Importing Personal Effects into Bulgaria: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Bulgaria Import Guide (PDF)

Used Household Goods & Personal Effects - Shipment coming from European Union member country

• SEA SHIPMENT
• Original T2L legalized by Customs at country of origin
• Copy of passport
• OBL or Seaway Waybill
• Packing list
• Original Title for motor vehicle
• AIR SHIPMENT
• AWB with STATUT C in SCI cell.
• Copy of passport
• Packing list
• ROAD SHIPMENT
• CMR
• Copy of passport
• Packing list

• Duty free entry.

• NOT allowed for import: alcohol, tobacco products, food / incl. pet food, weapons & munition, drugs.

Used Household Goods & Personal Effects - Shipment coming from NON European Union member country

• Power of attorney & declaration legalized by a BG notary – required in original.
• Copy of all pages of international passport.
• Copy of card for temporary residence with address registration.
• Proof for living / working abroad for the last 1-year min.
• Invoice for transport cost only from origin agent – for customs purpose to form CIF value at destination (value could be taken from rated BL or AWB).
• Title deed or lease contract for property indwell at final destination.
• Letter/contract from employer in Bulgaria in case this is the reason of the removal.
• OBL/Sea waybill or AWB
• Packing list.

• Duty free import is granted when responding to requirements of Council Regulation 1186 and only at Regional Customs Office taking in consideration the address (shown on Customers BG ID card).
• In case such ID card has not been obtained yet while the procedure for obtaining ID card has started, it is possible to establish refundable deposit to Customs of approximate 30% of CIF destination value.
• Declared value could be accepted to be EUR 1 per 1 kg + invoice for transport – with final purpose to form CIF value at destination for the shipment.

• NOT allowed for import: alcohol, tobacco products, food / incl. pet food, weapons & munition, drugs.
• It is recommended to check the documents requirements with the destination agent as Customs may require additional documents.
• Power of attorney and declaration: ask your destination agent for sample documents.
• Duty free import does not qualify for:
• New goods or furniture, commercial quantities of any used articles, excise
• goods, commercial vehicles, articles for use in the exercise of a trade or profession
• If above items are found mixed with used personal effects and declared as such, it represents a major problem.
• These items need to be declared separately as commercial goods. If not, it will be considered as a fraud to customs with consequences that cannot be predicted and may result in administrative penalty and heavy charges for the customer – see http://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1 186/oj
• Motor vehicles compliance to EU regulations has to be checked in advance. See separate article for motor vehicles.

Used Household Goods & Personal Effects – Diplomatic shipment coming from NON European Union member country

• "Request for Import" form stamped by Foreign Ministry Protocol.
• Packing list and copy of diplomatic passport/and or diplomatic card.
• Letter of authorization from diplomatic mission.

• Duty free import:
• Household Goods: approx. 5 days.
• Motor vehicles:
• Can only be requested after the diplomatic card has been obtained.
• Approx. 40 days.

• “Request for import” are separate for household goods, motor vehicle and liquor (if applicable).
• Diplomatic card to be obtained by respective Embassy. It takes approximately 1 month to obtain the card from Foreign Ministry.
• Import of liquor should be requested by the Embassy to Foreign Ministry.
• Diplomat quota is:
• Below 22 % volume of alcohol – 200 bottles x 0,75 l
• Above 22% volume of alcohol – 120 bottles x 0,75 l
• There should be a list with all bottles, type, volume of alcohol and quantity.
• They should be packed in separate boxes and indicated on packing list as liquor.

Used Motor Vehicles

• Full documentation of vehicle such as registration certificate / vehicle title / purchase invoice, valid insurance policy.
• Customs Authorities may require a certificate from the official dealer in Bulgaria with technical data – make, model, colour, number of seats, engine capacity cm3, engine power KW, engine serial No, chassis
• Power of attorney & declaration legalized by a Bulgarian notary – required in original.
• Copy of all pages of international passport.
• Copy of card for temporary residence with address registration.
• Proof for living / working abroad for the last 1-year min.
• This proof consists of supply of number and varied documents that are to be discussed with your destination agent.
• Customs may always request more documents in addition.
• Invoice for transport cost only from origin agent – for customs purpose to form CIF value at destination (value could be taken from rated BL or AWB).
• Title deed or lease contract for property indwell at final destination.
• Letter/contract from employer in Bulgaria in case this is the reason of the removal.
• OBL/Sea waybill or AWB.
• Packing list.

