ORGANIZACIÓN MUNDIAL  
DEL COMERCIO  S/DCS/W/BGR 
24 de enero de 2003 
 (03-0589) 
Comercio de Servicios Original:   inglés 
  
 
 
LA REPÚBLICA DE BULGARIA 
 
Proyecto de Lista refundida de Compromisos Específicos
1 
  
 El documento adjunto contiene un proyect o de la Lista refundida de Compromisos 
Específicos de la República de Bulgaria, en fo rmato Word.  Este documento no sustituye los 
compromisos jurídicamente vinculantes contraídos por la República de Bulgaria en su Lista de Compromisos Específicos (GATS/SC/122;  GATS/SC/122/Suppl.1;  GATS/SC/122/Suppl.2). 
 
 Adjunto al proyecto de lista refundida figura la Lista de Exenciones del Artículo II (NMF) de la República de Bulgaria (GATS/EL/122) en formato Word.   Los proyectos de la Lista refundida y de la Lista convertida de Exenciones del trato NMF fueron preparados por la Secretaría, a petición de los Miembros, para facilitar el proceso de las 
negociaciones, incluida la presentación de ofertas iniciales. 
 
_______________ 
 
 
 
                                                      
1 Este documento se ha preparado, es inglés solament e, bajo la responsabilidad de la Secretaría y sin 
perjuicio de las posiciones de los Miembros ni de sus derechos y obligaciones en el marco de la OMC.  
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 2 REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA – SCHEDULE OF SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS 
 
Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
I. HORIZONTAL COMMITMENTS  
 
 ALL SECTORS 
INCLUDED IN THIS 
SCHEDULE2 
    
 Capital Payments3 1),2), 
3),4) Payments and transfers abroad require the 
 authorization of the Bulgarian National  Bank when related to investments and 
 state or state-guaranteed loans.
4 
 1),2), 
3),4) None  
                                                      
 2 It is understood that the limitations “all sectors” are appli cable to commitments taken in each sector/subsector individually listed in Part II “Specific 
Commitments Applicable to Individual Sectors and Subsectors” of the Schedule. 
 3 There is a non-discriminatory system of foreign exchange controls over transfers and payments related to current transactions:   (i) limitations on exports 
and imports of national or foreign currency  in cash;  (ii) limitations on acquisition of foreign exchange by resident nationals  for personal purposes; (iii) foreign employees may 
purchase foreign currency up to 70 per cent of their labour remune ration;  (iv) payments and tran sfers abroad in foreign curren cy are to be effectuated by banks;  (v) unilateral 
transfers require the permission of BNB; (vi) payments on the terr itory of the Republic of Bulgaria are to be effectuated in BG L. 
 4 Foreign persons have the right to transfer abroad the following revenues and compensations that accrue from investments in the  Republic of Bulgaria: 
returns received, compensation for expropri ation of the investment for state purpos es, proceeds from the liquidation or sale of  all or part of the investment, the amount received 
in execution of a claim secured in currency by a pledge or a mortgage.  
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 3Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
Services Relating to the Use of 
Nuclear Energy for Peaceful  Purposes 
 1),2), 
3),4) Unbound for services relating to the 
 exploration, extraction, and processing of 
 fissionable and fusionable materials or the 
 materials from which they are derived, as  well as to the trade therewith, to the 
 maintenance and repair of equipment and 
 systems in nuclear energy production  facilities, to the transportation of such 
 materials and the refuse and waste matter 
 of their processing, to the use of ionising  radiation, and on all other services 
 relating to the use of nuclear energy for 
 peaceful purposes (incl. engineering and  consulting services and services relating 
 to software, etc.). 
 1),2), 
3),4) None  
  
Subsidies 
  
 1),2), 
3),4) Eligibility to or availability of granting and 
 availing of subsidies will be reserved for 
 Bulgarian juridical persons or Bulgarian 
 citizens, respectively.   The supply of a 
 service, or its subsidization, within the  public sector is not in breach of this 
 commitment. 
  
Real Estate 3) None 
 3) Foreign natural and juridical persons (incl. 
through a branch) cannot acquire ownership of 
land.  Bulgarian juridical persons with foreign participation cannot acquire ownership of 
agricultural land.   
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 4 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
   Foreign juridical persons and foreign citizens 
with permanent residence abroad can acquire ownership of buildings and limited property 
rights
5 of real estate subject to the permission of 
the Ministry of Finance. The permission requirement does not apply to persons who 
have made investments in Bulgaria. 
  
   Foreign citizens with permanent residence 
abroad, foreign juridical persons and companies 
in which foreign participation ensures a 
majority in adopting decisions or blocks the adoption of decisions, can acquire real estate 
property rights in speci fic geographic regions 
designated by the Council of Ministers subject to permission. 
  
Privatization 
 
 
 
 3) Unbound for participation in privatization 
through state external debt bonds and for 
services sectors and/or service suppliers not 
subject to privatiza tion under the annual 
privatization programme. 3) Unbound for participation in the privatization 
through investment vouchers or other 
preferential privatization methods, where 
Bulgarian citizenship an d permanent residence 
are required.  
 
 
                                                      
5 The Bulgarian property law recognizes the following limited prop erty rights: right to use, right to build, right to raise a su perstructure and servitudes.  
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 5Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
Commercial Presence 3) The establishment of foreign service suppliers, 
joint ventures included, may only take the form of limited liability company or joint 
stock company with at least two shareholders.  
Establishment of branches is subject to authorization.  Unbound  for representative 
offices.  Representative offices may not 
engage in economic activity. In enterprises where the public (state or municipal) share in 
the equity capital exceeds 30 per cent, the 
transfer of these shares  to third parties needs 
authorization. 
 3) Foreign investments are registered with the 
Ministry of Finance for statistical and taxation purposes only. 
  
