Bulgaria has recently drawn global attention as it positions itself as one of the more active players in Europe’s cryptocurrency and blockchain economy. The ETHSofia 2025 conference will see more than seventy speakers from across the world, including developers, regulators, and leading investors. The event at Sofia’s conference halls will discuss decentralised technologies and digital finance, but also a wider message. Bulgaria is not merely hosting events for the sake of visibility. It is setting the stage to become an important hub for blockchain activity in the European Union, attracting entrepreneurs, expats, and businesses who are looking for a well-regulated and affordable base.
The growth of blockchain has often been linked to the demand for new digital services. From secure cross-border payments to new forms of online entertainment, such as no KYC casinos online, cryptocurrencies have been adopted because they provide speed, anonymity, and freedom from the paperwork that comes with older financial systems. These qualities help explain why Bulgaria is drawing interest. A country that already applies a flat corporate tax of 10%, combined with a growing technology workforce of more than 200,000 software engineers, offers the right environment for blockchain ventures. The link between practical use cases of crypto and the business climate in Bulgaria is central to why the country is being talked about as a place to watch in Europe.
Bulgaria’s cryptocurrency market is now fully regulated under the EU’s MiCA framework, with the Bulgarian Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) licensing and supervising crypto-asset service providers. The Markets in Crypto-Assets Act came into force in mid-2025, providing regulatory clarity and compliance requirements, including anti-money laundering rules and tax obligations such as a 10% flat tax on trading profits and business income related to crypto. This clear and predictable system sets Bulgaria apart from jurisdictions where regulations are still uncertain, making it more attractive to businesses seeking stability while remaining in the EU.
For individuals and companies alike, the Bulgarian tax approach adds another layer of appeal. Crypto trading profits and business income linked to blockchain activities are both taxed at a flat rate of ten per cent, aligning with the wider corporate tax structure. Compared with other European jurisdictions, this rate is among the lowest and is particularly attractive for start-ups and small companies seeking to keep more of their earnings for reinvestment. Expats who are already drawn to Bulgaria for its affordability and quality of life find this approach to taxation an additional incentive, making the country a practical choice for setting up long-term operations or remote work bases.
Another reason Bulgaria is well placed is the depth of its technology talent pool. With more than 200,000 software engineers, the country has the human resources needed to support blockchain projects ranging from infrastructure development to decentralised finance applications. The community is young, skilled, and increasingly involved in global projects. Events like ETHSofia help bring these professionals together with international peers, ensuring that Bulgarian developers are not only participating but also influencing the direction of global blockchain trends.
The ETHSofia event also emphasised how regional leadership matters in blockchain. While larger Western European countries often dominate the conversation, the Balkans are increasingly visible in the industry. By hosting one of the premier regional gatherings, Bulgaria is placing itself at the centre of that conversation. It demonstrates that the country can serve as a meeting point for international figures while also building a local community that is well informed about upcoming trends, regulatory challenges, and growth opportunities.
For foreign investors, the appeal goes beyond taxes and rules. Bulgaria offers membership in the European Union, meaning that companies established here have access to the wider EU market while benefiting from lower costs than many Western European capitals. Office space, housing, and everyday living expenses remain affordable compared with hubs such as Berlin or Paris, making Sofia a competitive choice for young businesses. When this cost advantage is combined with strong digital infrastructure and an active technology workforce, it is easy to see why interest is growing.
The conference could harp on the role of Bulgaria as a testbed for new ideas. Start-ups can find partners, funding opportunities, and pilot projects in a market that is receptive to change but not overwhelmed by the scale of larger economies. This allows for experimentation while still remaining inside the EU’s legal and financial system. The balance between flexibility and structure is appealing to both entrepreneurs and investors who want to try new approaches without operating in a regulatory vacuum.
What makes Bulgaria’s position notable is that it comes at a time when the global blockchain industry is still seeking stability. Regulatory clarity, affordable taxation, and a skilled workforce are not just talk for headlines but practical conditions that matter for business growth. Bulgaria’s decision to adopt EU rules quickly, after Bulgaria skipped $25 billion debt payoff by selling Bitcoin in 2018, while keeping its local advantages intact, sends a clear message. It wants to attract talent, encourage entrepreneurship, and host events that put it on the global stage.
As the industry moves forward, Bulgaria’s ability to hold attention will depend on how effectively it supports companies that decide to base themselves in Sofia or other cities. Conferences like ETHSofia bring visibility, but the longer-term test will be whether investors, developers, and expats choose to remain and build here. If the current momentum is any indication, Bulgaria is positioning itself to play a meaningful role in the blockchain economy, combining regulatory certainty with a competitive business environment.
