Monthly Archives: February 2026

Your shipment sits at Bulgarian customs. The officer asks for your EORI number. You don’t have one. Now what? This scenario plays out daily for businesses that skip a simple but mandatory step before trading internationally. Most online guides either overcomplicate this or skip key details for non-EU companies. Here’s the actual process, with real costs and timelines.

Quick answer: EORI registration in Bulgaria is free, takes 1-3 business days, and you apply through the Bulgarian Customs Agency. EU-based companies can apply online with a qualified electronic signature. Non-EU businesses must submit paper applications with certified Bulgarian translations. Below, we cover every step, document, and common mistake to avoid.

Last reviewed: February 2026. Process and requirements verified against official sources.
(fill the form if you need assistance with EORI registration.)

Jump to: What is EORI | Who Needs One | Required Documents | Application Process | Online Registration | Common Mistakes | After Registration | FAQ

What is an EORI Number?

EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It’s a unique identifier that customs authorities across all EU member states use to track and process international trade activities.

Think of it as a customs passport for your business. Every time goods cross EU borders (either entering or leaving), customs systems log the transaction against your EORI number. This creates a traceable record of your company’s import and export history.

This system has been mandatory since July 1, 2009, when EU Regulation No. 312/2009 came into force. Before EORI existed, businesses needed separate registrations in each EU country they traded through. Now, one number works across all 27 member states.

What Does a Bulgarian EORI Number Look Like?

Bulgarian EORI numbers follow a specific format: BG + X + identification number + control digit. For companies, the identification number is your UIC (Unified Identification Code) from the Trade Register. For individuals, it’s your EGN (personal number). The total length cannot exceed 17 characters.

A typical Bulgarian company EORI looks like: BG1234567890123. You can verify any EORI number through the European Commission’s official EORI validation tool at ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/eos/eori_validation.jsp.

Who Needs an EORI Number in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is one of only five EU countries (alongside Czech Republic, Greece, Lithuania, and Romania) that requires EORI numbers for both B2B and B2C customs clearance. This makes the registration even more critical if you’re operating here.

You need an EORI if:

• Your Bulgarian company imports goods from outside the EU
• Your Bulgarian company exports goods to countries outside the EU
• You’re a foreign company with operations in Bulgaria that involve customs activities
• You’re an individual entrepreneur or sole proprietor engaged in international trade
• Your company isn’t VAT-registered but still engages in cross-border trade

You don’t need an EORI if:

• You only trade within EU borders (intra-EU trade doesn’t require customs declarations)
• You’re a private individual making occasional personal imports
• Your business activities don’t involve any customs procedures

What happens if you trade without an EORI?

Simple: your goods get stuck. Customs won’t process shipments without a valid EORI number. Your cargo sits in a warehouse accumulating storage fees while you scramble to register. For time-sensitive goods, this can mean spoilage, missed deadlines, or lost contracts. The registration itself is free and takes days, not weeks. There’s no good reason to skip it.

Required Documents for EORI Registration

The documentation requirements differ based on where your business is established. Get these wrong and your application gets rejected, delaying your ability to trade.

For EU-Established Companies

• Completed EORI application form (available on the Bulgarian Customs Agency website)
• Proof of registration from the Bulgarian Trade Register
• VAT registration certificate (if your company is VAT-registered)
• Copy of the legal representative’s ID card or passport
• Power of attorney (if someone other than the authorized person submits the application)

For EU-Based Individuals

• Completed registration form
• Valid Bulgarian ID card
• Proof of accommodation (residency card, rental agreement, or property deed)

For Non-EU Entities

Non-EU businesses face stricter requirements:

• Completed registration form in Bulgarian language
• Proof of registration from your home country’s trade register
• Certificate of good standing (dated within the last 6 months)
• Valid passport (for individual applicants)
• Certified Bulgarian translations of all foreign-language documents

This translation requirement catches many foreign businesses off guard. You’ll need a sworn translator certified in Bulgaria, and the translations must be notarized. Expect to pay around 25-40 BGN ($14-22) per page for certified translation, plus notarization fees. Budget an extra 3-5 days for this step.

