Bulgaria – Buying or Importing a Car

How do I buy a new car in Bulgaria as a foreigner?

Foreign nationals face no legal bar to purchasing a vehicle in Bulgaria. However, the ability to register that vehicle in your personal name depends on whether you hold a long-term or permanent residence permit, or have refugee or humanitarian status. It is worth keeping in mind that buying and registering a car are two distinct legal steps, and this distinction has a significant bearing on how most expats go about the process.

When acquiring a car in Bulgaria, you have the option of registering it either as a personal or as a company asset. Personal registration demands that you establish residency in Bulgaria. If residency is not yet in place, setting up a Bulgarian limited liability company offers a practical route to vehicle registration while you complete the relocation process.

As a foreign national, obtaining a Bulgarian Personal Identification Number — the EGN for citizens or the LNC for foreign residents — is a fundamental requirement, as is familiarity with local rules and procedures. For any questions that arise along the way, the relevant government offices can provide clarification. If you have not yet received a Bulgarian PIN, you may apply for one at your local Migration Office.

Every vehicle purchase must be formalised through a written purchase agreement, which requires certification by a local notary public. The price stated in this contract must not fall below the insurance value of the vehicle. Notary fees and associated duties amount to roughly 2.5% of the purchase price recorded in the contract. Where the purchase price exceeds 10,000 BGN, payment must be made via a bank transfer. It is advisable to verify current notary fee schedules ahead of time, as these figures may be subject to change.

Financing opportunities for non-residents are quite limited, and most expats complete their purchases in cash or by bank transfer. Residents who hold a Bulgarian bank account and have established a credit history locally may find that certain Bulgarian banks are willing to offer vehicle loans, though terms differ considerably between lenders, and steady Bulgarian income is typically required. New cars are sold through authorised dealerships in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, and other main urban centres, with brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, and BMW all represented through official networks in Bulgaria.

How do I buy a used car in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria ranks among the largest second-hand vehicle markets in the EU, and prices are typically lower than in most other EU and EEA countries. Used cars are available through showrooms, specialist resellers, and private sellers alike. The leading online platforms for searching second-hand vehicles in Bulgaria are www.cars.bg and www.mobile.bg.

One issue that buyers should be aware of is that sellers are not legally obliged to furnish a comprehensive technical report on the vehicle. They need only provide a current technical inspection document, which by itself does not verify the car’s actual condition. In Bulgaria, a valid Technical Inspection is a prerequisite for any vehicle sale. Buyers are strongly encouraged to have any used car examined by an independent mechanic before making a commitment to purchase.

As in many markets, certain dealers may withhold information about a vehicle’s history, and odometer fraud — while unlawful — is a known issue in the Bulgarian used car sector. Careful document review is essential. The Ministry of Interior’s e-services portal allows you to verify a vehicle’s registration status and check for unpaid fines or encumbrances. A customs agent or legal adviser can help you arrange a comprehensive vehicle history report prior to purchase.

The sale must be completed via a written contract, authenticated by a notary public. The price stated in the contract may not be lower than the vehicle’s insurance value. If the car has not previously been registered in Bulgaria, you may bypass the notary stage and go directly to the local Traffic Police Office (KAT) for registration.

Once you acquire a vehicle, you have one calendar month in which to register it at the Traffic Police (KAT) office corresponding to the permanent address shown on your Bulgarian identity document. If the buyer and seller are registered in different administrative districts, new registration plates and a new certificate will be issued and the old plates must be surrendered. Where both parties belong to the same district, changing the plates is unnecessary.

Can I import a vehicle into Bulgaria, and how does the process work?

A privately owned vehicle registered in another EU member state may be driven on Bulgarian roads on a temporary basis for up to six months, provided that at least third-party liability insurance is in place. After that window closes, the vehicle must be registered in Bulgaria. Cars already registered in an EU or EEA member state are not subject to import duty or VAT — you simply drive the vehicle into Bulgaria. This makes importing from within the EU substantially simpler and less expensive than bringing a car in from outside the bloc.

Vehicles arriving from non-EU and non-EEA countries attract both import duty and VAT. As of 2025, the applicable import duty rate is 10% and VAT is 20%. Always verify current rates with the Bulgarian Customs Agency and the National Revenue Agency (NRA) before proceeding.

