Ivan Petrov
China Regional Specialist
Ivan is responsible for managing complex projects for high-net-worth individuals from the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, overseeing client onboarding, AML compliance procedures, and liaison with governmental authorities. He also administers and reports on alternative investment funds, providing essential operational and paralegal support.
Having lived, studied, and worked in China for nearly a decade, Ivan possesses exceptional intercultural communication skills and deep expertise on China and East Asia. He manages NBLO’s strategic partnerships across Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam, and has represented the firm at numerous events and seminars throughout Southeast Asia.
Before joining NBLO, Ivan was an Adjunct Lecturer in the Chinese Department at the University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, where he taught Mandarin and delivered lectures on modern Chinese society and linguistics. He is fluent in Bulgarian, English, and Mandarin Chinese.
Qualifications: Sofia University, Tongji University
Languages Spoken: Bulgarian, English and Mandarin Chinese
Office Location: London
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Citizenship and Immigration
We advise individuals and families planning for their future and their legacy. We understand that immigration can be complex, often stressful and traumatic. With our professional advice and sensitive approach we will guide you through all your options and will help you to achieve the best possible outcome. We aim to accomplish this in the […]
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Expat Assistance
Advice prior to arrival Work permit requirements and immigration (for non-EEA, non-Swiss nationals); Arranging residence documents (for EEA and Swiss nationals); Setting up a Trade Representative Office; Planning for issues connected with healthcare, education, child care and buying, owning and renting property. After arrival Renting and owning property, establishing and terminating leases over office space […]
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Private Companies
Private companies are the backbone of the economy with a variety of activities aimed at millions of clients. We have abundant experience with Bulgaria and foreign clients active across the world in areas as diverse as online services, gaming, cryptocurrencies, and real estate. We at NBLO regularly assist private company incorporation and provide an all-encompassing […]
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Business Immigration
We are aware that nowadays doing business is a global adventure and challenge. Bulgaria is a small and open economy, and its labour market benefits from a steady flow of human capital in many directions. Firms and organisations need integrated, prompt and carefully executed solutions to employment and immigration issues when working across borders. NBLO […]
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Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship by Investment Bulgarian law provides a fast-track route to citizenship by investment. Bulgaria provides an accessible, transparent and respectable gateway into the European society, way of life, and economy through EU citizenship. The requirement is to invest, rather than donate to a government fund. Investor may in principle expect to keep the principal and […]
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How to Open a Bank Account in Bulgaria as a Foreign Business
In this article, we provide an overview of the criterion that overseas incorporated businesses must generally fulfil in order to open a bank account in Bulgaria. We have restricted our analysis to organisations that are structured as companies or corporations in their home jurisdiction. Although Bulgarian law tends to recognise the legal forms of other […]
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Revocation of Citizenship under Bulgarian Law: Legal Analysis and Context
Introduction and Legal Framework Under Bulgarian law, citizenship is generally stable and protected – especially for those who are citizens by birth. The Bulgarian Constitution explicitly provides that no one can be deprived of citizenship acquired by birth. In practice, this means that only naturalised Bulgarian citizens (those who acquired citizenship after birth) can have […]
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Recognition and Enforceability of Documents signed with Electronic Signatures
Introduction to eIDAS and Electronic Signatures The eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, effective since July 1, 2016, establishes a framework for electronic identification and trust services, including electronic signatures, to facilitate secure digital transactions within the EU. This regulation ensures that electronic signatures are recognized and can be used in cross-border transactions, enhancing trust in […]
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An Analysis of the Aliens in the Republic of Bulgaria Act – the Difference Between “Temporary Residence” and “Permanent Residence”
The Republic of Bulgaria, as a member of the EU and the Schengen zone, has become an increasingly attractive destination for foreigners seeking residence, whether for work, family, or temporary settlement. The legal framework governing the status of foreign nationals is set out in the Aliens in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (Закон за чужденците […]
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Spain’s Proposed 100% Property Tax for Non-EU Buyers: A Case for Bulgarian Residency
The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s recent announcement of a 100% tax on properties purchased by non-EU residents has sparked significant debate in the international property market. Whatever one thinks of the fit between the policy and its declared aim is to tackle Spain’s housing affordability crisis by reducing the supposed overseas buyer demand as […]
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The difference between Advanced and Qualified electronic signatures (AES and QES) under the EU’s eIDAS Regulation
Under EU regulations, specifically the eIDAS Regulation (910/2014), electronic signatures are classified into three types: simple electronic signatures, advanced electronic signatures (AES), and qualified electronic signatures (QES). The difference between an advanced electronic signature and a qualified electronic signature lies in the level of security, certification requirements and legal effects. Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES) An […]
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Bulgaria Joins Schengen Fully: A New Era of Seamless Travel
The European Union has officially welcomed Bulgaria and Romania as full participants in the Schengen Area, following the adoption of the EU Council Decision dated 12 December 2024. As of 1 January 2025, land border controls between Bulgaria, Romania, and the rest of the Schengen Area have been eliminated, marking the culmination of Bulgaria’s journey […]
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Analysis of the Advocate General’s Opinion in European Commission v. Republic of Malta: Implications for Citizenship by Investment
On October 4, 2024, Advocate General Collins delivered an Opinion in the case European Commission v. Republic of Malta (Case C‑181/23), which centres on the legality of Malta’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme under EU law. While the Opinion is non-binding, it carries substantial weight and may influence the Court’s ultimate judgment. For firms operating […]
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The Trade Representative Route for Digital Nomads Seeking EU Residence via Bulgaria
As digital nomads and young entrepreneurs continue to explore avenues for establishing residence within the European Union, Bulgaria emerges as an attractive option, particularly with its recent accession to the Schengen Area. The Trade Representative Route (TRO) stands out as a unique pathway, granting not only residence rights in Bulgaria but also access to the […]
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Investment in Mutual Funds and Alternative Investment Funds as route to Bulgarian Residence and Citizenship
Bulgaria is back аnd at the forefront of Residence and Citizenship by Investment (R/CBI) programmes with a fast-track route to Schengen permanent residence (PR). Bulgaria, an EU member state since 2007, fully joined the Schengen Area on January, 1st 2025. Holders of Bulgarian temporary and PR permits are eligible for visa-free travel to the remaining […]
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Bulgaria joins Schengen: Visa-free travel by air and sea routes for Bulgarian Residence Permit holders from 2024
The EU and Bulgaria have agreed and the EU Council has adopted Council Decision dated 30.12.2023 (Council Decision), allowing Bulgaria to finalise the process of joining Schengen. From March 31, 2024, Bulgaria, Romania and the EU plus Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland will eliminate ID checks at each other’s internal air and sea borders. This […]
