Starting your own business is a big step, especially when it comes to opening a beauty salon in Bulgaria. Clients are often interested in numerous aspects related to the process of starting a beauty salon, such as: “What documents are needed to open a manicure salon?”, “What are the requirements of the RZI for a beauty salon?” and “How much does it cost to open a beauty salon?”. These questions are only part of the spectrum of topics that Elan Consulting can cover with professional consulting and accounting services.
Our clients in Sofia, Burgas, Pomorie, Karnobat, Sunny Beach, Aytos, Nessebar, Sozopol, Primorsko and other regions of Bulgaria often ask about suitable premises and how to secure status for a hairdressing salon. No less important is the question “What company to register for a hairdressing salon?”, which is a key point at the beginning of any business. Also, starting a beauty salon involves financial aspects, and of course this also includes the question “How much does it cost to open a beauty salon?”.
In addition, at the opening stage, the need arises for event planning and marketing activities, such as sending an “Invitation to open a salon”, which requires attention to detail and a professional attitude. All these aspects are important for the successful launch of your beauty salon and we at Elan Consulting are here to help you tackle them.
Through this material, we will consider in detail all the necessary steps for opening a beauty salon in Bulgaria, while answering the questions of our clients and providing you with clear guidelines for a successful start of your business. Whether you are interested in the registration procedures, the requirements for the premises or the necessary documents, we will help you go through each step with confidence and clarity.
The term “public purpose object” has a special meaning in the legal framework of Bulgaria and is often associated with specific requirements and regulations that affect various types of objects, including beauty salons. According to the Health Act, a “public purpose object” is an object that provides services or goods used by the general public and that is subject to special health control. These establishments include places such as restaurants, hotels, educational institutions, and yes - beauty salons also fall into this category.
According to Art. 3 of Ordinance No. 15 of 1987 on hygiene requirements for barbershops, hairdressers and beauty salons, beauty salons are considered objects of public purpose, since they provide services that affect the health and hygiene of customers. In this sense, they are subject to specific requirements for the device, furnishings and operation, as well as for control and hygiene, described in detail in the ordinance. For example, salons must meet the requirements of minimum areas, sanitary conditions, ventilation and disinfection of equipment to ensure the safety and health of customers.
An important aspect of this definition is that beauty salons must be coordinated with the relevant health authorities, such as the Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI), before starting their activities. This also includes the obligation to obtain an operating permit after appropriate inspections and approvals from health inspectors, which is part of the process of opening a public facility.
The requirements of the Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI) for a beauty salon in Bulgaria are strictly regulated and cover a number of aspects that must be complied with in order to guarantee the health and safety of both clients and staff. The basis of these requirements is found in Ordinance No. 15 of 1987, which defines the hygienic requirements for barbershops, hairdressers and beauty salons.
According to Art. 1, para. 1 of Ordinance No. 15, beauty salons must be located in separate premises that are specially designed for this activity. This means that the premises must be built or remodeled in order to provide cosmetic services and meet the relevant regulatory requirements. In addition, paragraph 2 of the same article stipulates that the distance between the workplaces must be at least 1 meter, and between the last workplace and the wall - at least 0.8 meters.
Another important aspect is related to water supply and sewerage. According to Art. 14, para. 1, the salons must be supplied with water in accordance with BDS 2823-83, and the waste water must be discharged into the sewage system of the settlement or into a cesspool, if such a system is absent. This requirement is particularly important for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of infections.
In addition, Art. 12, para. 1 requires salons to be equipped with ventilation systems that provide twofold air exchange per hour. This is necessary to maintain healthy working conditions and protect customers from harmful fumes and odors that may form during cosmetic procedures.
One of the most important requirements of RZI is related to disinfection and hygiene in the salon. According to Art. 23, para. 1, all tools and utensils used in the salon must be washed and disinfected after each use. This includes scissors, files, brushes and other tools that come into contact with customers. Tools that are used for cosmetic procedures must be subjected to disinfection by immersion in disinfectant solutions of certain concentrations specified in the ordinance.
In addition, Art. 16 states that any project for the construction or redevelopment of a beauty salon must be coordinated with the bodies of state sanitary control, that is, with RZI. This means that before it is opened, each new salon must receive approval from the RZI, which is based on the compliance of the site with all sanitary and hygienic requirements.
The procedure for opening a beauty salon in Bulgaria requires going through several key steps, each of which is regulated in different regulatory acts. This procedure begins with the registration of the company, continues with the finding and possible redevelopment of the premises, the registration of the object as a public object, registration of working hours in the local municipality and ends with tax and accounting services, as well as personnel management.
The first step involves the registration of a company. To open a beauty salon, you need to register a legal entity or a sole trader in the Commercial Register. This is done by submitting an application for registration, which contains information about the company, owners, managers, as well as the registered office and address of management. According to Art. 4 of the Commercial Register Act, the application is submitted electronically or on paper, and registration usually takes place within a few days.
