Plamena Marinova
Of Counsel
Plamena has a broad practice advising private and corporate clients on administrative law, citizenship applications, public procurement and energy-sector matters. She brings over 15 years of expertise as both an external consultant and an in-house legal and compliance manager, with particular proficiency in litigation, conflict resolution, data privacy, employment law, corporate and contract law, and EU-funded project management.
From 2013 to 2023, Plamena served as Deputy Mayor for Legal Affairs at Varna Municipality, where she counseled the Mayor on major initiatives, oversaw policy development, budgeting and regulatory compliance, negotiated municipal contracts, participated in legislative hearings, and represented the city at local and national forums.
Qualifications: Technical University Varna LL.M, University of Economy Varna - Accounting and Finance
Languages Spoken: Bulgarian, English, Russian, Italian
Office Location: Sofia Office
-
Citizenship and Immigration
Bulgarian Citizenship and Immigration Strategic advice on Bulgarian and EU residence, citizenship and mobility We advise individuals and families planning for their future, their mobility and their legacy. Immigration and citizenship matters are often complex, sensitive and deeply personal. Our role is to guide clients through every stage of the process with clarity, discretion and […]
-
Business Immigration
Overview International business today operates across borders, and companies increasingly require mobility solutions for their people as well as their capital. Bulgaria is a small and open economy whose labour market benefits from a steady flow of human capital in many directions. When businesses expand internationally, relocate staff or recruit talent from abroad, immigration and […]
-
Renewable Energy
The renewable energy sector is undergoing rapid transformation in Bulgaria as part of the wider EU energy transition. Driven by European climate targets, national reforms, and evolving investment priorities, renewable energy projects now require legal advice that combines regulatory foresight, transactional insight, and practical understanding of project implementation. We advise developers, financial investors, utilities, technology […]
-
Corporate and M&A
Overview Corporate and M&A work is central to our practice, supporting clients through complex commercial change and strategic business decisions. We advise corporate groups, founders, financial investors and management teams on a wide spectrum of matters, including company reorganisations, strategic investments, acquisitions and disposals, and joint ventures. Our approach is grounded in an understanding of […]
-
Venture Capital
Overview Bulgaria has become an increasingly attractive jurisdiction for venture capital and technology growth investors. New Balkans Law Office (NBLO) has been actively involved in the development of the venture capital ecosystem in Bulgaria from its early stages. NBLO is an early member of the Bulgarian Venture Capital Association (BVCA). Through the BVCA, we regularly […]
-
Intellectual Property
Overview The protection and effective management of intellectual property is fundamental to the success and long-term value of any business. In an increasingly innovation-driven economy, safeguarding ownership over brands, technologies, products, and proprietary know-how is essential to maintaining a competitive advantage. Intellectual property rights not only protect innovation but also play a critical role in […]
-
Expat Assistance
Relocating to Bulgaria involves a complex set of legal, regulatory, tax, and practical considerations that extend well beyond immigration formalities. Expats and internationally mobile professionals often face overlapping issues relating to residence status, employment, taxation, healthcare, education, and property matters, both before and after arrival. We provide comprehensive legal assistance to expatriates, foreign professionals, and […]
-
Private Companies
Advising privately owned companies is a core part of our corporate and commercial practice. We work closely with founders, families, and long-term investors across a wide range of industries, providing legal guidance that supports sound governance and sustainable growth. Our lawyers have extensive experience assisting private companies on both domestic and cross-border matters, including incorporations, […]
-
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 […]
-
Establishment of Bulgarian Citizenship: Legal Framework and Procedure
Since Bulgaria’s full participation in the European Union and the Schengen Area, interest in clarifying and restoring Bulgarian citizenship status has increased significantly. Apart from acquisition of citizenship by origin, Bulgarian law also provides a separate administrative procedure for the establishment (verification) of Bulgarian citizenship. This procedure applies to individuals who were already Bulgarian citizens […]
-
Legal Remedies for Delayed Bulgarian Citizenship Applications
Foreign nationals experiencing a Bulgarian citizenship application delay face a frustrating process that can extend months or years beyond legal deadlines. If your Ministry of Justice application tracker shows a ‘mandatory coordination procedure’ exceeding statutory timeframes, understanding your legal remedies is essential. Bulgarian administrative law provides structured mechanisms to challenge tacit refusal and compel the […]
-
Delay in Bulgarian Citizenship Applications: Legal Remedies to Overcome Ministry of Justice Inaction
A growing number of foreign nationals find their Bulgarian citizenship applications stalled for months—sometimes years—beyond the deadlines set by law. If the online platform has shown “mandatory coordination procedure” for longer than it should, you are not powerless. Bulgarian legislation provides a clear, court-enforceable route to compel the Ministry of Justice (“MoJ”) to act and […]
-
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 […]
-
Late Payment of VAT under Bulgarian and EU Law: Can It Be Treated as a Minor Violation?
In principle, failure to pay Value Added Tax (“VAT”) within the statutory deadline exposes the taxpayer to potential sanctions under Bulgarian law. However, in certain circumstances — particularly when any possible harm to the public budget has been swiftly remedied—this breach of the law may be deemed as minor violation. The following analysis examines both […]
-
Battery Energy Storage Systems: Bulgaria’s Legal Framework & Incentives
Explore Bulgaria’s battery energy storage system (BESS) regulations, financial incentives and compliance with EU directives. Learn why Bulgaria is a growing market for energy storage investments. With the increasing penetration of renewable energy in the energy source mix across global markets, the volatile supply of sources of renewable energy such as solar and wind, the […]
