If you’re a foreign national planning to purchase or import a vehicle in Bulgaria, it’s essential to understand the legal procedures involved. In this article, we’ll cover the steps involved in buying or importing a car in Bulgaria, along with the necessary paperwork and contact details of relevant government departments.
Buying a New or Used Car in Bulgaria
Buying a new or used car in Bulgaria follows a similar process to most other countries. The first step is to find a reputable dealership or private seller. You can browse local classifieds websites or visit authorized car dealerships.
Required Documents for Buying a Car in Bulgaria
Foreign nationals need to provide the following documents to buy a car in Bulgaria:
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Bulgarian Personal Identification Number (PIN)
If you don’t have a Bulgarian PIN, you can apply for it at the local Migration Office.
Registering the Vehicle
Once you’ve purchased the car, you need to register it with the Bulgarian Traffic Police. The registration process involves providing the following documents:
- Vehicle registration document
- Insurance policy
- Technical inspection report
- Receipt for paid registration fee
After submitting the necessary documents, the Traffic Police will issue you with Bulgarian registration plates and a vehicle registration certificate.
Importing a Vehicle in Bulgaria
If you’re planning to import a vehicle to Bulgaria, there are specific procedures and requirements to follow.
Required Documents for Importing a Vehicle
Foreign nationals need to provide the following documents to import a car to Bulgaria:
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Bulgarian Personal Identification Number (PIN)
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Insurance policy
- Technical inspection report
- Receipt for paid import duty and registration fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Importing a Vehicle
Obtain a Vehicle Registration Certificate from the country of origin.
Obtain a Bulgarian Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can apply for a PIN at the local Migration Office.
Obtain an Insurance Policy from a Bulgarian insurance company. You can do this online or in person.
Obtain a Technical Inspection Report from a Bulgarian technical inspection center. The inspection should include emissions, safety, and roadworthiness checks.
Pay the Import Duty and Registration Fee at a Bulgarian bank. The fee varies depending on the vehicle’s age and engine size.
Register the Vehicle with the Bulgarian Traffic Police. Provide all the necessary documents, including the Vehicle Registration Certificate, Insurance Policy, Technical Inspection Report, and receipt for paid Import Duty and Registration Fee.
The Traffic Police will issue Bulgarian registration plates and a Vehicle Registration Certificate.
Contact Details of Relevant Government Departments
If you need assistance with the import process, you can contact the following Bulgarian government departments:
- Bulgarian Customs Agency: https://customs.bg/
- Bulgarian Traffic Police: https://www.mvr.bg/razdelno-meni/en/
- Bulgarian Ministry of Transport, Information Technology, and Communications: https://www.mtitc.government.bg/en/
Selling a Car in Bulgaria
If you’re planning to sell a car in Bulgaria, there are specific procedures and paperwork to follow.
Required Documents for Selling a Car in Bulgaria
When selling a car in Bulgaria, you need to provide the following documents:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate
- Technical Inspection Report
- Insurance Policy
Step-by-Step Guide to Selling a Car
Obtain a Technical Inspection Report from a Bulgarian technical inspection center.
Obtain an Insurance Policy from a Bulgarian insurance company. You can do this online or in person.
Complete the Vehicle Registration Certificate Transfer Form with the buyer.
Provide the buyer with the Vehicle Registration Certificate, Technical Inspection Report, and Insurance Policy.
The buyer needs to register the vehicle with the Bulgarian Traffic Police and obtain Bulgarian registration plates.
Tips for Selling a Car in Bulgaria
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when selling a car in Bulgaria:
Ensure the Vehicle Registration Certificate, Technical Inspection Report, and Insurance Policy are up to date and valid.
Be honest about the condition of the car and disclose any defects or accidents.
Set a fair price based on the car’s condition, age, and mileage.
Meet the buyer in a public place and bring a friend or family member for safety.
Only accept cash or bank transfer as payment.
Once the sale is complete, submit a Transfer of Ownership Declaration to the Traffic Police within seven days.
Contact Details of Relevant Government Departments
If you need assistance with the selling process, you can contact the following Bulgarian government departments:
- Bulgarian Traffic Police: https://www.mvr.bg/razdelno-meni/en/
- Bulgarian Ministry of Interior: https://www.mvr.bg/razdelno-meni/en/
- Bulgarian Customs Agency: https://customs.bg/
Buying or importing a vehicle in Bulgaria involves following specific procedures and providing the necessary paperwork. As a foreign national, it’s essential to have a Bulgarian Personal Identification Number and understand the local regulations. Contacting the relevant government departments can help with any queries or issues during the process. Selling a car in Bulgaria also involves specific paperwork, and being honest and transparent can ensure a smooth transaction.