The choice of legal form for registering a hair salon company depends on several factors, including the scale of the business, the number of partners or investors, tax liabilities and administrative costs. The most common legal forms for a small or medium business such as a hair salon in Bulgaria are sole proprietorship (ET) and limited liability company (LTD or EOOD).
Sole proprietor (ET)is a suitable form for small hairdressing salons, which are managed by one owner. The advantage of this form is simplified registration and business management. The tax burden for ET is usually lower when revenues are not very high. However, the owner bears unlimited liability for the obligations of the company, which means that his personal property can be used to cover the debts of the business.
Sole proprietorship with limited liability (EOOD)is appropriate if you want to limit your personal liability. In this form, the owner is only one, but he is not personally responsible for the obligations of the company, except with the capital he has contributed to the company. This makes EOOD a more attractive option for people who want to minimize risk. The tax rate for EOOD is fixed, and double bookkeeping is also necessary, which leads to higher administrative costs.
Limited Liability Company (Ltd)is similar to an EOOD, but here there is more than one owner or partner. This form is suitable if you plan to start the business together with a partner or investor. The liability of each partner is limited to the amount of his share capital. Also, as with EOOD, it is necessary to keep double accounting and submit financial statements here.
When choosing a legal form for registering a hairdressing salon company, it is important to consider what is most suitable for your specific needs and development plans. If your business is small and you prefer lower administrative costs, ET may be a good choice. However, if you want to protect your personal property and limit your liability, an EOOD or an LLC may be more suitable options. It is always advisable to consult a lawyer or accountant to make the best decision based on your individual circumstances and goals.
No, currently Bulgarian legislation does not require mandatory possession of a certificate for hairdressing or manicure in order to open a beauty salon. That is, theoretically, you can start this business and without an official certificate of completion of the course.
So why do most people take courses?
Although the certificate is not mandatory, it has several significant advantages. First, it serves as proof of your qualifications and professionalism, which helps you win the trust of customers. Secondly, in a competitive environment, having a certificate can set you apart from others and attract more customers. Finally, the training provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out the procedures in a safe and effective way.
Important: Legislation may change, so it is advisable to consult a lawyer or accountant before starting your business
After successful registration of the company, the next step is to find a suitable premises and its possible redevelopment. The room must comply with the requirements of Ordinance No. 15 of 1987 on hygiene requirements for barbershops, hairdressers and beauty salons. According to Art. 1, para. 1 of the Ordinance, salons must be located in separate premises that have been built or remodeled for this purpose. It is important to comply with the requirements for minimum areas, ventilation and sanitary conditions in order for the object to meet the requirements of the Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI).
The third step in the procedure is the registration of the site as a public object. According to the Health Act, any object that provides services to society and that may have an impact on human health must be registered with the RZI. This registration includes the submission of an application and the necessary documentation, including design documentation, which proves the compliance of the site with hygienic and sanitary requirements. RZI carries out an inspection of the site and, in compliance with all regulatory requirements, issues an operating permit.
The fourth step is the registration of the working hours of the salon in the local municipality. This is done according to the Law on Local Self-Government and Local Administration. It is necessary to submit an application indicating the planned working hours of the object. The municipality may carry out an inspection to ensure that working hours comply with local regulations and do not violate public order.
The last step includes tax and accounting services of the company, as well as personnel management. After the company is registered and the object is prepared for operation, it is necessary to provide tax and accounting services, which include maintaining accounting records, filing tax returns and reporting to the NRA. In addition, if the salon employs employees, it is necessary to ensure personnel management, which includes registration of employment contracts in the NRA, keeping personal files, and compliance with labor legislation.
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In order to open a manicure salon in Bulgaria, you will need to prepare and submit a number of documents that are necessary both for the registration of the company and for the compliance of the object with the requirements of the health and administrative authorities. The procedure includes documents related to the registration of the company, permits for the use of the premises, as well as documents on hygienic and sanitary requirements.
The first step is the registration of a legal entity or sole trader in the Commercial Register. To do this, it is necessary to submit an application for registration of a company, which includes information about the company name, registered office and address of management, as well as information about the owners and managers. A memorandum of association or a company agreement is also attached to the application if a limited liability company (LLC or EOOD) is registered.
After registration of the company, you must provide a document on the right to use the room where the manicure salon will be located. This can be a lease agreement if the premises are rented, or a notarial deed if you are the owner of the premises. It is important that the premises meet the health and safety requirements, and according to Art. 16, para. 1 of the Health Act, any object with a public purpose, such as a manicure salon, must be approved by the Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI). For this, it is necessary to submit an application for registration of the site in the RZI, accompanied by design documentation and evidence of compliance with the hygienic and sanitary requirements specified in Ordinance No. 15 of 1987.
