I decided to try Bulgaria this year, and so far, I have been quite happy. Setting up the company with bank account was about 500 euro, took one visit to the notary and second to open the bank account (process has two phases, the lawyer who did the company papers opened bank account for the capital with PoA, I went alone to open the actual current account, internet banking, debit cards), got a personal account the same time too.
Bulgaria has much nicer climate than the Northern Europe, prices are one of the lowest in the EU. Language is difficult, but if you know some Russian, not impossible.
There are no perfect options, it's always a compromise, but I wouldn't call Bulgaria a shithole. People are nice and friendly, English is widely spoken in cafes, restaurants, shops and Sofia feels like an easy place to live.
Bulgaria has much nicer climate than the Northern Europe, prices are one of the lowest in the EU. Language is difficult, but if you know some Russian, not impossible.
There are no perfect options, it's always a compromise, but I wouldn't call Bulgaria a shithole. People are nice and friendly, English is widely spoken in cafes, restaurants, shops and Sofia feels like an easy place to live.