A Bulgaria Forex license allows brokers to operate across the EU under the MiFID framework. Issued by the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC), it provides access to the European Economic Area (EEA) market while benefiting from Bulgaria's low tax rates - 10% corporate tax and 5% dividend tax. Here's what you need to know:
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License Types & Capital Requirements:
- Investment Broker (IB): €125,000 (BGN 250,000)
- Market Maker: €750,000 (BGN 1,500,000)
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Key Benefits:
- Enables service provision across all EU and EEA member states under the MiFID II passporting regime.
- Low operational costs and competitive tax rates.
- Enhanced regulatory credibility through oversight by Bulgaria’s Financial Supervision Commission (FSC), aligned with EU financial directives.
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Challenges:
- Ongoing adherence to stringent FSC and MiFID II regulatory requirements, including mandatory reporting, internal audits, and anti-money laundering controls.
- Application timelines range between 3 to 6 months, contingent on the completeness and accuracy of submitted documentation and applicant responsiveness.
- Mandatory certified document translations.
This license is suitable for brokers aiming to access the EU market, provided they meet the financial and regulatory obligations.
License Requirements
Financial Requirements
Here’s the minimum initial capital needed based on the type of license:
| License Type | Minimum Capital Requirement |
|---|---|
| Investment Broker (IB) | €125,000 (BGN 250,000) |
| Market Maker | €750,000 (BGN 1,500,000) |
Required Documents
The Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) mandates the submission of the following documents:
Personal Documentation
- Notarized copies of valid passports for all individuals holding directorial or shareholder roles
- A utility bill dated within the last three months
- Bank reference letter along with a matching account statement
- Lawyer’s reference letter
- CVs of all directors and shareholders
- Copies of academic degree certificates
Process-Related Documentation
- Completed FSC application form
- Statutory declarations
- Bank account application forms
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policy document
- AML/CFT declaration
- Business plan
- Financial forecast
- Projected balance sheet with detailed explanatory notes
All documents must either be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
Next, we’ll look into the pros and cons of obtaining a Bulgaria Forex license.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and challenges of obtaining a Bulgaria Forex license.
Benefits
- Access to the EEA Market: Operate freely within the European Economic Area under MiFID regulations.
- EU Expansion Opportunities: Establish branches across all EU member states.
- Tax Advantages: Enjoy a 10% corporate tax rate, 5% dividend tax, and 20% VAT.
- Regulatory Credibility: Supervision by the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) enhances trust and compliance with EU standards.
- Cost Efficiency: Benefit from lower operational costs and competitive labor rates.
Limitations
Regulatory Compliance
- Strict adherence to FSC regulations and continuous monitoring.
- Regular interaction with the regulator to ensure compliance.
- Development and maintenance of internal compliance policies.
Operational Challenges
- Application reviews by the FSC can take considerable time.
- All documents must be translated into English and certified.
- Ongoing compliance reviews are mandatory.
Although the Bulgaria Forex license offers significant advantages in terms of EU market access and tax efficiency, it imposes strict regulatory, financial, and operational obligations that demand robust internal compliance mechanisms.
Next, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for applying for your Bulgaria Forex license.
How to Apply
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing and submitting your FSC license application.
Application Steps
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Check Name Availability
Use the FSC registry to ensure your proposed company name is available and complies with Bulgarian regulations. -
Prepare Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents listed under License Requirements. Translate them if needed and make copies. -
Submit Your Application
File your application with both original documents and copies directly to the FSC.
Once submitted, the FSC will review your application. For details on processing times and costs, refer to Fees and Timeframes.
After License Approval
When your license is approved, you’ll need to finalize your business setup.
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Receive Your License
The FSC will issue your company license upon approval. -
Set Up Bank Accounts
Open separate corporate bank accounts specifically for client funds.
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Fees and Timeframes
Once you've submitted your application, here's what to expect in terms of costs and processing times:
License Costs
| Fee Type | Rate | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Tax | 10% | Annually |
| Dividend Tax | 5% | Per distribution |
| Value Added Tax (VAT) | 20% | Per taxable service |
There are no extra FSC application or supervisory fees beyond the required initial capital.
Processing Times
The FSC typically reviews complete applications within 3 to 7 months. The exact timeline can vary based on how quickly applicants respond to requests for additional information.
Summary
A Bulgaria Forex license provides brokers access to the EU market under the supervision of the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC). This allows operations across the European Economic Area while benefiting from favorable tax conditions. For details on costs and timelines, check the Fees and Timeframes section.
Licensed firms are required to comply with FSC regulations, which help maintain market stability and safeguard investors throughout the European Union.