Vehicles brought in from outside the EU/EEA are required to pass a technical examination in Bulgaria. Right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles must have their headlight beam patterns adjusted before registration can proceed. Since Bulgaria — like all EU member states — drives on the right, RHD vehicles are permitted but must be modified so their headlights do not dazzle oncoming traffic, in the same manner required across continental Europe.

A valuable exemption exists for individuals who are permanently relocating to Bulgaria. Those who have maintained permanent residence outside Bulgarian territory for at least 12 consecutive months and are moving to Bulgaria for permanent settlement may import personal property and used vehicles free of customs duty. The vehicle must have been in the applicant’s ownership for at least six months prior to the change of residence, and must have been acquired and used for at least six months before departure to Bulgaria.

Vehicles imported under this duty-free arrangement may not be sold within one year of importation. This “Transfer of Residence” (ToR) relief operates on principles similar to removal goods exemption schemes found in other countries. For full details and required documentation, consult the Bulgarian Customs Agency’s personal property import guidance.

The step-by-step import process for a vehicle from outside the EU is as follows:

1. Gather required documents: original vehicle title, original purchase agreement or invoice, proof of your Bulgarian residence (Bulgarian ID card), and EORI registration (which is free and arranged by your customs agent).
2. Appoint a licensed customs agent based in the customs region matching your Bulgarian address of residence.
3. The customs agent prepares an import customs declaration listing the applicable duties (import duty and VAT). Payment is made to the accounts of the relevant customs agency, typically one day before the customs declaration is submitted.
4. Obtain temporary insurance based on the vehicle’s VIN number, which is valid for up to 30 days — sufficient to complete registration formalities.
5. Take the vehicle to a certified technical inspection station for its pre-registration roadworthiness check.
6. Arrange any required compliance modifications (e.g. headlight adjustment for RHD vehicles, speedometer additions for vehicles without a km/h display).
7. Submit the full registration package to your local Traffic Police (KAT) office and obtain Bulgarian plates and a registration certificate.

What are the costs involved in importing a car to Bulgaria?

As of 2025, import duty rates in Bulgaria are as follows: 10% for automobiles and ATVs, 6% for motorbikes, 1.7% for boats and jet skis, 2.7% for boat trailers, and 2.5% for personal effects with a combined value not exceeding 700 EUR. VAT at 20% applies to all of the above categories. Always confirm current duty rates with the Bulgarian Customs Agency and the NRA, as EU tariff schedules may be revised periodically.

Bulgaria applies the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) method when calculating customs duties, meaning that both the value of the goods and the cost of shipping are taken into account. By way of illustration: for a vehicle valued at $10,000 with $1,500 in shipping costs from the USA, the import duty would be 10% of ($10,000 + $1,500) = $1,150. The VAT would then be 20% of ($10,000 + $1,500 + $1,150) = $2,530, bringing total customs charges to approximately $3,680. These figures are illustrative only — confirm all costs with the customs authority before making any firm decisions.

In addition to duties and VAT, importers should plan for the following supplementary expenses:

• Shipping: Container shipping typically costs between $1,200 and $3,000 depending on the container size and port distance (as of 2025).
• Customs agent fees: Brokers charge service fees for preparing and filing import customs clearance documents with the local customs authority. These fees are charged separately from customs duties and import VAT.
• One-time Eco Tax: A one-time Eco Fee of approximately €200–300 applies to used EU imports upon their first registration in Bulgaria (as of 2025). Confirm the current figure with KAT.
• Registration fees: Registration fees at KAT range from approximately €50–200 depending on engine size (as of 2025).
• Technical inspection: The roadworthiness inspection costs approximately 40 BGN (around €20) at a certified testing station (as of 2025).
• Compliance modifications: Vehicles built to US or non-EU specifications may need adjustments such as headlight realignment, fitting front fog lights, or updating the speedometer to show km/h. Modification costs vary by vehicle and workshop — obtain local quotes before importing.
• Notary fees: Where a notarised sales contract is required, budget around 2.5% of the recorded vehicle value in notary fees.