 A foreign person or a company in which foreign 
participation ensures a majority in adopting 
decisions or blocks the adoption of decisions, 
directly or through other companies with foreign participation, is to obtain a permission 
for: 
  (i) distribution of weapons, munitions or 
 military equipment; 
 (ii) Banking or insurance activities, or 
 participation in banking or insurance 
 companies;  
   (iii) prospecting, development or extraction of 
 natural resources from the territorial sea,  continental shelf or the exclusive economic 
 zone;  
   (iv) acquisition of participation which ensures a 
 majority in adopting decisions or blocks the 
 adoption of decisions in a company  engaged in any of the activities specified in 
 (i), (ii) and (iii) above. 
  With respect to banking and insurance referred 
to in (ii) and (iv) the criteria for authorization or 
permission are prudential and are consistent with the obligation of Articles XVI and XVII of 
the GATS   
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 6 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 Entry and Temporary Stay  
of Foreign Natural Persons 4) Unbound, other than for entry, temporary stay 
and work6 of the following categories of 
natural persons supplying services: 4) None for the categorie s indicated in “Market 
Access”.  
 (i) The temporary presence (residence permit and 
work permit required), as intracorporate 
transferee7, of natural persons in the following 
categories, provided that the service supplier 
is a juridical person and that the persons 
concerned have been employed by it outside the Republic of Bulgaria for at least the year 
immediately preceding such movement; the 
number of such transferees is not to exceed 10 per cent of the average annual number of the 
Bulgarian citizens employ ed by the respective 
Bulgarian juridical person (where less than 100 persons are employed, the number of 
intracorporate transfer ees may, subject to 
authorization, exceed 10 per cent):   
  (a) one or more (but not exceeding 10 per 
 cent of the total number of this category) 
 persons working in a senior position 
 within a juridical person, who primarily 
 direct the management of the  establishment, receiving only general 
 supervision or direction from the board of 
 directors or stockholders of the business  or their equivalent, including    
                                                      
 6 The terms, limitations and conditions related to the "entry, tem porary stay and work" are governed by the relevant Bulgarian l aws and regulations. 
 7 An "intra-corporate transferee" is defined as a natural person working within a juridical person other than a non-profit organ ization, established in the 
territory of a WTO Member, and being temporarily transferred in the context of the supply of a service through commercial prese nce in the territory of the Republic of 
Bulgaria; the juridical persons concerned mu st have their principal place of business in  the territory of a WTO Member other th an the Republic of Bulg aria, and the transfer 
must be to an establishment of that juridical person, effectively providing like services in the territory of the Republic of B ulgaria.  
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 7Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
   directing the establishment or a 
 department or subdivision of the  establishment, supervising and controlling 
 the work of other supervisory, 
 professional or managerial employees,  having the authority personally to hire and 
 fire or recommend hiring, firing or other 
 personnel actions, and who do not directly  perform tasks concerning the actual 
 supply of the services of the 
 establishment;   
  (b) persons working within a juridical person, 
 who possess uncommon knowledge 
 essential to the establishment's service, 
 research equipment, techniques or  management.  In assessing such 
 knowledge, account will be taken not only 
 of knowledge specific to the  establishment, but also of whether the 
 person has a high level of qualification 
 referring to a type of work or trade 
 requiring specific technical knowledge, 
 including membership of an accredited  profession. 
   
 The temporary stay for the categories of natural  
persons specified in (i) above is limited to an initial 
one-year period that may be extended for up to one 
additional year for a total term not to exceed three  years. 
 
(ii) The temporary presence (a business visitor 
visa required) of natural persons in the 
following categories:    
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 8 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
  (a) persons not residing in the territory of the 
 Republic of Bulgaria, who are  representatives of a service provider and 
 are seeking temporary entry for the 
 purpose of negotiating for the sale of  services or entering into agreements to 
 sell services for that service provider, 
 where those representatives will not be  engaged in making direct sales to the 
 general public or in supplying services 
 themselves; 
   
  (b) persons working in senior positions, as 
 defined in (i) (a) above, within a juridical 
 person, who are responsible for setting up  in the Republic of Bulgaria of a 
 commercial presence of  a service provider 
 of a WTO Member when: 
 
 - the representatives are not engaged in 
 making direct sales or supplying services, 
 and   
  - the service provider has its principal place 
 of business in the territory of a WTO 
 Member other than the Republic of 
 Bulgaria and has no representative office,  branch or subsidiary in the Republic of 
 Bulgaria. 
 The temporary stay for the categories of natural  
persons specified in (ii) above is limited to a three- 
month period within one calendar year.     
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 9Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
II. SECTOR-SPECIFIC 
COMMTIMENTS     
 
1. BUSINESS SERVICES    
A. Professional Services8 
    
(a) Legal services 
  Foreign legal consultants' 
advisory services on 
international public law and law of jurisdiction (home 
country law) where the 
service supplier is a qualified lawyer
9  
 (part of CPC 861) 
  
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
  
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
  
(b) Accounting, auditing and 
bookkeeping services 
  Accounting services  
 (CPC 86212 other than 
"auditing services", 86213, 
86219) 
  
 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
 
                                                      
 8 General conditions for the supply of regulat ed professional services: official recognition of the education and the profession al qualification of the supplier. 
 9 Consultancy on law does not include: legal representation in front of jurisdiction (judicial or non-judicial) and administrati ve bodies as well as preparation 
of legal documents for such procedures; expression of legal opinions concerning laws other than the law of the jurisdiction whe re the service supplier is qualified as a lawyer; 
and out-of-court legal representation related to th e rights and obligations of Bulgarian nationals.  
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 10 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 Bookkeeping services, 
except tax returns 
 (CPC 8622) 
 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
 
(d) Architectural services 
 (CPC 8671) 
(e) Engineering services  (CPC 8672) 
(h) Integrated engineering 
services (CPC 8673) 1),2) None, except for the conditions specified 
 in 4) below. 
3)  Foreign persons are to provide the 
 services only in partnership with, or as 
 subcontractors of, lo cal service suppliers 
 where the project is of national
10 or 
 regional significance. 
  This does not apply to projects which 
 have been put up for international auction  won by foreign service suppliers. 1) None 
2) None 
3) None  
 
   Accreditation requirement: the main 
 scope of the foreign person's activity to be  the relevant services; experience in the 
 field of construction; projects performed 
 during the last two years; staff and 
 technical capacity; bank references from a 
 first rank foreign bank.  Services must be  supplied through employees under the 
 conditions specified in 4) below.  
  
 4) Unbound, except as i ndicated in the horizontal 
section. 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
  Access is limited to natural persons subject to 
recognition of their technical qualification and accreditation by a professional chamber in the 
Republic of Bulgaria.  Accreditation is subject 
to following criteria: recognized technical qualification in Bulgaria; experience in the 
field of construction; projects performed 
during the last two years; staff  and technical capacity.  
 
                                                      
 10 Those which cover the needs of a significan t part of the territory of the country.  
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 11Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
(h) Medical and dental services 
(CPC 9312) 
 1) Unbound 
2) None, except that public medical insurance, 
subsidization and compensation plans and 
programs do not cover the cost and expenses 
for medical and dental services provided to Bulgarian citizens abroad, as well as for 
medical and dental services provided to 
foreign persons in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
 
 3) Access is granted only to foreign natural 
persons and exclusively for the conduct of 
private professional practice. 
 Establishment of such suppliers is subject to 
conditions of permanent residence, official 
recognition of their education and professional qualification for the provision of the specific 
medical or dental services, including 
requirements related to professional experience.  Registration and authorization 
based on economic needs test and consent by 
a professional organization.
11 3) None, except for a requirement for mandatory 
knowledge of the Bulgarian language 
confirmed through relevant examination. 
 
