The identification of individual clients for the purposes of the Measures Against Money Laundering Act (ЗМИП) is carried out by presenting an official identity document and taking a copy of it. The type of document depends on the person's citizenship, and the document is required to be valid and issued by a competent authority.

Identification of Bulgarian nationals

For Bulgarian nationals, identification may be carried out by means of the following documents:

  • A valid identity card – the recommended document, as it contains all the data required by the Measures Against Money Laundering Act, including the permanent address;
  • An international, diplomatic, official or seaman's passport;
  • A military identity card;
  • A motor vehicle driving licence;
  • Other identity documents that temporarily replace the passport or the identity card, such as a temporary identity card, a temporary passport, an official open sheet (laissez-passer) for crossing the border, etc.

Note: If the client holds dual citizenship and one of them is Bulgarian, the Bulgarian identity document must be used for identification. Where its validity has expired, a foreign identity document may be accepted.

Identification of nationals of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland

For nationals of the European Union, of States party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area and of Switzerland, as well as for the members of their families, identification is carried out with a valid identity card or passport.

Identification of foreign nationals from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland

For nationals of third countries that are not part of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, identification requires:

  • A national passport or another travel document with which the person entered the country. This document must be valid, without alterations or visible defects, and must entitle the person to return to their country of origin or to a third country.
Identification of stateless persons and persons with special status

For stateless persons, as well as for those who have been granted asylum, refugee or humanitarian status, the following documents are permissible:

  • A refugee card;
  • A card of a foreign national granted asylum;
  • A card of a foreign national with humanitarian status;
  • A temporary foreign national's card;
  • Certificates for travel abroad, depending on the person's status.
Additional documents where data are missing

If the identity document does not contain all the data required by the Measures Against Money Laundering Act, additional documents must be presented. These may be:

  • Residence documents;
  • An official card;
  • An accreditation card, etc.

Requirement: All additional documents must bear a photograph of the person and must not have expired.

Exceptions and special cases

By way of exception, if it is not possible to present standard documents, identification may be carried out through other official documents or by verification in reliable registers.

Important: Residence documents and foreign driving licences are not considered official identity documents.

Identification of representatives and authorised persons

Identification in the manner described also applies to individuals representing legal entities (managers, executive directors, procurators), as well as to authorised representatives and beneficial owners.

If you need advice or the preparation of documents in connection with the Measures Against Money Laundering Act (ЗМИП), the Rules for its Implementation (ППЗМИП) and the Measures Against the Financing of Terrorism Act (ЗМФТ), contact us on tel.: 0887550706 or by e-mail: [email protected]