Bulgaria vs Serbia
Crypto regulation comparison
Bulgaria
Serbia
Cryptocurrency is legal in Bulgaria and subject to a flat 10% tax on capital gains, one of the lowest in the EU. Bulgaria adopted the EU's MiCA framework and requires crypto service providers to register. The country has a notable history with crypto due to a large government Bitcoin seizure in 2017.
Serbia's Law on Digital Assets, enacted in December 2020 and effective June 2021, created one of the first comprehensive crypto regulatory frameworks in the Western Balkans. The NBS oversees virtual currencies while the Securities Commission handles digital tokens. Service providers must obtain licenses and comply with AML/KYC requirements. Capital gains taxed at 15%.
Key Points
- Flat 10% personal income tax rate applies to crypto capital gains
- VASPs must register with the NRA for AML compliance
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024
- Bulgaria reportedly seized approximately 200,000 BTC in a 2017 crime bust (status debated)
- No specific crypto legislation beyond EU directives and general tax law
Key Points
- Law on Digital Assets enacted December 2020, effective June 2021
- NBS regulates virtual currencies; Securities Commission regulates digital tokens
- Capital gains on crypto taxed at 15%
- Service providers must obtain licenses and maintain physical offices in Serbia
- Transfer/conversion of digital assets exempt from VAT