How to open a store in Bulgaria?

Opening a store in Bulgaria is one of the most common ideas for entrepreneurship, which offers a variety of opportunities in various business niches. Customers often ask questions like “How to open a store in a small town?” or “What are the specific requirements for a liquor and cigarette store?”. Additional interests include the opening of an online store, a grocery store, a vegetable store, a children's store or even those related to decoration and interior.

Depending on the type of store you want to open — be it for sporting goods, exotic foods, organic products, second-hand clothing or specialty drinks — there are various regulatory and administrative steps that must be followed. Practical questions also arise: “Where is the most suitable place to open a store?”, “What kind of business can I start with a certain budget?” or “Can I start with minimal investment and use a franchise model?”.

The topics related to the opening of stores cover many aspects, from the registration of the company in the Commercial Register, through licensing requirements (for example for cigarettes and alcohol), to the protection of consumers under the current legislation. Specialized questions such as how to run an online store, how to store goods with a requirement for a special temperature regime, or how to deal with commodity stocks, are also part of a successful start of a business.

Whether you are planning to open a small vegetable store in the countryside or a large-scale business in a big city, Elan Consulting is here to provide you with professional advice and support. From Sofia to Burgas, Pomorie, Karnobat, Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Sozopol and other settlements, we will assist you in every step of the process — from the development of the idea to its realization. In this article, we will consider in detail the types of stores that you can open, and the basic legal requirements for each type.

What kind of store can I open in a small town in Bulgaria? 30 ideas

Various types of stores can be found in Bulgaria, and each type has its own specific legal requirements that must be observed. The choice of the type of store depends on the target market, business plan and available budget. Here are some of the most popular types of stores that can be opened:

Grocery Store — The opening of such a store requires registration under the Food Act and compliance with the sanitary and hygienic requirements regulated by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. Stores must have specially equipped storage rooms for various types of products and comply with quality control procedures.
Home Goods Store— This type of establishment usually offers a variety of household goods. Its registration requires the standard documents for commercial activity, and here the focus is on the management of warehouse stocks and the provision of detailed information about the goods to customers.
Auto Parts Store — Specific registration may be required for this type of store if you offer goods with a special sales mode, such as batteries, oils and tires. It is important to provide an adequate product cataloging system to facilitate customers.
Clothing and accessories storeThis is one of the most popular choices for start-up entrepreneurs. In order for such a store to be successful, it is necessary to pay attention to the location, interior design and quality of the goods offered.
Electronics Store— Hardware and electronics stores require not only commercial registration, but also compliance with safety and labeling requirements under the Consumer Protection Act. This includes the provision of warranty conditions and service support.
Toy Store— In addition to standard requirements, toy stores must comply with product safety regulations, especially when it comes to children's toys.
Online store E-commerce is gaining more and more popularity. The registration of an online store requires registration in the Commercial Register, compliance with the requirements of the Consumer Protection Act and provision of a personal data protection policy according to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR).
Liquor and Cigarette Shop—These objects require special licenses issued by the competent authorities. Compliance with the law is critical, especially when selling such goods that are under strict control.
Souvenir shop— Souvenir shops often focus on the tourist market. They require minimal investment, but the right choice of location is key to success.
Jewelry Store— For such stores, specific security measures are required, as well as accuracy in providing information on the value and quality of the products offered.
Sporting Goods Store— Offering equipment for various sports, clothing and accessories suitable for active people and athletes.
Shop for organic products— Focus on organic and environmentally friendly foods, cosmetics and cleaning products.
Flower and garden supply store— Offers live plants, flowers, pots, soils and garden tools.
Bookstore— Sale of books, textbooks, notebooks and office supplies.
Children's clothing and footwear store— Specialized store focused on children's clothing and accessories.
Musical Instrument Store— Sale of guitars, pianos, percussion instruments, as well as consumables and accessories for them.
Furniture and decoration shop— Focus on home furnishings, including furniture, carpets, lighting and decorative accessories.
Exotic Food Shop— Offering food from different cuisines around the world, such as Asian, Mexican or Indian.
Shop for health supplements and vitamins— Products for a healthy lifestyle, including proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Computer Store— Sale of laptops, desktops, peripherals and software.
Building Materials Store— Specialized in repair and construction products, such as paints, tools and building mixtures.
Cosmetics and perfumery store— Sale of cosmetic products, skin care, makeup and perfumes.
Stationery Store— Provision of office supplies, toners, paper and business accessories.
Craft Store— Products made by hand, such as ceramics, textiles, wood products and jewelry.
Shop for authentic Bulgarian goods— Products related to Bulgarian culture, traditions and cuisine, such as honey, wines and handmade souvenirs.
Adult toy store (hobby and board games)— Offering board games, kits for hobby activities such as modeling and drawing.
Pet & Accessories Store— Food, cages, toys and equipment for various pets.
Specialty Beverage Shop— Sale of wines, spirits, coffee and tea with emphasis on quality and variety.
Electric Bicycle & Scooter Shop— Provision of environmentally friendly means of transport, including accessories for them.
Second-hand clothing store— A business model with low initial investment, popular with people looking for quality goods at affordable prices.