 
  
 4) Unbound 4) Unbound 
  
(i) Veterinary services 
 (CPC 932) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) Access is granted to natural persons 
exclusively for the conduct of private 
professional practice and under the conditions 
of:  Authorization by the veterinary authorities.  Economic needs test.  Unbound 
for all services related to border veterinary 
controls, prevention, localization, curing, etc. 
of infectious and parasitic epizootic diseases 
and diagnostic analysis related thereto, and controls exercised over animal products. 1) Unbound* 
2) Unbound 
3) None, except those specified in 3) in the Market 
Access column.  
 4)  Unbound 4) Unbound  
                                                      
 11  Prices charged for private services are determined by professional organizations and approved by the Minister of Health Care.   
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 12 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
B. Computer and Related 
Services  
    
(a) Consultancy services 
related to the installation of 
computer hardware 
 (CPC 841) 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
  
(b) Software implementation 
services 
  Systems and software 
consulting services 
 (CPC 8421)   
 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
 Systems analysis services  (CPC 8422) 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
 Systems design services 
 (CPC 8423)  1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
 Programming services  (CPC 8424)  1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicat ed in the horizontal 
section. 
   
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 13Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 Systems maintenance  
services  
 (CPC 8425) 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
5) Unbound, except as indicat ed in the horizontal 
section. 
  
(c) Data processing services 
 (CPC 843) 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indicat ed in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
(d) Database services 
 (CPC 844) 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
(o) Other 
 
 Maintenance and repair 
services of office 
machinery and equipment 
including computers 
 (CPC 845) 
  
 
1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
 
1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
 Data preparation services 
 (CPC 8491) 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
C. Research and Development 
Services  
 (CPC 85) 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
   
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 14 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
F. Other Business Services  
    
(a) Advertising services 
 (CPC 871)12 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
(b) Market research and 
opinion polling services 
 (CPC 864) 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
(c) Management consulting 
services  
 (CPC 865) 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
(e) Technical testing and 
analysis services 
    
 Technical testing and 
analysis services, except for 
services related to issuance of official certificates and 
similar documents.  
 (part of CPC 8676)  1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Unbound 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Unbound 4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
(f) Services incidental to 
agriculture, hunting and forestry.    
                                                      
 12 Prohibition on advertising alcohol, alcoholic beve rages, medicines, tobacc o and tobacco products.  
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 15Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 Consulting services 
incidental to agriculture, hunting and forestry. 
 (part of CPC 881) 
 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
(g) Services incidental to 
fishing. 
    
 Consulting services 
incidental to fishing 
 (part of CPC 882)  1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
(h) Services incidental to 
mining. 
    
 Services on contract basis 
for repair and dismantling 
of equipment in oil and gas 
fields 
 (part of CPC 883)  1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) Unbound 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) Unbound 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
(i) Services incidental to 
manufacturing 
    
 Services on contract basis 
for the installation, repair and maintenance of factory 
equipment. 
 (part of CPC 885)  1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
  
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 16 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
(n) Maintenance and repair of 
equipment (not including maritime vessels, aircraft or 
other transport equipment) 
    
 Repair services of personal 
and household goods (excl. 
jewellery)  
 (CPC 63301, 63302, part of 
63303, 63304, 63309) 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
(o) Building cleaning services  (CPC 874) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
(p) Photographic services 
    
 Photographic services, 
except for passport and 
aerial photography 
 (part of CPC 87501, 87502, 
87503, part of 87504, 
87506, 87507) 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None, except for the X-ray photo labs that are 
subject to licensing. 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
(q) Packaging services 
 (CPC 876) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
   
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 17Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
2. COMMUNICATION SERVICES 
 C. Telecommunication Services
 
 
 Measures Applicable to All S ectors in Communication Services: 
 
1. The setting up of public or private telecommunications networks  is subject to licensing. All services have to be provided ov er licensed networks or over leased lines as 
part of licensed networks. Licences are issu ed by a Bulgarian authorized body to the applicant personally and cannot be transfe rred to a third party. Simple resale of 
telecommunication services is not permitted. 
2. The connection to a public network is permitted according to the licence conditions  for the public network and depending on technical possibilities. Terminal 
equipment intended for direct or indirect connection to a public or private telecommunications network can be connected to a ne twork termination point if it is type-
approved by a Bulgarian authorized body. 
3. Natural and juridical persons exercising statistical activity  and setting up information systems are to use concepts, nomenc latures and classifications, which are 
compatible to those established by the National Statistical Institute. 
 
ALL SECTORS 
 
   The installation and usage of 
telecommunication equipment and networks 
and the provision of telecommunication services require a concession, licence, 
permission or registration from a Bulgarian 
authorised body. 
 
 The number of  licences may be limited 
depending on the availability of scarce 
resources and due to technical reasons 
(numbering capacity,  temporary lack of access points). 
 
 *BTC LTD - Bulgarian Telecommunications 
company LTD 
  As annexed.  
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 18 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
(a) Voice telephone services  
 (CPC 7521)  
 Local/Long distance/ 
International (using any network technology, 
facilities-based) 
 - for public use
 1) BTC Ltd has exclusive rights for facilities 
based services until 31 December 2004 and for public voice telephony until  31 December 
2002 
2) None 3) BTC Ltd has exclusive rights for facilities 
based services until 31 December 2004 and 
for public voice telephony until 31 December 2002 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
 1) None 
  
 
2) None 3) None 
 
  
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
  
 
- for non-public use  1) Connection to the public telecommunications 
network is not allowed until 31 December 
2004. 
2) None 
3) Connection to the public telecommunications 
network is not allowed until 31 December 2004. 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
 1) None 
 
 2) None 
3) None 
  
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
  
 
(b) and (c)Packet-and 
 circuit-switched data 
 transmission services 
  (CPC 7523) 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section  
 
 
(d) Telex services  
 (CPC 7523) 
 (e) Telegraph services  
 (CPC 7523) 1) BTC Ltd has exclusive rights for facilities 
based services until 31 December 2004 and 
for telegraph and telex services until 31 
December 2002 
2) None 
3) BTC Ltd has exclusive rights for facilities 
based services until 31December 2004 and for telegraph and telex services until 31 
December 2002 1) None 
 
 
 2) None 
3) None  
 4) Unbound except as i ndicated in the horizontal 
section 4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section   
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 19Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
(f) Facsimile services  
 (CPC 7521)  
 