EORI Application Process: Step by Step

Two paths exist for EORI registration in Bulgaria: online submission through the Customs Agency e-Portal, or paper submission at one of the 15+ customs offices across the country. Major offices are located in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, and Ruse. The full list is available on customs.bg. Your choice depends on your business type and available resources.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before starting the application, collect all required documents. For EU companies, this typically means downloading your Trade Register extract. For non-EU entities, factor in time for translations and notarization.

Step 2: Choose Your Submission Method

Online submission requires a qualified electronic signature compliant with the eIDAS Regulation. If you don’t have one, you’ll need the paper route. Non-EU operators cannot use the online system and must apply in person.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

The EORI registration form asks for basic business information: legal name, registered address, company registration number, contact details, and the type of customs activities you’ll conduct. Double-check every field. Incomplete forms are the top reason for delays.

Step 4: Submit to Bulgarian Customs Agency

Submit your completed form with all supporting documents either through the e-Portal or at your nearest customs office. Keep copies of everything you submit.

Alternative: Use a customs broker. If the process feels overwhelming, licensed customs agents can handle EORI registration on your behalf. You’ll need to provide a power of attorney. Service fees typically run 100-300 BGN ($55-165) depending on complexity. Your company remains legally responsible for the accuracy of information submitted, so choose a reputable broker.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Standard processing takes 1-3 business days. Some sources cite up to 5 working days under Bulgarian legislation. Incomplete applications take longer. Once approved, you receive your EORI number electronically.

Online Registration via e-Portal

Going electronic is faster but has specific requirements. Here’s what you need to access the Bulgarian Customs Agency’s online services.

Prerequisites

• Qualified electronic signature meeting eIDAS Regulation standards (EU Regulation 910/2014)
• Valid account on the Customs Agency e-Portal at ep.customs.bg
• Access to the EORI2 service through “User and Access Management”

Don’t have an electronic signature? In Bulgaria, qualified certificates are issued by providers like B-Trust, Evrotrust, InfoNotary, and StampIT. Prices typically range from 30-80 BGN ($16-44) annually depending on the certificate type. The signature is useful beyond EORI registration since it’s required for many Bulgarian government e-services.

Registration Steps

1. Navigate to the e-Portal registration section at ep.customs.bg
2. Create your account using your electronic signature
3. Request access to EORI2 service via “User and Access Management”
4. Complete the electronic EORI application form
5. Upload required documents
6. Submit and await confirmation

Important Notice

Fair warning: the Customs Agency occasionally implements system updates. During the rollout of the new EORI_BG2 module, electronic registration services may experience temporary disruptions. If you encounter issues, contact the support desk at [email protected] or submit a request at servicedesk.customs.bg.

Common EORI Registration Mistakes

Most application delays stem from preventable errors. Avoid these:

Incomplete Forms

Every field matters. Missing information triggers a request for clarification, adding days to your timeline. Review the form twice before submitting.

Wrong or Outdated Documents

Your Trade Register extract should be current. Certificate of good standing older than six months? Rejected. Expired ID? Rejected. Use fresh documents.

Missing Translations

Foreign documents without certified Bulgarian translations won’t be accepted. This isn’t just any translation. You need a sworn translator recognized in Bulgaria, plus notarization. Start this process early.

Submitting Without Authorization

If someone other than the company’s legal representative submits the application, you need a power of attorney. Forgetting this document delays everything.

Non-EU Companies Using Online Portal

Here’s a critical point: the e-Portal system isn’t available for non-EU operators. If you’re based outside the EU, don’t waste time trying to register online. Go directly to paper submission.

What to Do After Getting Your EORI Number

Registration approval is just the beginning. Take these steps to put your EORI number to work:

Update Your Business Records

Add your EORI number to your official business documentation, invoices, and customs-related paperwork. This number becomes a permanent identifier for your company’s international trade activities.

