EORI Registration in Bulgaria: What You Need to Know in 2025

For those interested in company registration in Bulgaria, understanding the obligations related to customs operations is essential. One of these is the EORI registration—an important procedure for all economic operators engaging in import or export activities within the European Union. As a member of the EU, Bulgaria complies with the customs regulations in force throughout the Community, including the requirement for an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number.

EORI Number: Purpose and Applicability

The EORI number serves as a unique identifier for businesses and individuals carrying out customs-related activities in the EU. It ensures traceability and security in commercial exchanges and simplifies data exchange across Member States. In Bulgaria, all economic operators—legal entities and individuals alike—must apply for an EORI number before initiating any customs operations.

There are cases where a temporary identification number may be assigned by the customs administration—this occurs when a customs declaration is required, but the applicant is not yet obligated (or ready) to obtain a full EORI number. These provisional numbers are not part of the EORI system and serve only for isolated customs declarations.

Read also: Managing Business Trips in Bulgaria: How to Optimize Tax Benefits

Who Must Register for an EORI Number?

As per the EU Customs Code, any economic operator established within the customs territory of the Union is obliged to obtain an EORI number. This includes:

• Natural persons who are residents in Bulgaria
  
• Legal persons (e.g., private or public limited companies) with a registered office or permanent establishment in Bulgaria
  
• Associations of individuals engaging in legal transactions, even if not recognized as legal entities
  

Non-EU residents and foreign businesses may also register, though additional documentation is required.

EORI Registration Requirements in Bulgaria

The EORI registration process is handled by the Bulgarian National Customs Agency. Applications can be submitted:

• Electronically (via the e-Portal with a qualified electronic signature, according to the eIDAS Regulation)
  
• In person (paper submission at local customs offices across Bulgaria)
  

The main documents required include:

• A completed application form (in Bulgarian)
  
• For companies: a registration certificate from the Bulgarian Trade Register
  
• For individuals: a valid ID card or passport
  
• For non-EU entities: a certificate of good standing (not older than six months), trade register certificate from the country of origin, and a certified Bulgarian translation of all documents
  

In case a proxy is used to submit the documents, a notarized power of attorney must also be provided.

Read also: Dormant Companies in Bulgaria: Updated 2025 Guide

EORI Number Format and Use in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian EORI number follows this structure:

• BG + X + Trade Register number + control digit (for legal persons)
  
• BG + X + ID number + control digit (for natural persons)
  

The number must be used in every customs transaction carried out within the EU. It allows Bulgarian businesses to identify themselves efficiently during cross-border commercial operations.

Data Structure in the EORI Central System

The EORI system stores and manages data such as:

• The assigned EORI number
  
• Identification details of the operator
  
• Official addresses
  

Only data for which consent is granted will be publicly available via the European Commission’s online verification portal. Users can check the validity of EORI numbers and related company details if permitted by the registrant.

Processing Time and Submission Details

Once submitted, the EORI registration process in Bulgaria generally takes around three business days, provided that all documentation is complete. Entrepreneurs are strongly advised to register well before the launch of their import/export activities to avoid delays.

Foreign applicants should note that documents not in Bulgarian must be translated by a sworn translator and certified by a notary. This process may add extra time and cost, so early preparation is recommended.

The process of obtaining an EORI number may be unfamiliar to non-resident applicants. Working with local experts in Bulgaria is highly recommended, especially for businesses registering a branch or launching trade operations for the first time. Legal support ensures all documentation complies with both national and EU regulations, avoiding costly errors or delays.

The EORI number is mandatory for all customs-related activities within the EU. It must be obtained before engaging in any import or export transactions. Delays in registration could disrupt your business plans and lead to compliance issues.

Given the regulatory complexity and multilingual documentation requirements, it is advisable to work with a professional accountant in Bulgaria, like Accountancy Bulgaria, who can coordinate the registration process, ensure the correctness of financial documentation, and support your company in fulfilling its ongoing tax and customs obligations.