  
 1) Only through the use of the international 
network of BTC Ltd. 
2) None 
3) Only through the use of the international 
network of BTC Ltd. 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
 1) None 
 2) None 
3) None 
 4) Unbound except as indicated in horizontal 
section 
  
(g) Leased circuit services 
 (CPC 7523) 
 
 1) BTC Ltd has exclusive rights for facilities 
based services until 31 December 2004. Sale 
and lease of capacity of leased circuits is not 
allowed. 
2) None 
3) BTC Ltd has exclusive rights for facilities 
based services until 31 December 2004. Sale and lease of capacity of leased circuits is not 
allowed. 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
 1) None 
 
 
 2) None 
3) None 
  
 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
  
 
(j) On-line information and 
data base retrieval 
 (part of CPC 75232)  1) None 
2) None 
3) Unbound 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
(l) Enhanced/ value-added 
facsimile services, incl. 
store and forward, store and retrieve 
 (part of CPC 75232) 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
(m) Code and protocol 
conversion 
 (part of CPC 75231)  1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
  
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 20 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
(o) Other 
    
Mobile services  
 
- Analogue cellular voice 
services 
- Digital cellular voice 
services 1) Only through use of the international network 
of BTC Ltd. until 31 December 2002. 
2) Only through use of the international network 
of BTC Ltd. until 31 December 2002 and according to the intern ational NMT450 and 
GSM agreements 1) None 
 
2) None  
 
 3) Only through use of BTC Ltd. infrastructure 
until 31 December 2002, except in the case if 
BTC Ltd is not able to  provide the necessary 
infrastructure in the limited period of time specified in the licence. 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
 3) None 
 
 
  
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
  
 
- Paging services - Mobile data services  1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
  
 
Satellite services  
 1) BTC Ltd has exclusive rights for public voice 
telephony until 31 December 2002 
2) None 
3) BTC Ltd has exclusive rights for public voice 
telephony until 31 December 2002 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
 1) None 
 
2) None 
3) None  
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 
  
 
VSAT-services  
 - for public use
 
 1) BTC Ltd has exclusive rights for public voice 
telephony until 31 December 2002 
2) None 
3) BTC Ltd has exclusive rights for public voice 
telephony until 31 December 2002 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 1) None 
 2) None 
3) None 
 4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section   
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 21Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
- For non public use  
 1) Connection to the public telecommunications 
network is not allowed until 31 December 2004. 
2) None 
3) Connection to the public telecommunications 
network is not allowed until 31 December 
2004. 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section 1) None 
  
 
2) None 3) None 
 
4) Unbound except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section  
E. Telecommunications 
Related Services  
    
 Equipment rental services 
 (CPC 7541) 
  1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
 Equipment sales services 
 (CPC 7542) 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
 Consulting services 
 (CPC 7544)  1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.   
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 22 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
3. CONSTRUCTION AND 
RELATED ENGINEERING 
SERVICES 
  
  
  
 
1) Unbound* 2) None, except for the conditions specified in 4) 
below. 
3) Foreign persons are to  provide the services 
only in partnership with, or as subcontractors 
of, local service suppliers  where the project is 
of national or regional significance. This does not apply to projects which have been put 
 up for international auction won by foreign 
service suppliers 
 Accreditation requirement. The main scope of 
the foreign person's activity to be the relevant 
services; experience in the field of construction; projects performed during the 
last two years; staff and technical capacity; 
bank references from a first rank foreign bank. 
Services must be supplied through employees 
under the conditions specified in 4) below. 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
 
3) None  
A. General Construction Work 
for Buildings  
 Construction work for 
buildings (CPC 512) 
 
B. General Construction Work 
for Civil Engineering  
 Construction work for civil 
engineering 
 (CPC 5131, 5132, 5135)  
C. Installation and Assembly 
Work  
 
 Assembly work 
 (CPC 514) 
 Installation work  
 (CPC 5161, 5162, 51641, 
51643, 51644, 5165) 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal 
section. 
 Access is limited to natural persons upon 
recognition of their technical qualification and 
subject to accreditation by a professional 
chamber in the Republic of Bulgaria.  Accreditation is subject to following criteria: 
recognized technical qualification in Bulgaria; 
experience in the field of construction; projects performed during the last two years. 
 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 
D. Building Completion and 
Finishing Work  
 (CPC 517) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as  indicated in the 
horizontal. 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal.    
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 23Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
4. DISTRIBUTION SERVICES 
  Measures Applicable to All Sectors in Distribution Services 
 
1. Distribution services of tob acco and tobacco products, alcoholic beverages; pharmaceutical, medical and orthopaedic goods, w eapons, munitions and military 
equipment; precious metals, precious stones and articles thereof; petroleum and petroleum products are excluded. 
2. The specific commitments do not  include wholesale and commission agents' trade services supplied at commodity exchange marke ts operated on a permanent basis. 
3. Where establishment is subject to economic needs test, the main criteria are: the number and the impact on existing stores, population density, geographic spread, 
impact on traffic conditions. 
 
 
A. Commission Agents` 
Services  
 
 Sales on a fee or contract 
basis of building materials 
and industrial and technical 
chemicals. 
 (part of CPC 62113) 
  
  
 
1) Unbound 2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
  
 
1) Unbound 2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
 Sales on a fee or contract 
basis of machinery, 
industrial equipment 
(except for medical and surgical equipment and 
orthopedical devices) and 
vehicles other than motor vehicles, bicycles and 
motorcycles. 
 (part of CPC 62114)  1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
 Sales on a fee or contract 
basis of furniture, household goods, hardware 
and ironmongery. 
 (CPC 62115)  1) Unbound 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
  
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 24 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 Sales on a fee or contract 
basis of textiles, clothing and footwear. 
 (CPC 62116) 
  1) Unbound 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
B. Wholesale Trade Services  
 (CPC 61111, part of 6113; 
6121)  
 (CPC 622 excluding 62211, 
62213, part of 62226, 
62228, part of 6225, part of 62265, 6227) 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None other than:  Limitations specified in the Measures 
Applicable to All Sectors in Distribution 
Services. Licensing for specialized wholesaling services. Economic needs test. 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Unbound  
 
  
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
C. Retailing Services  
(CPC 61112, part of CPC 6113, part of 6121)  
 (CPC 631 excluding 63107, 
63108, 63211, part of 
63292, 63927) 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 3) None other than: 
 Limitations specified in the Measures 
Applicable to All Sectors in Distribution 
Services. Licensing for specialized retail sales. 
Economic needs test for the establishment of department stores. 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 3) None 
 
 
 
  
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
  
D. Franchising   
 (CPC 8929)  1) Access is granted to juridical persons only. 
2) None 3) Unbound 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
   
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 25Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
5. EDUCATION  
 SERVICES13 
    
A. Primary Education Services  
    
 Privately funded primary 
education services  
 (part of CPC 921) 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Access is granted to privately funded primary 
schools constituted as juridical persons upon authorization by the Council of Ministers.  
Compliance with the state educational and 
health requirements is a condition. 
 Unbound for natural persons and associations. 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section and in 3) above. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
  
 
 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. Condition of Bulgarian citizenship. 
Foreign citizens may teach  on the conditions of 
permanent residence, recognition of their 
education and professional qualification. 
  