Each type of store must be registered in the Commercial Register according to the requirements of the Commercial Law. Depending on the specifics of the goods, additional licenses and permits may be required. It is also important to provide the right equipment, organized inventory management and good customer service. Elan Consulting can help you identify the exact requirements for your business and launch it successfully.

What are the requirements for opening a store?

Opening a store in Bulgaria requires careful planning and compliance with the specific legal and administrative requirements for the respective type of establishment. The first and main step is the registration of a company in the Commercial Register, according to the Commercial Law. Depending on the type of store, it is necessary to choose the appropriate legal form, such as sole proprietor (ET), limited liability company (LTD) or sole proprietorship with limited liability (EOOD). After registration, it is important to provide an address for correspondence and a certificate of tax registration.

For stores that sell food and beverages, such as grocery stores, vegetable stores, alcohol and cigarette stores, or even stores for organic products, coordination with the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFDA) is required. These stores must comply with strict sanitary and hygienic standards and have equipment for storing products in appropriate conditions. Liquor and cigarette shops additionally require special licenses, according to the Excise and Tax Warehouses Act, as well as coordination with the local municipality to make sales.

When opening stores for specialized goods such as electronics, sporting goods, musical instruments or cars, it is important to ensure correct labeling and product information, according to the Consumer Protection Act. This includes the provision of warranty conditions, technical documentation and service that meets the requirements of quality and safety.

Clothing, accessories, decoration and furniture stores require appropriate equipment and interior design to match the commercial strategy. Particular attention is paid to the visual presentation of products and the layout of the store space to ensure a pleasant customer experience.

Online stores have their own specific requirements, such as registration under the E-Commerce Act, compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 on the protection of personal data (GDPR) and providing an easy-to-navigate sales platform. In addition, e-shops must provide transparent information on prices, delivery conditions and return policy.

For niche-focused stores such as children's stores, bookstores, toy or pet stores, additional attention to product safety is often required. This includes certification for goods intended for children or a guarantee of the safety of food and animal products.

Jewelry, handicraft and luxury goods stores require stricter security measures, including video surveillance systems and commodity insurance. In addition, it is important to provide correct information on the prices and quality of the products offered in order to avoid violations of the Consumer Protection Act.

Opening a store in any type of market niche also implies registration in the local municipality of a commercial object, also called “registration of working hours in a municipality”. For certain stores, such as those for health supplements or pharmacies, special permits from the competent authorities may be required.

Elan Consulting can be your reliable partner in every step of this process. From preparing registration documents to consulting on the specific requirements of your store, we can provide you with the necessary support to successfully start your business in Sofia, Burgas, Pomorie and other locations in Bulgaria.

What is the procedure for opening a store and what are the necessary documents?

The procedure for opening a store in Bulgaria includes several steps that must be strictly followed in order to comply with the legal requirements and ensure a smooth start of the activity. Each of these steps requires specific documents, depending on the type of store and the goods or services offered. Here are the main stages:

The first step is the registration of a company in the Commercial Register and the Register of Non-Profit Legal Entities. For this purpose, it is necessary to choose the legal form of the company — sole trader (ET), limited liability company (LTD) or sole proprietorship with limited liability (EOOD). The required documents include an application for registration, an instrument of incorporation (for an LLC or an EOOD), a document on contributed capital (in the case of an LLC or an EOOD) and a document on paid state fee. Registration is carried out by filing documents with the Registry Agency.

