New Balkans Law Office

13/03/2026

Not all legal processes are created equal, but they should all feel this way.

One of our recent clients described their citizenship application journey with us as "structured, calm, and nothing felt vague or improvised." That's exactly the standard we hold ourselves to.

Behind every successful application is a process: clear communication, realistic timelines, and a team that stays engaged from the first email to the final stamp. The paperwork is complex. The experience doesn't have to be.

Thank you for this generous review, it means a great deal to the whole team.

08/01/2026

Maya Ivanova, Head of AML and Compliance at New Balkans Law Office, has published an analysis of anti-money laundering penalties for venture capital firms in the EU and Bulgaria.

The sanctions are now substantial. Under the EU AML Regulation, which takes effect in July 2027, fines reach €10 million or 10% of annual turnover. In Bulgaria, penalties extend to €1,022,583.76 for entities, with personal liability for officers and criminal prosecution in serious cases.

Since Bulgaria's inclusion on the FATF grey list in October 2023, enforcement has intensified. VC firms face greater scrutiny on beneficial ownership verification, ongoing monitoring, and group-wide compliance.

Maya's article examines the practical implications for fund managers, including AMLA's new supervisory role and why compliance failures now carry both financial and reputational consequences.

The full article is available on our website.

Analysis of anti-money laundering sanctions for VC companies in the EU and Bulgaria. Administrative and criminal penalties explained.

17/12/2025

Bulgaria has introduced new legislation enabling digital nomads to obtain legal residency.

The Digital Nomad Visa provides three distinct pathways for remote workers: those employed by foreign companies, individuals with substantial ownership in overseas businesses, and independent freelancers with an established track record.

Key requirements include demonstrating minimum annual income of 50 times Bulgaria's monthly minimum wage, valid health insurance, and proof of accommodation. All applicants must work exclusively for clients outside Bulgaria.

With its combination of affordable living costs, reliable infrastructure, and rich cultural heritage, Bulgaria positions itself as an increasingly competitive destination for Europe's remote workforce.

New Balkans Law Office partner Nevena Bekyarova examines the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and application process in our latest article.

Bulgaria’s digital nomad visa: who qualifies, the income threshold, and the key documents for employees, foreign company owners and freelancers.

04/12/2025

MiCA in Practice: Case Studies and Live Expert Discussion
9 December 2025 | 16:00–17:00 EEST
Microsoft Teams Webinar

New Balkans Law Office is hosting a focused session on how MiCA is being applied in real cross-border scenarios. The event will include two case studies, a moderated discussion and a live Q&A with our legal team.

What to expect:
• Case-based analysis of practical MiCA issues
• Insights on supervision, AML and operational resilience
• Live Q&A with Kamen Shoylev and Maya Ivanova
• Moderated by Nevena Bekyarova

Register here:
242e6cb5-aaf5-4405-8f0c-ce26f0fedaff@e7a3a3b6-3cb0-429d-8ffe-d35fcf722e0b" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/242e6cb5-aaf5-4405-8f0c-ce26f0fedaff@e7a3a3b6-3cb0-429d-8ffe-d35fcf722e0b

30/07/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined our recent webinar, Navigating MiCA: Crypto Rules in Bulgaria and the EU, hosted by New Balkans Law Office. We were pleased to welcome a wide range of participants from the legal, fintech, and crypto communities for a timely discussion of how MiCA, DORA, and AMLR are coming together to form the EU’s new digital asset compliance framework.

If you missed the live session or would like to revisit any part of the discussion, the full webinar is now available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUQNhQg3naU

In this session, our team explores:
– Key features of Bulgaria’s new Crypto Asset Markets Act
– Licensing, capital, and governance requirements for CASPs
– The relationship between MiCA, DORA, and the AMLR
– Cross-border considerations and early case law trends from the UK

We welcome questions, feedback, and follow-up discussions. You can reach us at [email protected] or via our website: www.newbalkanslawoffice.com

With the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) now in effect, crypto businesses across Europe are entering a new regulatory era. This webinar, host...

29/07/2025

Today at 16:00 EEST
Webinar: Navigating MiCA: Crypto Rules in Bulgaria and the EU

MiCA is now fully in force and Bulgaria has adopted the Crypto-Asset Markets Act. What does this mean for crypto businesses operating in or entering Bulgaria and the EU?