 
B. Secondary Education 
Services  
    
 Privately funded secondary 
education services  
 (part of CPC 922) 1) Unbound 
2) None 3) Access is granted to privately funded primary 
schools constituted as juridical persons upon 
authorization by the Council of Ministers.  Compliance with the state educational and 
health requirements is a condition. 
 Unbound for natural persons and associations. 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section and in 3) above. 
 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
 
  
 
 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. Condition of Bulgarian citizenship. 
Foreign citizens may teach  on the conditions of 
permanent residence, recognition of their 
education and professional qualification. 
  
                                                      
 13 The commitments undertaken in this sector do not refer to state, municipal and private non-secular educational institutions.  
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 26 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
C. Adult Education  
    
 Privately funded adult 
education services  
 (part of CPC 924) 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicat ed in the horizontal 
section. 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
 section. 
  
6. ENVIRONMENTAL 
 SERVICES14 
 
 (The commitments do not 
include environmental 
services supplied in the 
exercise of governmental authority)
15 
    
A. Sewage Services  
 (CPC 9401) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
B. Refuse Disposal Services  
 (CPC 9402) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
C. Sanitation and Similar  
Services  
 (CPC 9403)  
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
 
                                                      
 14 The commitments do not apply to services related to the collec tion, transportation, storage, secondary use, recycling, restora tion, use in the production of 
energy and materials, and disposal of dangerous waste, refuse and substances. 
 15 These are regulatory, administrative and control services by government and municipal bodies related to environmental issues.  
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 27Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
D. Other  
  Monitoring services of 
exhaust gases  
 (part of CPC 9404)  
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
 Noise pollution monitoring 
services 
 (part of CPC 9405) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
 
 Nature protection services 
 (part of CPC 9406) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
7. FINANCIAL SERVICES 
 
 Measures Applicable to All Sector s and Subsectors in Financial Services  
 
1. Bulgaria undertakes co mmitments on Financial Services in accordance with the provisions of the "Understanding on Commitments  in Financial Services". 
2. The MA commitments in respect of modes 1) and 2) apply only to the transactions indicated in paragraph B.3 and B.4 of the MA  section of the Understanding 
respectively. 
3. The admission to the market of new financial services or pr oducts may be subject to the existence of, and consistency with, a regulatory framework aimed at achieving 
the objectives indicated in Article 2(a)  of the Financial Services Annex. 
4. Insurance or banking activities, as well as securities trading and activities related thereto, are to be carried out separat ely by companies that are licensed for the supply 
of such services. 
5. As a general rule and in a non-discriminatory manner, financ ial institutions that incorporate in the Republic of Bulgaria mu st adopt the legal form of joint-stock 
companies. 
6. The specific commitments on financial services are subject to the general limitations contained in the horizontal section of  the Schedule of Specific Commitments on 
Trade in Services of the Republic of Bulgaria (GAT S/SC/122 as supplemented by GATS/SC/122/Suppl.1). 
  
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 28 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
A. All Insurance and 
Insurance-Related Services     
 
(a) Life insurance services and 
pension fund services 
  
1) Unbound, except for services supplied by 
foreign suppliers to foreign persons in the 
territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.  
1) Unbound  
(b) Non-life insurance services 
(except deposit insurance 
and similar compensation schemes, as well as 
mandatory insurance 
schemes
16) 2) Bulgarian natural and juridical persons, as 
well as foreign persons who conduct business 
activity in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, can conclude insurance contracts 
only with suppliers with respect to their 
activity in Bulgaria, which are licensed to conduct insurance activity in Bulgaria. 
Insurance compensation resulting from these 
contracts shall be paid in Bulgaria. 2) None 
  
                                                      
 16 Exclusive service suppliers may be established or auth orized with respect to mandatory insurance schemes.  
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 29Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 3) The insurance service suppliers cannot be set 
up for the supply of both life insurance and non-life insurance servi ces.  Foreign persons 
can supply insurance services only through 
participation in Bulgarian insurance companies with no limitation on equity 
participation, as well as directly, through a 
branch, with registered office in the Republic of Bulgaria, after 31 March 1998.  The 
establishment of branches of foreign insurance 
companies is subject to licensing by the 
National Insurance Council. For establishing a 
branch in Bulgaria to provide certain classes 
of insurance, a foreign insurer must have been authorized to operate in the same classes of 
insurance in its country of origin for at least 
five years. The branches of foreign insurance companies should satisfy the following 
requirements: specific guarantee and deposit 
requirements, a separate capitalization, and 
localization in the Republic of Bulgaria of the 
assets representing the technical reserves. 3) Insurance funds raised by virtue of insurance 
contracts, as well as own capital, must be invested in the Republic of Bulgaria and may be 
transferred abroad only subject to a permission 
of the Ministry of Finance. 
 
 Foreign suppliers cannot conclude insurance 
contracts with local natural and juridical persons through brokers. 
  
  For a 3-year period af ter the date of accession 
to the WTO companies in which foreign 
participation ensures majority in adopting 
decisions or blocks the adoption of decisions, directly or through other companies, cannot 
supply insurance services.   
 1),3) Transport insurance, covering goods, 
 insurance of vehicles as such and liability 
 insurance regarding risks located in the 
 Republic of Bulgaria may not be  underwritten by foreign insurance 
 companies directly. A foreign insurance 
 company may conclude insurance  contracts only through a branch.   
 4) Unbound, except as i ndicated in the Measures 
Applicable to All Sectors and Subsectors in Financial Services. 4) Unbound, except as in the Measures Applicable 
to All Sectors and Subsectors in Financial Services.
   
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 30 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
(c) Reinsurance and 
retrocession 
 
 Life and non-life 
reinsurance services 
 1) None 
2) Unbound 3) The reinsurance service suppliers cannot be 
set up for the supply of both life and non-life 
reinsurance services. 
 Foreign persons can supply insurance services 
only through participation in Bulgarian 
insurance companies with no limitation on equity participation. Foreign reinsurance 
companies may supply directly reinsurance 
services through a branch, with registered office in the Republic of Bulgaria, after 31 
March 1998. The establishment of branches of 
foreign insurance companies is subject to licensing by the National Insurance Council. 1) None 
2) Unbound 
3) Reinsurance funds raised by virtue of 
reinsurance contracts, as well as own capital, 
must be invested in the Republic of Bulgaria and may be transferred abroad only subject to 
permission of the Ministry of Finance. 
 Foreign suppliers cannot conclude reinsurance  contracts with local natural and juridical 
 persons through brokers.  
 