Compared with import regimes in certain non-EU countries — where import duties on vehicles can reach 30–50% of vehicle value or more — Bulgaria’s EU membership means that vehicles sourced from within the EU incur no customs duty or VAT at the border, making intra-EU vehicle transfers considerably more economical.

How do I register a vehicle in Bulgaria?

The registration procedure varies depending on whether the vehicle is already recorded with the Road Transport Control (KAT), a division of the Traffic Police within the Ministry of Interior. KAT is the principal authority overseeing vehicle registration throughout Bulgaria. Office locations can be found on the official MVR/KAT website.

EU citizens may only register a vehicle in Bulgaria once they have established a legal basis for doing so — either by securing a Bulgarian residency permit (along with a corresponding ID and Personal Identification Number), or by incorporating a Bulgarian company (EOOD/OOD). This requirement applies equally to non-EU nationals. Individual vehicle registrations remain valid for the duration of your residency permit. Once you renew your residency card, a simple document update is all that is needed, and the new expiry date will be reflected on your vehicle registration.

The main documents required for first-time registration of an imported vehicle are:

• Original purchase invoice or contract; Certificate of Conformity (CoC); valid identity document (Bulgarian ID card, passport, or residency permit); mandatory third-party liability insurance (ГО); and proof that the one-time registration tax has been paid, calculated on engine power.
• For a used vehicle being registered in Bulgaria for the first time from another EU country: the previous EU registration documents are also required.
• Proof of paid Eco Tax (for first-time EU imports), and a valid technical inspection certificate if the vehicle is more than four years old.

Registration must be carried out at the KAT office that serves your permanent address (for individuals) or your company’s registered location (for businesses). Documents are submitted and a brief on-site vehicle check may be carried out if necessary. The entire process — including any preceding residency or company formation steps — typically takes one to three weeks, though the final KAT visit itself is often completed within a single day.

You must submit an application at KAT for a new registration certificate in the buyer’s name within one month of purchasing the vehicle. Under Bulgarian law, failure to register the vehicle within two months of the ownership transfer will result in automatic cancellation of the registration and invalidation of the plates. These deadlines should be treated with care to avoid legal complications.

What insurance do I need to drive legally in Bulgaria?

Bulgarian law mandates that all vehicle owners carry statutory third-party liability insurance, referred to locally as “Grazhdanska Otgovornost.” Coverage under this policy extends across the entire EU, which is a notable benefit for those who plan to drive in other European countries. This Motor Third-Party Liability Insurance is a legal requirement for every person registering a car in Bulgaria, and covers any damage or injury caused to third parties while the vehicle is being driven or parked.

Third-party car insurance in Bulgaria is among the most affordable within the EU. As of 2025, premiums run at approximately 350 BGN per year, with the final cost depending on engine power and the vehicle’s year of manufacture. Always check current premiums directly with insurers, as rates are influenced by the specific characteristics of both the vehicle and the driver.

In Bulgaria, insurance is attached to the vehicle rather than to a named driver. This means that any person who takes the wheel is covered for liability arising from damage caused to a third party in an accident. This is a meaningful distinction for expat households where a car is used by more than one person, and differs from insurance structures in some other countries where policies are tied to named individuals.

Following registration, third-party liability insurance — accompanied by a Green Card for international recognition — must be maintained and renewed each year. The Bulgarian insurance market is privately operated and competitive, with multiple licensed providers. Some insurers may take into account a claims-free record built up abroad, though this is entirely at their discretion — ask each insurer directly about recognition of foreign no-claims discounts when comparing quotes. For regulatory matters concerning the insurance sector, the relevant authority is the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC).

Regular insurance cannot be taken out before the vehicle has been re-registered with proper Bulgarian plates. During the import process, temporary insurance tied to the VIN number of the vehicle is available for periods of up to 30 days — enough time to complete the technical inspection and registration procedures.

What driving licence do I need in Bulgaria as an expat?

Driving licences issued in EU member states, EEA countries, or Switzerland are recognised in Bulgaria without any time limit. There is no obligation to exchange such a licence for a Bulgarian one, although the holder may do so voluntarily if they wish. This mutual recognition is consistent with the general EU framework for cross-border licence validity.