Join New Balkans Law Office for a deep dive into how MiCA, the AML Regulation, and DORA will reshape compliance, licensing, and enforcement.

Speakers: Nevena Bekyarova, Radostina Ivanova, Maya Ivanova, Kamen Shoylev
Live Q&A included!

Register here:

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

09/07/2025

NBLO Associate Михаил Иванов recently participated in three major events in Japan: EXPO 2025 OSAKA JAPAN, the EU–Japan Healthcare Conference “United for Saving Lives” on 26 June and Japan Health Exhibition 2025 on 27 June.

These engagements formed part of New Balkans Law Office’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Bulgaria–Japan cooperation in healthcare, life sciences, and medical technology. At the EU–Japan Conference, discussions focused on regulatory frameworks for clinical collaboration between the EU and Japan, with participation from policymakers, clinicians, and senior industry stakeholders. The event also offered a valuable opportunity to connect with members of the Bulgarian business delegation attending EXPO 2025 in Osaka.

At Japan Health 2025, NBLO explored emerging trends in healthcare innovation and investment, emphasising Bulgaria’s potential as a strategic entry point to the EU for Japanese companies in the medical and biotech sectors.

These initiatives align with NBLO’s strategic focus on advising healthcare startups, growth-stage companies, and investors on EU market entry, regulatory compliance, and cross-border structuring.

Read more about our recent activity and insights from Japan:

NBLO strengthens Bulgaria–Japan relations through participation in Expo 2025 Osaka and leading healthcare and innovation events across Japan.

26/06/2025

Navigating a property sale in Turkey as a foreign national can involve specific legal and administrative steps especially when selling remotely or via a representative.

Our latest article outlines the practical and legal considerations involved when using a power of attorney (PoA) to sell real estate in Turkey. It addresses the requirements for granting a valid PoA for property transactions, the role of Turkish notaries, and the options available to foreign property owners unable to attend in person.

Whether you are looking to streamline the sale process or are concerned about the formalities of cross-border representation, this resource offers clarity and guidance.

How to sell property in Turkey using a foreign-issued power of attorney. Key legal steps, notarization, and translation rules.

25/06/2025

Bulgaria has officially adopted the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation into national law.

On 20 June 2025, the Bulgarian National Assembly passed the Law on Crypto-Asset Markets, establishing the country’s first comprehensive legal framework for the crypto sector.

The law introduces a transitional period through 2026, sets out licensing and supervision rules under the Financial Supervision Commission, and includes significant consumer protections and enforcement powers.

This legislative milestone aligns Bulgaria with the broader EU crypto regime and creates both opportunities and obligations for crypto businesses, investors, and legal professionals.

At New Balkans Law Office, we continue to advise clients on MiCA compliance, licensing strategies, and regulatory risk management in Bulgaria and across the EU.

Bulgaria transposes the EU MiCA regulation into law, launching new crypto rules and a 2026 transition period.

17/06/2025

Japan offers a stable economy, a strong innovation ecosystem, and a business environment that is increasingly open to international companies. For European startups considering expansion, understanding the legal, regulatory, and cultural landscape is essential.

We’ve published an overview that addresses the key aspects of establishing a company in Japan — including the choice between a KK or GK structure, incorporation procedures, visa options, tax considerations, banking requirements, and local business practices.

With New Balkans Law Office’s close relationships with experienced Japanese consultants and legal professionals, we are well-positioned to support clients throughout the process of launching and scaling their businesses in Japan.

To learn more, visit our website or contact our team at [email protected].

NBLO explains the key steps and requirements for EU startups establishing company in Japan, including incorporation, visas and taxation.

13/06/2025

The EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) is now in force, and with it, a new framework for authorisation, governance, and liability of crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) across the European Union.

In our latest article, NBLO's AML & Compliance expert Maya Ivanova examine the key regulatory expectations for CASPs, including:
•⁠ ⁠Licensing requirements and the path to authorisation
•⁠ ⁠Governance standards and fitness requirements for senior management
•⁠ ⁠Liability rules for crypto-asset white papers

For market participants, legal and compliance teams, and founders navigating the digital assets space, MiCA represents both an opportunity and a compliance challenge.

Understand MiCA key rules for CASPs on authorisation, governance, and compliance under EU crypto regulation.