Inform Your Partners

Share your EORI with freight forwarders, customs brokers, logistics providers, and trade partners. They’ll need it when processing shipments on your behalf.

Review Trade Agreements

With your EORI, you can now access preferential trade agreements and claim preferential origin where applicable. Check if any current agreements benefit your specific import/export activities.

Keep Information Current

Your EORI number never expires. However, you must update the Customs Agency if significant business changes occur: new address, change of legal representative, company restructuring, or shift in customs activities.

Monitor Regulatory Changes

EU customs regulations evolve. The Union Customs Code receives periodic updates. Stay informed about changes that might affect your trading activities or EORI obligations.

Key Benefits of EORI Registration

Beyond legal compliance, your EORI number delivers practical advantages for Bulgaria-based operations:

• Faster customs clearance: Pre-registered operators experience smoother processing at Bulgarian ports and border crossings with Turkey, Serbia, and North Macedonia
• EU-wide recognition: One Bulgarian registration covers all 27 member states, no re-registration needed when shipping through Thessaloniki or other EU ports
• Trade agreement access: Eligibility for preferential tariffs under EU agreements with Turkey, Ukraine, and other trade partners
• Business credibility: Bulgarian banks and trading partners view EORI registration as a sign of legitimate operations
• AEO pathway: EORI is the first step toward Authorized Economic Operator certification, which grants further customs simplifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does EORI registration cost in Bulgaria?

EORI registration through the Bulgarian Customs Agency is free. You pay nothing for the actual registration. However, non-EU businesses should budget for certified translations (sworn translator fees plus notarization) and potentially professional assistance if navigating the process independently seems daunting.

How long does EORI registration take?

Complete applications typically process in 1-3 business days. Bulgarian legislation allows up to 5 working days. Incomplete submissions take longer since the agency must request missing information and wait for your response. Submit everything correctly the first time to avoid delays.

Can I use my EORI number in other EU countries?

Yes. Your Bulgarian EORI number works across all 27 EU member states. You don’t need separate registrations in Germany, France, Netherlands, or anywhere else in the EU. This is one of the core benefits of the harmonized system introduced in 2009.

Does my EORI number expire?

No. Once assigned, your EORI number remains valid indefinitely. However, you must notify the Customs Agency if your business undergoes significant changes (new address, change of legal representative, restructuring). Failing to keep records updated can cause problems during customs procedures.

What if I’m not VAT registered? Do I still need EORI?

Yes. VAT registration and EORI registration are separate requirements. Even if your company isn’t VAT-registered in Bulgaria, you still need an EORI number to engage in any customs activities involving non-EU trade. The two registrations serve different purposes.

Can a customs broker apply for EORI on my behalf?

Yes. Licensed customs agents can handle the entire EORI registration process for you. You’ll need to provide a power of attorney authorizing them to act on your company’s behalf. Expect to pay 100-300 BGN ($55-165) for this service. Your company remains legally responsible for the accuracy of all submitted information, so verify everything before signing off.

How do I verify that my EORI number is active?

Use the European Commission’s EORI validation tool at ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/eos/eori_validation.jsp. Enter your EORI number and it will confirm whether the number is valid and show the registered company name. This is useful when verifying trading partners’ credentials or checking your own registration status.

Final Thoughts

EORI registration in Bulgaria is straightforward when you understand the requirements. EU-based businesses have it easier with online submission, though you’ll need that electronic signature. Non-EU companies face more paperwork but can still complete the process within a week if documents are prepared properly.

Most delays come from incomplete forms, missing translations, and outdated documents. Gather everything before you start. Double-check the form. Submit once, correctly.

One EORI number opens the door to legal customs operations across the entire European Union. For businesses serious about international trade, it’s not bureaucracy to dread. It’s a credential to obtain.

Need help? The Bulgarian Customs Agency support desk is available at [email protected] for registration questions and technical issues with the e-Portal.