Customs in Bulgaria: rules you need to know

that the goods were brought into Bulgaria rather than bought on its territory – this will help you avoid problems later on.

Bulgaria has a list of goods that must be declared. If a customs officer finds such an undeclared item during an inspection, it will be seized in favour of the state without a fine being paid. If the goods were concealed deliberately, customs officers will draw up a report on the violation.

Customs allowances

Anyone over the age of sixteen may take the following goods purchased in Bulgaria out of the country each time they cross the country’s borders, once a month or less often:

• Spirits (over 22% alcohol) – 1 l.
• Beer – 16 l.
• Still wine – 2 l.
• Tobacco products – 40 cigarettes or 10 cigars or 20 cigarillos or 50 g of smoking tobacco.
• Medicines for personal use in the appropriate packaging and in an appropriate quantity (i.e. a couple of boxes or blisters, but not a case).

For those who have to cross the border more often than once a month, the allowance is 5 times lower.

Personal belongings may be brought in and taken out without paying duties. It is often enough to mention them to the customs officer verbally.

In addition, persons over the age of sixteen may take goods purchased in Bulgaria worth up to 100 c.u. out of the country duty-free. This point also applies to those who cross the border once every 30 days or less often. For everyone else the amount is 5 times lower.

If the total value of the goods being taken out exceeds 100 c.u., the law applies only to one item whose value is below this figure. Tax of 10% (VAT) will have to be paid on the remaining goods.

The right to duty-free import cannot be shared between several people, and all goods that do not comply with the statutory allowances must be declared.

Non-commercial goods worth between 100 and 1500 c.u. are subject to 20% tax and 5% duty on their value.

Currency and valuables

Amounts of up to 10 thousand euros may be brought into the country freely. Larger amounts must be declared. This does not apply to funds held on bank cards.

When leaving the country, foreigners must not only declare their funds but also state their origin. Taking out 10 thousand euros or more (including in the form of valuables or traveller’s cheques) requires permission from the Bulgarian National Bank.

Valuables (stones and metals) for personal use may be brought into and taken out of Bulgaria without declaration if certain limits are observed:

• The total weight of gold and platinum in unprocessed (semi-processed) form is 37 g or less.
• The total weight of gold alloys in the form of jewellery and accessories – no more than 60 g.
• The total weight of silver and its alloys – no more than 300 g.

Import and export bans

If such goods are found at customs, they will be seized in favour of the state:

• Narcotics;
• Weapons, any explosives and ammunition.
• Hazardous chemical substances.
• Foodstuffs dangerous to the health of others.
• Ozone-depleting substances, products and articles.
• Quarantine pests.
• Protected plants and animals (export prohibited).

If you need to transport items from this list, you must obtain a special permit.

Company registration in Bulgaria

Registering a car in a company’s name

Remote management of a company

Buying a car in Bulgaria

Corporate income tax in Bulgaria

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