The next step is registration with the National Revenue Agency (NRA). This includes registering the company for tax purposes, and it is often necessary to register under the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act if your income exceeds the registration threshold or if you trade with other countries of the European Union.

If the store will offer food, alcohol, cigarettes or other specific products, the corresponding permits and licenses will have to be obtained. For grocery stores, registration with the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFDA) is required, which requires a hygiene plan, a description of the facility and equipment, as well as a document on compliance with food safety requirements. For the sale of alcohol and cigarettes, a license is required from the customs offices, according to the Excise and Tax Warehouses Act.

An important part of the procedure is the provision of a lease agreement or a document of ownership of the premises where the store will be located. This document is required for registration in the municipality and with other regulatory bodies. If the room is located in a residential building, consent from the condominium may also be required.

After that, it is necessary to submit an application to the local municipality for the issuance of a permit to carry out commercial activities. The required documents include an application, a lease or title document, a certificate of company registration, an identification code from the NRA and others according to the specifics of the object.

Stores that require cash registers must register the devices with the NRA and ensure the issuance of fiscal vouchers to customers. This requirement is mandatory for all objects that carry out retail sales.

Additional documents that may be required include:

Certificates of origin or product quality (for specific goods such as organic products, medicines, etc.).
Warranty conditions and service documentation (for electronics, furniture and other durable goods).
Certificates of compliance with safety standards (especially for toys, electronics and goods for children).

The procedure may include other requirements depending on the type of store. For example, for online stores it is necessary to comply with the Electronic Commerce Act and draw up a personal data protection policy, according to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR).

Elan Consulting can help you in every step — from the registration of the company, through the issuance of licenses and permits, to advice on compliance with all legal requirements. Whether you are planning to open a store in Sofia, Burgas or any other city in Bulgaria, we will assist you for a quick and successful start.

What is the difference in the requirements for opening a packaged grocery store and a store that offers dairy products?

Opening a packaged food store and a store where dairy products are offered requires a different approach in terms of regulatory requirements and operational organization. Although both types of stores fall under the regulation of the Food Act and require registration with the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BAFSA), the specific requirements differ significantly due to the nature of the products offered.

Packaged Grocery Store
The main characteristic of packaged food stores is that they offer goods that are factory sealed and usually do not require special storage conditions, except when packaged with special instructions (for example, foods with a long shelf life such as canned food, dry food, cereal products). The main requirements for such a store include:

Registration in the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences: An application for registration must be submitted, indicating the type of food offered and the storage equipment available.
Warehouse equipment: The presence of shelves, storage rooms and sometimes cooling showcases for certain categories of food such as drinks is required.
Labelling of products: All packaged goods must have clear labeling indicating composition, expiration date and manufacturer, according to the Consumer Protection Act.
Hygiene requirements: Although packaged foods minimize the risk of direct contact with the goods, it is important to keep the premises clean to prevent contamination.

Dairy shop
Stores that offer dairy products require significantly stricter control due to the short shelf life of these foods and the need for specific storage conditions. The main requirements include:

Specialized registration in the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences: A detailed risk management plan (food safety system — HACCP) and proof that the dairy storage equipment meets the requirements must be provided at registration.
Temperature control: It is necessary to provide cooling showcases and refrigerators that maintain the exact temperature as specified by the manufacturer (usually between 0 and 4 degrees). This is critical to avoid spoiling the products.
Storage and management of shelf life: In addition to requiring precise control over shelf life, dairy products are expected to be stacked so that older goods are sold first.
Control of origin: For dairy products, it is mandatory to provide documents on the origin of the goods and safety certificates from suppliers.
Frequency of checks: Dairy shops are subject to more frequent inspections by the FDA due to the risk of rapid spoilage of products and the need to strictly comply with sanitary requirements.

General requirements and differences
For both types of stores, it is necessary to register with the NRA, have a cash register registered in the NRA system, as well as have a lease agreement or a document of ownership of the premises. However, the key difference lies in risk management:

Packaged goods stores have easier requirements because the products are factory-packaged and the risk of contamination or spoilage is less.
Dairy stores require more sophisticated organization, including daily temperature control, explicit hygiene protocols, and specialized storage equipment.

Elan Consulting can help you with consultations on registration, preparation of documents for BSA and implementation of the appropriate safety systems, whether you want to open a packaged food or dairy store. Our support ensures that you will comply with all requirements and successfully launch your business!