  For a 3-year period af ter the date of accession 
to the WTO companies in which foreign 
participation ensures majority in adopting decisions or blocks the adoption of decisions, 
directly or through other companies, cannot 
supply reinsurance services.   
 4) Unbound, except as i ndicated in the Measures 
Applicable to All Sectors and Subsectors in Financial Services. 
 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Measures 
Applicable to All Sectors and Subsectors in Financial Services. 
  
(d) Insurance Intermediation  
(e) Services auxiliary to 
insurance, such as consultancy, actuarial, risk 
assessment and claim 
settlement services 
 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) Only trade companie s, registered in the 
Republic of Bulgaria under the Trade Law, and licensed by the National Insurance 
Council may conduct intermediation activity. 
 Services auxiliary to insurance have to relate 
to insurance.  
 Unbound for the actuarial services. 
4) Unbound 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) None 
  
 
  
 
4) Unbound  
 
  
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 31Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
B. Banking and Other 
Financial Services  
 (Excluding Insurance) 
    
 Banking services as listed 
below :    
 Acceptance of deposits and 
other repayable funds from 
the public 
 
 Lending, such as consumer 
credit, mortgage credit, factoring and financing of 
commercial transactions 
 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) Foreign banks that are to establish in the 
Republic of Bulgaria must be duly authorized 
under their national law and must not be 
prohibited from performing banking activities in their country of origin and in the countries 
where they operate. Unbound for caisses 
populaires. 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) None, except for those in the Market Access 
column.  
 Payment and money 
transmission services 
 - Guarantees, excluding 
guarantees of the State 
Treasury 
 
- Financial leasing  Acquisition, directly or indirectly, of shares 
representing 5 per cent or higher of the voting 
rights of an established bank is subject to an authorization by the Bulgarian National Bank. 
 Criteria for authorization are prudential and 
are consistent with the obligations of Articles 
XVI and XVII of the GATS. 
 The direct or indirect acquisition of 
participation in non-financial enterprise by a 
bank of more than 10 per cent of the capital of 
this enterprise is subject to the approval of the Bulgarian National Bank. 
 Exclusive service suppliers status may be 
granted as to deposit and money transmission services provided to budgetarily financed 
public institutions.   
  Condition for permanent residence with 
respect to executive directors of the managing 
body who act on behalf and for the account of 
a bank. 
4) Unbound, except as  in the Measures 
Applicable to All Sectors and Subsectors in 
Financial Services and in 3) above.  
 
 
 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Measures 
Applicable to All Sectors and Subsectors in 
Financial Services.   
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 32 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 Other financial services as 
listed below : 
    
1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) Bound for investment intermediaries, 
investment companies and stock exchanges 
established as joint stock companies licensed 
by the Securities and Stock Exchange Commission (SSEC). The grant of the relevant 
licence is related to the management and 
technical requirements as well as requirements related to the protection of investors. 
 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) None, except for those in the Market Access 
column. 
 
   
 Participation in issuance of 
securities, including 
underwriting of securities, excluding treasury bonds 
 
 Trading for own and 
customers account of 
transferable securities 
  Asset management 
(excluding pension fund 
management) 
 
  Stock exchange JSC
: 
 Conditions of minimum capital (BGL 100 
mln.); not less than 2/3 of the capital 
distributed among financial institutions (insurance companies, financial houses, 
investment intermediaries); a 5 per cent 
ceiling of the capital of the Stock Exchange 
for direct or indirect participation by a 
shareholder.  
  
 
  Investment intermediaries : 
 None for investment intermediary activities 
effected on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, unless otherwise permitted by 
SSEC.   
 
  Condition for membership at the stock 
exchange for trading with securities at a stock 
exchange. The membership of an investment 
intermediary is limited to one stock exchange only in Bulgaria. 
 Investment companies
: 
 The activities of a bank, insurance company or 
of an investment intermediary are not to be 
conducted by an investment company.  
   
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 33Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 4) Unbound, except as i ndicated in the Measures 
Applicable to All Sectors and Subsectors in Financial Services. 
 4) Unbound, except as in the Measures Applicable 
to All Sectors and Subsectors in Financial Services. 
  
 Provision and transfer of 
financial information and financial data processing 
and related software by 
suppliers of other financial services. 
 
 Financial consultancy 
services 1) None, except for the limitations and 
conditions relating to the use of telecommunications network listed in the 
respective sector of the Schedule of Specific 
Commitments on Trade in Services of the 
Republic of Bulgaria (GATS/SC/122 as 
supplemented by GATS/SC/122/Suppl.1). 
2) None, except as specified in 1) above. 3) None, except as specified in 1) above. 
4) Unbound, except as  in the Measures 
Applicable to All Sectors and Subsectors in Financial Services. 
 1) None 
  
 
  
 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Measures 
Applicable to All Sectors and Subsectors in Financial Services. 
  
8. HEALTH RELATED AND 
SOCIAL SERVICES 
    
C. Social Services  
 
 Privately funded social 
services  
 (part of CPC 933) 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.   
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 34 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
9. TOURISM AND TRAVEL 
RELATED SERVICES 
    
A. Hotels and Restaurants  
(Including Catering) 
  Hotels and Restaurants 
(incl. catering, except for 
alcoholic beverages serving services for consumption 
on the premises and for 
catering in the means of transportation by air, land 
and sea) 
 (CPC 641, part of 642, part 
of 643) 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None other than:  The suppliers are to be established as 
companies incorporated  in the Republic of 
Bulgaria with no foreign equity participation ceiling.  Tourist service licence issued by the 
Committee on Tourism. 
 The number of foreign managers is not to 
exceed the number of the managers who are 
Bulgarian citizens, in cases where the public 
(state and/or municipal) share in the equity capital of a Bulgarian company exceeds 50 per 
cent. The provision of tourist guides' services 
is to be effected through authorized foreign persons. 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None  
 
 
 4) Unbound, except as i ndicated in the horizontal 
section. 
 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section, but taking into account the limitations 
on market access in 3) herein.  
  