Holders of non-EU licences are permitted to drive in Bulgaria for up to one year from the date their first residence permit is issued. The licence must be accompanied by a legalised or notarised translation into Bulgarian. Once the one-year period has elapsed, the non-EU licence must be replaced with a Bulgarian driving licence.

A non-EU licence may be exchanged for a Bulgarian one provided the issuing country has ratified the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic and the licence satisfies the relevant requirements of that agreement. Since early 2022, applicants must demonstrate that they have been physically resident in Bulgaria for at least six months before applying for an exchange.

Those applying for a Bulgarian licence from scratch — or exchanging a non-EU licence — are required to submit a medical certificate, evidence of education at least to secondary school level (with a notarised translation if the certificate was issued abroad), and a First Aid certificate. The medical certificate obtained from a GP or medical centre costs approximately 30–40 BGN (as of 2025). As of 2025, the licence replacement fee is: 25 BGN for applicants under 58; 11 BGN for those aged 58–70; and 3 BGN for individuals with a disability level of 50% or above. Applicants over 70 are exempt from the fee entirely. Always verify current fees on the official MVR Traffic Police website.

Bulgarian driving licences are valid for 10 years. An International Driving Permit may be obtained through the Bulgarian authorities by any holder of a Bulgarian licence. This international permit is valid for one year and may be renewed as needed. All licence exchange and new licence applications are handled by the Traffic Police (KAT), which also oversees vehicle registration.

How do I sell a car in Bulgaria?

Selling a vehicle in Bulgaria involves completing specific paperwork, and approaching the process with transparency helps to ensure it runs smoothly. The central document is a notarised sales contract — known as a “notary sales declaration” — which is required whenever a car already registered in Bulgaria changes hands between private individuals. The stated sale price in this contract must not fall below the vehicle’s insurance value.

The change of ownership can be recorded on the same day as the notarial transaction. You must inform the notary of this intention, and a state fee of 20 BGN is payable, which the notary submits via the Ministry of Interior’s electronic portal. Married sellers should note that if the vehicle was registered in an individual’s name and that person is married, both spouses must sign the notary sales declaration at the time of sale.

Following the transfer, the buyer is responsible for completing re-registration at the Traffic Police. Within one month, the buyer must apply at KAT for a new registration certificate issued in their name. As the seller, you should keep a copy of the signed sales contract as documentation confirming that ownership has passed to the new owner. Until the vehicle is formally re-registered in the buyer’s name, some residual administrative responsibility may remain with the seller — retaining proof of sale protects you against any penalties or obligations that might arise after handover.

The sale of a privately owned passenger vehicle is not generally subject to capital gains tax in Bulgaria. However, where a vehicle is sold through a company, corporate tax rules will apply to any gain made on the disposal. Consult a local accountant or tax adviser for guidance on your particular situation, and refer to the National Revenue Agency (NRA) for current information on how vehicle sales are treated for both individuals and businesses.

If you wish to permanently de-register a vehicle — for example, when leaving Bulgaria — bring the original registration documents and your identity document to a KAT office, pay a modest de-registration fee of approximately €10–20, and collect confirmation of de-registration. This ensures that annual vehicle tax obligations cease from that point forward.

What are the ongoing costs and obligations for vehicle ownership in Bulgaria?

Vehicle owners in Bulgaria are required to pay an annual vehicle tax, the rate of which is determined by each municipality in accordance with where the car is registered. This tax is divided into two equal instalments paid over the course of the year. The structure is broadly comparable to annual vehicle excise duty systems elsewhere in Europe, though unlike in countries with a nationally fixed rate, the amount varies depending on the local authority. Bulgarian municipal vehicle taxes are generally among the lowest in the EU.

Technical inspections — known as “Godishen Technicheski Pregled,” or annual technical inspections — are a legal requirement in Bulgaria. Each inspection covers the car’s mechanical condition as well as its compliance with applicable emissions standards. Older vehicles are subject to stricter emissions requirements, which can present difficulties for aging imported cars. This inspection serves the same purpose as the MOT test used in some European countries or the periodic roadworthiness checks that are standard in many other jurisdictions.

