Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASP) in Bulgaria: MiCA Licensing Guide for 2026

Since 1 July 2026, crypto-asset services in Bulgaria can only be provided by firms authorised under the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The national transitional regime has ended, and the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) is now the authority that grants crypto asset service provider (CASP) licences.

This guide explains what a CASP is, which firms are authorised in Bulgaria, what a licence requires, and — most importantly for merchants — when your business needs one and when it does not.

What is a crypto asset service provider (CASP)?

Under MiCA, a CASP is a legal entity that provides one or more of these crypto-asset services on a professional basis:

• (a) custody and administration of crypto-assets for clients

• (b) operation of a trading platform

• (c) exchange of crypto-assets for funds (fiat)

• (d) exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets

• (e) execution of orders on behalf of clients

• (f) placing of crypto-assets

• (g) reception and transmission of orders

• (h) advice on crypto-assets

• (i) portfolio management

• (j) transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients

A CASP authorised in one EU member state can passport its services to the rest of the EU/EEA by notification.

Who regulates crypto in Bulgaria?

• Financial Supervision Commission (FSC / КФН) — the competent authority for CASP authorisation under MiCA.

• Bulgarian National Bank — involved in prudential matters for e-money tokens.

• The old national VASP registration route no longer applies: the transition window closed on 1 July 2026, and new entrants apply directly to the FSC.

Authorised CASPs in Bulgaria (as of 30 October 2026)

According to the ESMA-based register compiled by MiCA Hub, five firms are authorised by the FSC:

Always check the current status in the ESMA register before relying on a provider. CASPs licensed in other EU countries can also serve Bulgarian clients through passporting.

What does a CASP licence require?

• Minimum capital (EU-wide under MiCA): €50,000 for Class 1 services (e.g. order transmission, advice, transfers), €125,000 for Class 2 (adds custody and exchange), €150,000 for Class 3 (operating a trading platform) — or a quarter of last year's fixed overheads, whichever is higher.

• Local presence: registered office in Bulgaria and at least one director resident in the EU.

• Governance and AML: fit-and-proper management, AML/CFT procedures, Travel Rule compliance, complaint handling and ICT/operational resilience.

• Timeline: consultants estimate about 3–6 months for a complete, well-prepared application.

Do merchants in Bulgaria need a CASP licence to accept crypto?

In most cases, no. Accepting cryptocurrency as payment for your own goods or services does not, by itself, make your business a CASP. A licence becomes relevant if your company starts providing crypto services to others — for example, holding customer crypto, exchanging crypto for fiat for clients, or transferring crypto on their behalf.

What merchants should do instead:

1. Confirm your provider's coverage of the countries where your customers are, and of the coins and networks they actually use.

2. Review KYC/KYB, AML screening and transaction monitoring — your provider will apply them to you and your customers.

3. Keep records of incoming payments and conversions for accounting and tax.

4. Ask a local adviser if your business model involves holding or exchanging crypto for third parties.

For a comparison of gateways available to Bulgarian companies, see our guide to the best crypto payment gateways for businesses in Bulgaria.

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If you want to accept crypto payments without building your own crypto infrastructure, PassimPay gives you:

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Check whether your country is covered on the supported countries page.

FAQ

What is a crypto asset service provider in Bulgaria? It is a company authorised by the Financial Supervision Commission under MiCA to provide crypto-asset services such as custody, exchange or transfers. Since 1 July 2026, only authorised CASPs can provide these services in Bulgaria.

Who issues crypto licences in Bulgaria? The Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) grants CASP authorisation under MiCA. Firms licensed in another EU country can operate in Bulgaria via passporting.

How many CASPs are licensed in Bulgaria? As of 30 October 2026, five firms were listed as authorised by the FSC: Alaric Securities, Belayer, Altcoins, Digital Assist and FF Digital. Check the ESMA register for updates.

What is needed for crypto company registration in Bulgaria? A Bulgarian legal entity, minimum capital of €50,000–€150,000 depending on services, fit-and-proper management, AML/CFT procedures and an application to the FSC.

Does my online store need a CASP licence to accept crypto? Usually not. Accepting crypto for your own goods or services is different from providing crypto services to others. Get legal advice if you hold or exchange crypto for clients.

Sources

• MiCA Hub — Bulgaria register

• Vantegris — Bulgaria crypto licence guide (upd. 29.09.2026)

• Financial Supervision Commission (FSC)