Pursuant to the Bulgarian legislation, the import and export of currency and currency valuables is controlled by the state. All persons crossing the borders of the Republic of Bulgaria compulsorily complete and present to the border authorities a customs declaration if they import or export foreign currency in cash, precious metals, including goods made from them, and precious stones.
The purpose of the declaration is to perform subsequent control and factual inspections of the carried amounts of cash and currency valuables. Upon establishing any undeclared currency and valuables, the customs authorities confiscate the found undeclared amounts in favour of the state.
The declaration is completed by the departing/arriving person and is submitted to the border inspector, who checks the data in it and verifies it with his or her personal signature and seal. In the event currency and valuables are declared upon departure from Bulgaria, the declaration is kept by the person until the return of the said person to the Republic of Bulgaria.
Upon entry into the country, all sums in BGN and foreign currency in cash, including traveller’s cheques of total amount exceeding EUR 4,000, are subject to declaration. The sums below EUR 4,000 are transported freely, with no need to declare them.
In addition to declaring the transported sum, upon leaving Bulgaria the foreign natural persons also declare its origin /method of acquisition/, for example: import of currency upon entry into the country, transfer from abroad, rewards, winnings from games, donation, etc. Permission from the Bulgarian National Bank is required in the event of export of sums exceeding EUR 10,000 or their equivalent in traveller’s cheques and valuables.
The exported metals and precious stones are also declared subject to the following limitations:
- 37 g of gold and platinum in unprocessed and semi-processed form;
- 60 g for jewels and accessories from gold and platinum;
- 300 g for silver in unprocessed and semi-processed form, coins, jewels and accessories.
The export of items which are monuments of culture from Bulgaria requires not only their declaration but also submission of permission by the respective administration – the Ministry of Culture.
No limitations exist with regard to the amount of the currency that can be imported in Bulgaria. What is important is that all sums in the amount of over EUR 4,000 must be declared. There is no upper limit to the import.
Beware: the present requirements are subject to the Bulgarian legislation! Make sure you check the conditions for import and export of currency, applicable in your country. If necessary, you can consult our specialists!