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 35Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
B. Travel Agencies and Tour 
Operators' Services 
 (CPC 7471) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None other than:   
 The suppliers are to be established as 
 companies incorporated  in the Republic of 
 Bulgaria with no foreign equity participation 
 ceiling. 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
  
  Tourist service licence issued by the 
Committee on Tourism.  The number of foreign managers is not to exceed the number 
of the managers who are Bulgarian citizens, in 
cases where the public (state and/or municipal) share in th e equity capital of a 
Bulgarian compan y exceeds 50 per cent.  The 
provision of tourist guides’ services is to be effected through authorized foreign persons.   
 4)  Unbound, except as indicat ed in the horizontal 
section and in 3) above. 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section, but taking into account the limitations on market access in 3) herein.   
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 36 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
10. RECREATIONAL, 
CULTURAL AND SPORTING SERVICES
17 
    
A. Entertainment Services  
    
 Entertainment services 
(other than circus, 
amusement park and similar attraction services, 
ballroom, discotheque and 
dance instructor services, gambling  and gambling 
related services, lotteries 
and other not specified elsewhere services) 
 (CPC 96191, 96192, 
96193) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
11. TRANSPORT 
SERVICES18 
    
C. Air Transport Services  
    
(d) Maintenance and repair of 
aircraft  
 (part of CPC 8868) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 1) Unbound* 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
 section. 
  
                                                      
 17 Other than audiovisual services. 
 18 The transportation (incl. trans it transportation) of waste and refuse, dangerous goods, substances and materials, military or paramilitary equipment, drugs 
and similar goods is governed by special rules and is excluded fr om the range of services that are subject of co mmitments in th is sector. The dame applies also to all services 
relating to such transportation.  
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 37Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 Sales and marketing, 
including computer reservation systems 
 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicat ed in the horizontal 
section. 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.  
 
D. RAIL TRANSPORT 
SERVICES 
    
(d) Maintenance and repair of 
rail transport equipment 
 (part of CPC 8868) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
F. Road Transport Services  
    
(d) Maintenance and repair of 
road transport equipment 
    
 Maintenance and repair 
services of motor vehicles 
 (CPC 6112, part of 8867) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 
  
 
H. Services Auxiliary to All 
Modes of Transport  
    
(b) Storage and warehouse 
services  
  Storage and warehouse 
services auxiliary to road 
transport (part of CPC 742) 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
   
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 38 Modes of supply:  1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
c),d) Freigh t transport 
 agency services and  other supporting and 
 auxiliary transport 
 services, excluding  local pack up and 
 delivery  
  (CPC 748 and part of 
 CPC 749) 1) None other than commercial  presence 
required 
2) None other than commercial presence required 
3) None other than: 
 Foreign persons can supply services only 
through participation in Bulgarian companies 
with 49 per cent limitation on equity 
participation and through branches. 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 1) None 
 2) None 
3) None 
  
 
 4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section.   S/DCS/W/BGR 
 Página 39 
 
 
 ANNEX 
 
ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS 
SCHEDULE OF COMMITMENTS ON BASIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS 
REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA 
 
 
SCOPE 
 
The following are definitions and principles on the regulatory framework for the basic communications 
services. 
 
DEFINITIONS 
 
Users mean service consumers and service suppliers. 
 
Essential facilities  mean facilities of a public telecommuni cations transport network or service that 
  (a) are exclusively or predominantly provide d by a single or limited number of suppliers; 
and 
 
 (b) cannot feasibly be economically or technica lly substituted in order to provide a service. 
 A major supplier  is a supplier which has the ability to materially affect the terms of participation 
(having regard to price and supply) in the relevant  market for basic telecomm unications services as a 
result of: 
 
 (a) control over essential facilities;  or   (b) use of its position in the market.  1. COMPETITIVE SAFEGUARDS 
 
1.1. Prevention of anti-competitive practices in telecommunications
 
 Appropriate measures shall be ma intained for the purpose of preventing suppliers who, alone or 
together, are a major supplier  from engaging in or continui ng anti-competitive practices. 
 
1.2. Safeguards
 
  The anti-competitive practices referred to above shall include in particular:    (a) engaging in anti-competitive cross-subsidization; 
  
 (b) using information obtained from competitors with anti-competitive results; and    (c) not making available to ot her services suppliers on a timely basis technical information 
about essential facili ties and commercially relevant info rmation which are necessary for 
them to provide services. 
  S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 40  
 
 2. INTERCONNECTION 
 2.1. This section applies to linking with supplie rs providing public teleco mmunications transport 
networks or services in order to allow the users of one supplier to communicate with users of another 
supplier, and to access  services provided by another supplie r, where specific commitments are 
undertaken. 
 2.2. Interconnection to be ensured
 
 Interconnection with a major supplier will be ensured at any technically feasible point in the network. 
Such interconnection is provided: 
  (a) under non-discriminatory terms, cond itions (including tec hnical standards and 
specifications) and rates and of a quality no less favourable than that provided for its 
own like services or for like services of non- affiliated service suppliers or for its 
subscribers or ot her affiliates; 
  (b) in a timely fashion, on terms, conditions (including technical standards and 
specifications) and cost-oriented rates that are transparent, reasonable, having regard to economic feasibility, and suffi ciently unbundled so that the supplier need not pay for 
network components or faciliti es that it does not require for the service to be provided; 
and 
  (c) upon request, at points in addition to th e network termination points offered to the 
majority of users, subject to charges that reflect the cost of construction of necessary 
additional facilities. 
 
2.3. Public availability of the procedures for interconnection negotiations
 
 The procedures applicable for in terconnection to a major supplier wi ll be made publicly available. 
 2.4. Transparency of interconnection arrangements
 
 
It is ensured that a major supplier will make publicly available either its interc onnection agreements or a 
reference interconnection offer.  2.5. Interconnection: dispute settlement
 
 
A service supplier requesting inte rconnection with a major supplie r will have recourse, either: 
 (a) at any time or  (b) after a reasonable period of time  which has been made publicly known 
 
to an independent domestic body, which may be a regu latory body as referred to in paragraph 5 below, 
to resolve disputes regarding appr opriate terms, conditions and ra tes for interconnection within a 
reasonable period of time, to the extent that these have not been established previously. 
  S/DCS/W/BGR 
 Página 41 
 
 
 3. UNIVERSAL SERVICE  
 Any Member has the right to define he kind of unive rsal service obligation it wishes to maintain. Such 
obligations will not be rega rded as anti-competitive per se , provided they are administered in a 
transparent, non-discriminatory and competitively neutral manner and are not more burdensome than 
necessary for the kind of universal service defined by the Member. 
 4. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF LICENSING CRITERIA  Where a license is required, the following will be made publicly available: 
 
 (a) all the licensing criteria and the period of time normally require d to reach a decision 
concerning an application for a license and 
  (b) the terms and conditions of individual licenses. 
 