• Used motor vehicle would be eligible for duty free import when it has been in the possession of and used by the person concerned at his former normal place of residence for a minimum of six months before the date on which he ceases to have his normal place of residence in the third country of departure.
• Declared value realistic. Customs very often rejects declared value by Customer and requires official body to assess the value, which leads to additional expense on customer account.

• Motor vehicles compliance to EU regulations to be checked in advance.
• Submit an individual compliance procedure including technical changes could result to be very expensive or either not even possible. Vehicle could be cleared customs and not be able to be registered for use. More information at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European emis _ sion standards _

Wood packaging

• Bulgaria adopted ISPM 15 to standardize the treatment of wood used for transport of goods.

General comment

• There is always the possibility that Import duty, VAT and excise be applied for import of HHG and cars and this is subject at cost.
• Customs orders if import duty, VAT and excise must apply based on the available documents, packing list, value declaration and period and reason of stay abroad.
• Final decision is upon Customs Chief. In most cases, a tax of 5-20% + VAT 20% applies.
• Containers arriving at Bulgarian ports get very often physical inspection at port. Cost varies depending on shipping line and intensity of inspection.
• Duty free import is granted when responding to requirements of Council Regulation 1186.
• Interesting link: http://www.customs.bg/

Exporting Personal Effects from Bulgaria: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Bulgaria Export Guide (PDF)

Removal Goods – HHG/PE

• Power of attorney from shipper legalized by Bulgarian notary with ID card for temporary residence – so that EORI number can be obtained on behalf of customer.
• Document of origin – e.g. import customs declaration.
• Letter from employer confirming that the employee is leaving the country.

• POA is valid only for 1 year.

• Pro-forma invoice needs to be prepared.

Used Car – privately owned vehicle

• Document of origin is mandatory 100%.

• Title of car to be deregistered by traffic police.

• Tank of the car to be empty.
• Stall and battery to be detached.

Paintings

• Documents of origin needed.

• Special permission required by Ministry of Culture for paintings older than 50 years and value above EUR 150 000.

Bulgaria Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Bulgaria Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Copy of passport
• Copy of local Bulgarian ID / residence permit
• Declaration of value / pro-forma invoice
• Packing list
• List of electronic items (must include serial numbers and model numbers)
• Letter of employment (must be for a minimum of 12 months)
• Copy of residential rental contract (must be for a minimum of 12 months)
• EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification; can be obtained cost-free through the customs agency in the region of the permanent residence)
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)

Specific Information

EU member state (since 2007): Bulgaria is a member of the EU Customs Union. Moves from within the EU require no customs formalities — goods move freely. Only imports from non-EU (third) countries require customs clearance.

Returning Bulgarian citizens: Individuals who had permanent residence outside Bulgarian territory for at least 12 consecutive months and are returning for permanent residence are permitted duty-free import of personal property and used transport vehicles.

12-month import window: Goods must be imported within 12 months of establishing residence in Bulgaria.

1-year resale restriction on vehicles: Vehicles imported duty-free may not be sold within 1 year.

Customs guarantee (no residence permit yet): If the owner does not yet have a Bulgarian residence permit and the shipment has arrived, a Customs Guarantee must be paid. The guarantee is 25% of the declared value (5% duty + 20% VAT) for shipments with a declared value of USD 1,500 or less. This guarantee is reimbursable immediately after residence is established.

Temporary admission: Non-prohibited items may be imported on a temporary basis for up to 6 months. Customs duties will not be charged with a letter of guarantee from a Bulgarian organisation stating that the goods will be returned or duties will be paid.

