How to Register a Foreign Car in Bulgaria: Required Documents, Taxes, and Insurance

In Bulgaria, foreign vehicles must be registered if they are used for an extended period or if the owner has permanent residency in the country. Below is a detailed guide on the process:

1. Conditions for Registering a Foreign Car

  • Individuals with permanent residency or long-term stays (over 6 months) must register their vehicles in Bulgaria.
  • Cars with foreign plates can only be used temporarily (up to 6 months per year) without registration.

2. Required Documents for Registration

To register a foreign vehicle in Bulgaria, you will need:

  • Vehicle Registration Certificate (Part II): Proof of vehicle ownership.
  • Vehicle Registration Certificate (Part I): Technical details of the vehicle.
  • Sales contract or invoice: Proof of vehicle purchase.
  • Technical Inspection Certificate (Годишен технически преглед): The vehicle must meet Bulgarian technical standards.
  • Valid insurance policy (Гражданска отговорност): Mandatory third-party liability insurance.
  • Tax clearance certificate from the previous owner (if the vehicle was previously registered in Bulgaria): Proof of no outstanding taxes.
  • Certificate of deregistration from the country of origin: Applicable if the vehicle was previously registered abroad.
  • ID card or residence permit: To verify the owner's identity.

3. Registration at KAT (Traffic Police)

  • Registration is conducted at the regional office of KAT (Kontrol na Avtomobilen Transport).
  • The vehicle will receive Bulgarian license plates and a new registration certificate.
  • Registration fees range from 50 to 150 BGN, depending on the type of vehicle and the region.

4. Vehicle Tax (Данък върху превозни средства)

The annual vehicle tax depends on several factors:

  • Type and weight of the vehicle: Car, truck, motorcycle, etc.
  • Engine power: Vehicles with higher horsepower or engine displacement pay higher taxes.
  • Emission class: Eco-friendly vehicles are subject to lower tax rates.

Average costs:

  • For vehicles with an engine displacement of 1.6–2.0 liters: 80–200 BGN per year.
  • Older vehicles (over 15 years) or those with high emissions are taxed higher.

5. Insurance Costs

Mandatory third-party liability insurance (Гражданска отговорност) is required. Costs depend on:

  • Type of vehicle and engine power.
  • Driver profile: Age, driving experience, claim history.
  • Region: Costs may be higher in larger cities like Sofia or Burgas.

Average costs:

  • For passenger cars: 200–500 BGN per year.
  • Comprehensive insurance (опция каско): Optional, ranging from 500 to 2000 BGN, depending on the vehicle's value.

6. Additional Costs

  • Electronic vignette (е-Винетка): Required for road use in Bulgaria. The cost depends on the vehicle type and validity period (weekly, monthly, or annual).
  • Annual technical inspection: Mandatory, costing approximately 30–50 BGN.