Newly registered cars must undergo their first Technical Inspection (TI) in the third year following registration, with a second inspection scheduled two years after that. From the fifth year onward, inspections become annual. The fee for a technical inspection is approximately 40 BGN (around €20) at a certified testing station (as of 2025). Up-to-date fee information can be confirmed at the relevant certified inspection station or through the Executive Agency for Automobile Administration, which is responsible for overseeing roadworthiness testing in Bulgaria.

Use of public roads in Bulgaria requires a road vignette, which can be purchased for a variety of durations: one year, six months, one month, one week, or a single day. The annual vignette for a car costs approximately 90 BGN in 2025. The vignette is not compulsory for drivers who do not intend to use public highways and first-class roads outside Sofia. Vignettes can be bought online, at border crossings, petrol stations, and post offices. Always check current prices at the official vignette portal, as fees may be adjusted each year.

Beyond third-party insurance, vehicle owners are also subject to an Eco Fee, which is paid once at the time of initial vehicle registration. Revenue from this fee is directed towards environmental and water-related projects. There is no recurring annual Eco Fee after this initial payment for locally purchased vehicles, though the one-time charge does apply when a used vehicle from an EU country is first registered in Bulgaria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a car in Bulgaria without a residence permit?

Foreign nationals are free to purchase a vehicle in Bulgaria without restriction. However, registering it as a personal asset requires Bulgarian residency. Those who have not yet established residency may alternatively set up a Bulgarian limited liability company and register the vehicle in the company’s name. For the most current residency requirements, check with the Migration Directorate or seek advice from a local legal professional.

Do I need to pay customs duty on a car I bring from another EU country?

Vehicles previously registered in an EU or EEA member state are not subject to import duty or VAT when brought into Bulgaria. The process for EU-sourced vehicles is straightforward, with no customs charges applying at the border. That said, you will still be required to pay the one-time Eco Tax and registration fees when completing the registration process in Bulgaria.

How long do I have to register a car after moving to Bulgaria?

If you are relocating your country of residence to Bulgaria, you have one month from the date your permanent residence document is issued to re-register a vehicle previously registered in another EU country. For a car purchased in Bulgaria, you also have one month from the date of acquisition to register it at KAT. Failing to meet these deadlines can result in fines and the automatic cancellation of the vehicle’s registration.

Is right-hand drive allowed in Bulgaria?

Right-hand drive vehicles are legally permitted in Bulgaria but must have their headlight beam patterns adjusted before registration can be finalised. Vehicles imported from outside the EU/EEA are additionally required to pass a technical inspection. RHD vehicles are relatively uncommon on Bulgarian roads, and procedures may vary between KAT offices and insurance providers depending on the region. If you are importing an RHD vehicle, specialist advice is recommended.

Will my foreign no-claims bonus be recognised by Bulgarian insurers?

There is no statutory obligation for Bulgarian insurers to recognise no-claims records established abroad. In practice, some private insurers will take documented evidence of a foreign claims-free history into account when calculating premiums, but this remains at their individual discretion. When obtaining quotes, ask each insurer explicitly about their approach to foreign no-claims discounts. The Financial Supervision Commission can provide guidance on the insurance regulatory framework.

How long is my non-EU driving licence valid in Bulgaria?

Holders of a non-EU driving licence may drive in Bulgaria for up to one year from the date of issue of their first residence permit. The licence must be supported by a legalised or notarised translation into Bulgarian. After that one-year period expires, the licence must be replaced with a Bulgarian driving licence. For current procedures, refer to the MVR Traffic Police website.

What is the annual cost of owning a car in Bulgaria?

Typical recurring ownership costs as of 2025 include: third-party liability insurance at roughly 350 BGN per year, a road vignette at approximately 90 BGN per year, an annual technical inspection costing around 40 BGN, and a municipally determined vehicle tax. As costs can change from year to year, always verify current amounts with the relevant municipality and official sources.

What is the KAT and how do I contact it?

The KAT (Road Transport Control) is a division of the Traffic Police Department within the Ministry of Interior and is the authority responsible for vehicle registration throughout Bulgaria. Registration must be handled at the KAT office corresponding to your registered address. Information on office locations, service hours, and procedures is available on the official MVR website. If you are not yet fluent in Bulgarian, it is advisable to bring an interpreter or engage a local agent, as forms and procedures are conducted entirely in Bulgarian.