The reason for the denial of a license will  be made known to the applicant upon request. 
 5. INDEPENDENT REGULATORS  The regulatory body is separate fr om, and not accountable to, any supplier of basic telecommunications 
services. The decisions of and the procedures used by regulators shall be impartial with respect to all 
market participants.  6. ALLOCATION AND USE OF SCARCE RESOURCES  
Any procedure for the allocation and use of scarce resources, including frequencies, numbers and rights 
of way, will be carried out in an objective, timely, transparent and non-discriminatory manner. The 
current state of allocated frequency bands will be made publicly ava ilable, but detailed identification of 
frequencies allocated for specific government uses is not required.  
 
_______________ 
 
 
  
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 42 THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA - LIST OF ARTICLE II (MFN) EXEMPTIONS 
 
Sector or subsector Description of measure indicating its 
inconsistency  
with Article II Countries to which the 
measure applies Intended duration Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption 
Audiovisual Services - Production and Distribution of Cinematographic Works and 
Television Programmes Measures based upon 
government-to-government framework agreements and bilateral and plurilateral 
agreements on co-production of audiovisual 
works, which confer national treatment to audiovisual works covered by these 
agreements, in particular in relation to 
distribution and access to funding. 
 All countries with which 
cultural co-operation may be desirable or already exists, and 
with which such agreements 
are already concluded or in the process of conclusion 
 Indefinite Promotion of cultural links 
between the countries concerned, as well as 
promotion of greater diversity 
of foreign audiovisual works in the Bulgarian market. 
Audiovisual Services - 
Production and Distribution of 
Cinematographic and Other Audiovisual Works, and Radio 
and Television Programmes. Measures taken for the implementation of, 
and in conformity with, preferential 
agreements and financial and/or other support programmes such as the Convention 
on Transfrontier Television of the Council 
of Europe, the Action Plan for Advanced 
Television Services, MEDIA or 
EURIMAGES, which treat works and programmes of European origin, where 
these works or programmes meet certain 
linguistic and origin criteria, in such a way that they enjoy national treatment with 
respect to support and/or access to 
broadcasting or similar forms of transmission. 
 European countries Indefinite Promotion of cultural 
exchanges within Europe, 
which are based upon traditional cultural links.  
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 43Sector or subsector Description of measure indicating its 
inconsistency  
with Article II Countries to which the 
measure applies Intended duration Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption 
Passenger and Freight Transportation on Internal 
Waterways Measures taken under existing or future 
agreements which govern access and/or 
traffic rights and the terms of conduct of this kind of economic activity in the territory of 
the Republic of Bulgaria or between the 
countries which are parties to the corresponding agreements including 
agreements relating to the use of the 
Rhine-Main-Danube system. All countries with which 
agreements are or will be in 
force Indefinite Protection of the integrity of 
the infrastructure, as well as 
environmental protection, and regulation of traffic rights in 
the territory of the Republic of 
Bulgaria and between the countries concerned. 
Passenger and Freight Transportation by Rail 
 Measures taken under existing or future 
agreements which govern access and/or 
traffic rights and the terms of conduct of this 
kind of economic activity in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or between the 
countries which are parties to the 
corresponding agreements. All countries with which 
agreements are or will be in 
force Indefinite Protection of the integrity of 
the infrastructure, as well as 
environmental protection, and 
regulation of traffic rights in the territory of the Republic of 
Bulgaria and between the 
countries concerned, taking account the regional specificity 
of this kinds of services. 
 
Road Passenger and Freight 
Transportation 
 Measures taken under existing or future 
agreements which reserve and/or restrict the supply of these kinds of transportation 
services and specify the terms and 
conditions of this supply, incl. transit permits and/or preferential road taxes, in the 
territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or 
across the borders of the Republic of Bulgaria. 
 All countries with which 
agreements are or will be in force Indefinite Protection of the integrity of 
the infrastructure, as well as environmental protection, and 
regulation of traffic rights in 
the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and between the 
countries concerned. 
 
Road Passenger and Freight 
Transportation Vehicle tax and VAT-exemption on the 
basis of conventions or on the grounds of de 
facto reciprocity limited to the countries 
indicated in column 3. 
 Austria and other European 
countries Indefinite Reciprocity. Historical links 
and specific regional aspects.  
 S/DCS/W/BGR 
Página 44 Sector or subsector Description of measure indicating its 
inconsistency  
with Article II Countries to which the 
measure applies Intended duration Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption 
Maritime Transport Preferential treatment of national lines 
belonging to countries which are parties to 
the UN Convention on a Code of Conduct on Liner Conference. 
 The parties to the UN 
Convention on a Code of 
Conduct on Liner Conference. Indefinite International agreement. 
Maritime Transport: Cargo 
Sharing between Bilateral Partners Equality in freight liftings originating in the 
ports of partners to the agreement and equality in freight earnings. India and other countries with 
which bilateral cargo sharing agreements are or will be 
concluded 
 Indefinite Bilateral international 
agreements in the context of overall trade relations. 
Sales and Marketing Services 
for Air Transport, Including 
CRS The obligations relating to transport services 
shall not apply where equivalent treatment 
of Bulgarian suppliers of like services is not accorded in the country of origin of the 
foreign service supplier. 
 All countries Indefinite The aim of the application of 
such a measure is to guarantee 
equal access to the market of other countries for Bulgarian 
suppliers of such kinds of 
services. 
Cargo-Handling Services and 
Storage and Warehouse 
Services in Sea and River 
Harbours, Including Services 
Relating to Containers and Goods in Containers 
 The right to supply these kinds of services is 
granted upon a reciprocity basis and under 
bilateral agreements with the countries 
concerned. All countries Indefinite The aim of the application of 
such a measure is to guarantee 
equal access to the market of 
other countries for Bulgarian 
suppliers of such kinds of services 
Legal Services Full national treatment on the establishment 
and operation of companies, as well as on 
the provision of services by foreign citizens, 
may be extended only to companies established in, and citizens of, the countries 
listed in column  3. 
  
 
 Countries with which 
preferential arrangements are 
or will be concluded Indefinite Obligations under international 
agreements.  
  S/DCS/W/BGR
 Página 45Sector or subsector Description of measure indicating its 
inconsistency  
with Article II Countries to which the 
measure applies Intended duration Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption 
Medical and Dental Services Public medical insurance, subsidization and 
compensation plans and programs, which 
cover the cost and expenses relating to medical and dental services provided to 
foreign citizens in the territory of the 
Republic of Bulgaria, are granted on the basis of reciprocity in the framework of 
bilateral agreements. 
 Countries with which  such 
bilateral agreements are or will 
be concluded. Indefinite Obligations under international 
agreements. 
 
__________