In addition, in order to start work, it is necessary to register the working hours of the salon in the corresponding municipality. The application must include information about the planned working hours, as well as be accompanied by documents on the right to use the premises and the approval of the RZI. The municipality can carry out an on-site inspection to ensure that the proposed working hours do not violate public order and that the salon meets all requirements.
It is also necessary to provide certificates of qualification of the personnel who will work in the salon. Manicurists must have completed training and certificates that prove their legal capacity. These documents are required due to the specific nature of the activity and the need to maintain high standards of hygiene and safety, which is regulated in the regulations of the Ministry of Health.
Finally, if the salon employs staff, it is necessary to conclude employment contracts with all employees and register with the National Revenue Agency (NRA). Personal files of employees must be kept, as well as compliance with insurance and tax requirements.
The requirements for staff in beauty salons or manicure studios in Bulgaria are strictly regulated in order to guarantee the health and safety of customers. All employees who provide cosmetic services must be qualified specialists. This means that they must have completed relevant training and hold a certificate of professional qualification. According to Art. 18, para. 2 of Ordinance No. 15 of 1987, cosmetic services may be performed only by persons who have undergone the necessary training and have proven their skills through the relevant examinations.
Each employee of the salon must have a regularly certified personal health book. The personal health book certifies that the employee has passed the necessary medical examinations and does not pose a risk to the health of clients. According to Art. 31, para. 1 of Ordinance No. 15 of 1987, this booklet must be kept by the head of the salon or his deputy, certifying it regularly. This is critically important for the health of all participants in the process.
Employees must also take a course in the sanitary minimum, which is reflected in their personal health book. This course is mandatory according to Art. 31, para. 2 of Ordinance No. 15 and aims to train personnel in the correct application of hygienic norms and safety measures that are mandatory in the working environment of beauty salons. The knowledge and skills acquired during this course are essential to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and to ensure the safety of both customers and staff.
In addition to the qualification and health book, each employee must comply with strict hygiene requirements, which include regular cleaning and disinfection of tools and work surfaces after each procedure. According to Art. 23, para. 1 of Ordinance No. 15, scissors, files and other tools for manicure and pedicure must be disinfected after each use to prevent the spread of infections.
To ensure compliance with all requirements, a book on the sanitary condition of the object must be kept in each salon. This book, required under Art. 32 of Ordinance No. 15, serves as a register of all hygiene practices and control measures that are taken in the salon and is subject to regular checks by health inspectors.
Opening a beauty salon in Bulgaria involves various costs, which cover both administrative fees and investments in equipment and services. To provide a complete picture of the cost, it is necessary to take into account the following main components:
First, registering a company in the Commercial Register is the first step, which involves fees, varying depending on the legal form chosen. For registration of a sole trader (ET) the state fee is 30 BGN when submitting documents online, while for a limited liability company (Ltd or EOOD) the fee is 110 BGN, and for electronic filing of documents it is twice lower - 55 BGN. In addition, if the services of a notary are used to certify documents, additional costs will be required, which usually vary between 50 and 100 BGN depending on the complexity of the case.
The next significant expense is associated with renting or purchasing a room that will be used for the salon. Prices for renting a suitable premises vary greatly depending on the location. For example, in Sofia, rents can start from around 1000 BGN per month for smaller premises in the periphery, while in the central regions the prices can reach up to 3000 BGN and more per month. In other cities such as Burgas, Varna or Plovdiv, rents are lower, but also depend on the location and size of the room.
One-time costs for equipping the salon are significant and include the purchase of furniture, fixtures and tools. The basic equipment for a beauty salon, such as hairdressing chairs, mirrors, work tables, hair dryers, sterilizers and beauty appliances, can cost between 10,000 and 20,000 BGN depending on the quality and brand of the equipment. In addition, to ensure hygienic conditions, as required by Ordinance No. 15, it is necessary to purchase additional materials such as towels, aprons and consumables, which can add another 500 to 3000 BGN to the initial costs.
Other important costs include the fees for registering the site as a public object with the Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI). The fee for this registration varies depending on the region, but is usually around 100-200 BGN. The application for registration of working hours in the respective municipality is also mandatory and may require a fee in the amount of about BGN 50 to 100.
One of the most important services for a newly created business is accounting service. Elan Consulting offers accounting and consulting services at competitive prices, with packages starting from 150 BGN per month for small salons. This price includes basic accounting services such as bookkeeping, preparing tax returns, and filing reports with the NRA. Additional services, such as contract and personnel management, can be included for an additional fee, depending on the needs of the business.
In conclusion, opening a beauty salon in Bulgaria is a very good option for professional realization, but it may require an initial investment of 10,000 to 30,000 BGN, with the final amount depending on many factors such as location, size of the salon and the quality of the equipment. Regular monthly expenses, including rent, salaries, and accounting services, must also be carefully planned to ensure the successful operation of the business.
