria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. As foreign entrepreneurs, we stand ready to contribute our perspectives and solutions as part of this collective effort.. Our community needs policies that address real-life obstacles and bureaucratic, legal, and financial barriers foreign entrepreneurs face. Bulgaria has much to gain from smart migration and entrepreneurship policies. Successful global economies have demonstrated that when countries welcome international talent and investment, they boost innovation, create jobs, and enhance their economic competitiveness. Inclusive support for entrepreneurial growth and integration, and networks that enhance Bulgaria's position in the global economy are essential for this goal. 

Our vision

We envision Bulgaria as a thriving hub for international entrepreneurship where foreign founders can seamlessly integrate into the business ecosystem, contribute to economic growth, and leverage Bulgaria's unique position at the crossroads of innovation in Southeastern Europe.

Our contributions

As foreign entrepreneurs in Bulgaria, we commit to:

• Bringing expertise, innovative business models, and new technologies to the Bulgarian market
• Creating high-quality jobs for local talent
• Opening access to international markets and investment networks
• Contributing to Bulgaria's economic growth and enhancing its reputation
• Sharing knowledge with the local business community
• Promoting Bulgaria as an attractive destination for business and investment

Our needs

To realize our vision and maximize our contributions, we require targeted improvements in several key areas from the government administration:

Streamlined administrative procedures

• Simplified business registration for foreign entrepreneurs 
• Fairer and more transparent bank account opening procedures for foreign entrepreneurs 
• Clear and efficient visa and residence permit processes
• Digital-first government services that reduce paperwork

Information access

• Centralized, user-friendly online resources offering up-to-date, clear, and accessible information on business regulations, taxation, compliance, and funding — with full English-language availability and practical guidance for foreign entrepreneurs

Supportive business infrastructure

• Introducing an incentive mechanism for stimulating angel investors
• Amend the Investment Promotion Act to attract strategic investors in high-value-added sectors in Bulgaria’s less developed regions.
• Improved cooperation between universities, businesses, and government institutions

Moreover, Bulgaria's business community, NGOs, and participating organizations can develop comprehensive community support systems — creating both meaningful impact and viable business opportunities:

• Networks connecting foreign and local entrepreneurs
• Mentorship programs designed for foreign business owners
• Cross-cultural business networking opportunities
• Facilitated communication channels with government agencies and support organizations

These community-driven initiatives represent significant business opportunities for service providers while addressing the most unanimously valued need among entrepreneurs in Bulgaria at every stage of their journey.

A welcoming environment where international business founders thrive alongside local entrepreneurs benefits everyone, from Bulgarian companies to the larger international business networks. Together, we can transform Bulgaria into a premier destination for international entrepreneurs and foreign investment, strengthening the country’s economy and enriching society as a whole.

This manifesto represents the collective voice of foreign entrepreneurs in Bulgaria. It is based on experiences shared through focus group discussions and expert interviews conducted with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Bulgarian Entrepreneurial Association BESCO, and attorney-at-law Plamen Stefanov by Anastasiia Dehtiarova. The manifesto was created in 2025 in partnership with Multi Kulti Collective, as part of the Mentorship and Ambassador Program by New Women Connectors. 

Additional resources:

• Resource guide for foreign entrepreneurs in Bulgaria
• How we created the “Manifesto of Foreign Entrepreneurs in Bulgaria”