How to make money as a massage therapist in Bulgaria

If you are a massage therapist in Bulgaria and want to earn money on the side or move to full-time self-employment, this guide explains where paying customers actually come from, how to set and talk about money, what your first ten customers often look like, which authorities to check about taxes and permits, common early mistakes and how a Websta profile can help you be found and paid.

Updated October 21, 2026

Where paying customers in Bulgaria come from

Clients come from several repeatable sources. Neighbours and friends are often the first customers - people who already trust you and can introduce others. Workplaces and corporate clients hire massage therapists for short events, desk injury support and staff wellbeing sessions. Schools, sports clubs and local gyms sometimes book therapies for coaches, teachers and athletes.

Online search and social media are important across the whole country - people look for a nearby therapist by service and town. Word of mouth remains strong: a single good experience can produce several bookings from the same small town or neighbourhood. Local marketplaces where people post tasks or look for services also produce clients who compare offers and choose a nearby provider.

  • Neighbours, family and friends
  • Local workplaces and corporate bookings
  • Sports clubs, gyms and schools
  • Online search and marketplaces
  • Word of mouth and local referrals

How to set a first price and talk about money

Start by looking at what other therapists in nearby towns advertise for similar session lengths and techniques. Your first price should reflect your skills, travel time, consumables and the realistic time you want to spend per session. If you are unsure, use a simple structure - a set session length and a price for travel - so customers know what they pay for.

When discussing money, be clear and direct. Give exact totals for the session and any extras before you begin. Say how long the session lasts and what is included. If you accept card payments or deposits, explain how to pay and whether you require a deposit for new clients or group bookings. If a client asks for a discount, be ready to offer a single reduced-rate introduction or a small package rather than negotiating on the spot.

  • Compare advertised prices locally
  • Cover your time, travel and materials
  • State session length and total price up front
  • Use deposits or clear cancellation terms for new clients

What the first ten customers usually look like

The first ten customers typically include a mix of people who already know you plus a few new clients who found you online or through a marketplace. Expect friends and family, coworkers and their contacts, one or two neighbours, and perhaps a client from a local gym or sports club. One or two bookings may come from someone testing a new therapist after reading your profile or seeing photos.

Do not expect variety immediately. In the beginning many clients will book a single session; a smaller number may return. Use these first bookings to refine your service descriptions, timing and communication style, and to ask for permission to use short feedback or before/after photos for your profile.

  • Friends, family and acquaintances
  • Coworkers or workplace referrals
  • Local gym, club or sports-related bookings
  • A few online or marketplace clients testing a new therapist

What to sort out when taking money as an independent person in Bulgaria

For concrete questions about taxes and social security, check with the National Revenue Agency - NRA. Ask how to register as self-employed or as an individual entrepreneur, what records you must keep, whether you need to register for VAT and how to declare income from services. For social security contributions and pension/health insurance obligations, contact the National Social Security Institute - NSSI and ask what base and rates apply to self-employed service providers.

If you are unsure about any health-related permits or workspace rules, contact the Regional Health Inspectorate or the Ministry of Health and ask whether your specific massage services require professional certificates, premises standards or hygiene checks. For local trading rules and permits, check with your municipal office and ask which notifications or licences, if any, are needed for providing services from home or at client locations.

  • Ask NRA how to register and declare income
  • Ask NSSI about social security and health insurance obligations
  • Ask Regional Health Inspectorate or Ministry of Health about professional or premises rules
  • Ask your municipality about local trading rules

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Common problems include underpricing, unclear service descriptions, poor scheduling and not tracking income and expenses. Underpricing can leave you working many hours for little return; unclear descriptions lead to mismatched expectations and cancellations. Busy times and cancellations are normal - set a simple cancellation policy and communicate it.

Other early issues are inadequate communication about payment methods, not asking for deposits on new bookings, and incomplete bookkeeping. Some therapists burn out by accepting too many bookings while still holding a separate job. Use a simple calendar and invoicing routine from the start so you do not lose time on administration.

  • Underpricing and scope creep
  • Unclear session descriptions and expectations
  • No cancellation or deposit policy
  • Poor bookkeeping and scheduling

How a Websta profile fits into this work

A Websta profile gives you a single page you can send to anyone - it looks like a small website with services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking. That makes it easier for clients across Bulgaria to find your services by place and by type of massage, and for people posting tasks on a marketplace to invite offers.

Card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe; you set the prices. Use the profile to list clear session lengths, what is included, travel options and your cancellation policy. Keep photos and service descriptions honest so customers know what to expect and can book confidently.

  • One sharable page with services, prices and booking
  • Found through searches and marketplace listings
  • Card payments paid out to your bank account through Stripe
  • You set your own prices and service details

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register with tax authorities before I start?
You should check with the National Revenue Agency - NRA about whether and how to register. Ask about the registration process for self-employed individuals, how to declare income from massage services and whether you must register for VAT.
Can I accept card payments as an individual therapist on Websta?
Yes. Card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe. You set the prices. Check the payout and bank requirements in your Websta account settings.
How should I handle cancellations and deposits?
Use a clear cancellation policy and communicate it before the booking. Consider taking a small deposit for new clients or larger bookings to reduce no-shows. State the policy on your profile and in booking messages.
Who do I ask about professional or health permits?
Contact the Regional Health Inspectorate or the Ministry of Health and ask whether your specific massage services or premises require certificates, inspections or registration.

About the numbers

Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.

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