Arrival deadline: Household goods should be imported within 3 months of the customer's arrival (per the Atlas/HHGFA guide).

Home computers: Not accepted as personal effects. Subject to customs duties and import taxes. This is a notable Bulgaria-specific rule.

Precious metals and stones: Must be declared in writing. Gold and platinum jewellery up to 60g total and silver jewellery up to 300g total may be imported without declaration.

Non-qualifying imports: Duties and taxes of approximately 30-40% of total value apply if the owner does not qualify for duty-free import.

EORI number: Required for customs declarations. Can be obtained free from the customs agency in the owner's registration district.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions (from non-EU countries): Per EU Council Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009, Articles 3-11, household goods imported by natural persons transferring their normal place of residence from a third country to the EU (Bulgaria) are admitted free of import duties and VAT, provided: the person has had their normal place of residence outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months; the goods have been owned and used for a minimum of 6 months; and the goods are for the person's own use at their new residence.

New items: New electrical items and furniture are subject to duties and taxes. Invoices/receipts required.

VAT: 20% on all imports. Waived for qualifying transfer of residence goods.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Narcotics and illegal drugs — Strictly prohibited
• Firearms and ammunition without permission — Prohibited
• Knives and deadly weapons — Prohibited
• Dangerous chemicals — Prohibited
• Substances that damage the ozone layer — Prohibited
• Quarantined pets — Prohibited
• Pornographic material — Prohibited
• Counterfeit goods — Prohibited

Tobacco (17+):

• 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco

Alcohol (17+):

• 1 litre spirits over 22% ABV, or 2 litres under 22%
• 4 litres still wine, 16 litres beer

Other goods:

• EUR 430 (air/sea), EUR 300 (land), EUR 175 (under 15)

Medication: For personal use; may not be expired.

• Home computers — Not accepted as personal effects; subject to customs duties and taxes
• New electrical items and furniture — Subject to duties and taxes; invoices required
• Alcohol and spirits within shipments — Subject to customs duties
• Precious metals and stones — Must be declared in writing above the free allowances (60g gold/platinum, 300g silver)
• Firearms and ammunition PERMIT REQUIRED — Permission required
• Nuclear materials, explosives, arms, dual-use goods PERMIT REQUIRED — Bulgarian decree required
• Plant protection products and pharmaceuticals PERMIT REQUIRED — Non-automatic licence required
• Currency: Cash sums greater than BGN 8,000 (approximately EUR 4,000) require customs declaration. Cash or securities exceeding EUR 10,000 must be declared when crossing EU external borders.

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

EORI number: Required. Can be obtained free from the local customs agency.

Customs guarantee: If residence permit is not yet in hand, a 25% guarantee of declared value must be paid. Reimbursable once residence is established.

Vehicle clearance: Vehicles are cleared at specific customs offices only. Ship separately from household goods to avoid delays.

Routing / port of entry: Varna and Burgas (Black Sea ports) for sea freight. Sofia Airport for air freight. Land borders with Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. Bulgaria is at the crossroads of European transit routes.

Customs clearance location: Import processed by the customs agency in the region of the owner's permanent residence (address on Bulgarian ID/residence permit).

EU Advance Cargo Declaration: Mandatory for all goods entering or moving through the EU.

Currency: Bulgarian lev (BGN), pegged to the euro at BGN 1.95583 = EUR 1 (same rate as the Bosnian mark). Bulgaria is expected to adopt the euro in the coming years.

Regulatory Updates

• 1 January 2025 (CONFIRMED): Bulgaria completed full Schengen integration with the lifting of internal land border controls, following the March 2024 lifting of air and sea border controls. Bulgaria is now a full Schengen Area member with no internal border checks at any crossing.
• March 2024: Bulgaria approved for Schengen entry via air and sea borders (superseded by full membership above).
• 2007: Bulgaria joined the EU and the EU Customs Union. Most Bulgarian customs provisions replaced with EU regulations.
• Ongoing: Euro adoption timeline under discussion; BGN remains pegged to EUR at the fixed rate.