Can I open a store myself or do I need help from an expert?

Yes, you can open a store on your own, but the process includes a number of steps and legal requirements that must be met exactly to ensure legality and a successful start of your business. The help of an expert is not mandatory, but it is often advisable, especially when it comes to more complex aspects of the process, such as the preparation of documentation, compliance with specific requirements or the registration of specialized stores.

According to Art. 1, para. 1 of The Law on the Commercial Register and the Register of Non-Profit Legal Entities, the registration of commercial objects, including shops, is carried out by filing documents with the Commercial Register. This requires careful preparation of applications, constituent documents (if you register a company), documents of ownership or rent of the premises, as well as payment of relevant fees.

Additionally, Art. 12, para. 1 of The Food Lawrequires registration with the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BAFSA) for all stores that offer food. This registration includes inspection of the site, compliance with hygiene requirements and the provision of a food safety plan (HACCP).

According to Art. 4, para. 1 of Consumer Protection Act, each trader is obliged to provide complete and accurate information about the goods he offers, including their quality, origin and conditions of use. This means that you must have clearly labeled products and keep documentation related to compliance with standards.

One of the big challenges in opening a store on your own is properly understanding and fulfilling the specific requirements for the type of store you are planning. For example, alcohol and cigarette shops require licenses under Art. 47 of the The Law on Excise Duties and Tax Warehouses, and online stores must comply with the requirements of the E-Commerce Act and Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR).

The help of an expert, such as a consultant or lawyer, is useful for:

Preparation and submission of documents: Documentation errors may result in registration refusal or delay.
Understanding the specific requirements: Experts can identify any licenses, permits, and procedures that are applicable to your store.
Management of deadlines: Legislation requires the submission of certain documents within established deadlines. For example, in Art. 7 of The Food Lawit is required that the object be registered before the start of the activity.

What are the features of accounting of a store or retail outlet?

accounting and warehouse management in stores and retail outlets are critical aspects of the management of any commercial activity. They are associated not only with compliance with legal requirements, but also with effective resource management, minimizing losses and optimizing sales. According to the requirements of The Accounting Act, enterprises are obliged to keep current and complete accounting of all business operations, including those related to the storage and sale of goods.

The first feature of accounting in stores is associated with the difference between goods as inventories and their reflection in accounting records. According to National Accounting Standards (NSS), goods are accounted for as current assets and are valued at cost or acquisition cost. When selling, the value of the goods sold is reflected in the expenses of the enterprise, while the income is recognized from the sale. For stores that offer a variety of products, it is important to correctly categorize goods in order to ensure the accuracy of data on stocks and costs.

Warehouse management is an essential aspect of operational management. Stores are obliged to maintain commodity and material accounting using warehouse programs or manually kept filing cabinets. The main objective is to ensure accurate control over the quantities, movement and stocks of goods. According to the requirements of Consumer Protection Act, each good must be properly labeled with information about its origin, price and composition, which facilitates both reporting and sales.

For stores with a large volume of sales, such as supermarkets or electronics stores, it is recommended to use software systems for managing inventory and sales. These systems allow automatic reflection of sales and inventory reductions, which reduces the risk of errors and facilitates inventories. According to Article 42 of The Accounting Act, inventory of inventories must be carried out at least once a year to ensure consistency between accounting records and physical inventories.

In addition, for shops that work with excisable goods, such as alcohol and cigarettes, special reporting is required under The Law on Excise Duties and Tax Warehouses. This includes maintaining detailed accounts of the acquisition, storage and sale of these goods, as well as submitting periodic reports to the relevant authorities.

Particular attention should also be paid to cash sales. According to the requirements of NAPP, all stores must use registered fiscal devices that reflect each sale and issue a fiscal voucher to the customer. Data from these devices must be stored and presented, if necessary, to the tax authorities, while integrating with the warehouse and accounting system.

In conclusion, the peculiarities of accounting and warehouse keeping at stores are closely related to the specifics of the business, legal requirements, and the need for effective management. In order to avoid errors and inconsistencies, and also to save time, it is recommended to use specialized accounting and warehouse software. “Elan Consulting” offers assistance in the implementation of such systems and provides professional accounting services that will help you manage your business according to all requirements and good practices.