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Bulgaria → United Kingdom

Importing your car from Bulgaria to the United Kingdom

Whatever stage of import you’re at, let My Car Import help you out.

  • Transport by sea, land or air
  • Customs clearance handled for you
  • Modified and tested at our own premises
  • Already in the UK? Register remotely

Already in the UK?

Most Bulgarian cars we register are already here

The vast majority of the cars we register from Bulgaria have been driven to the UK by their owners and are already here. In these instances, owners simply require the import registration paperwork to be processed with the DVLA.

If your car is already in the United Kingdom, it can be remotely registered. Please note that there may be limitations under certain circumstances.

Whatever stage of import you’re at, let My Car Import help you out.

Why choose My Car Import?

What is the process for importing a car from Bulgaria?

We’ve completed a large number of car imports from Bulgaria to the UK. That said, there aren’t many countries from which we haven’t imported cars!

We can take care of the entire process of getting your car from Bulgaria into the UK. That means everything from in-land transportation, car importation, customs clearance, modifications for UK road compliance, testing and registration. Plus, we complete all the soul-destroying paperwork that comes with it.

Transport

We manage the entire process of transporting your car

Importing your car probably seems like a daunting process. The truth is that it can be if you don’t have the know-how. That’s why My Car Import manages the entire process of transporting your car to the United Kingdom.

We offer a seamless and effective logistics service to ensure your car has a safe journey from Bulgaria to the United Kingdom.

Once you’ve made us aware of your requirements, we’ll provide a bespoke logistics solution tailored to your needs. Your car can be transported via the sea, land, or air.

We take care of all the customs paperwork on your behalf, and we’re on standby for any queries you have.

A car secured on the deck of the My Car Import enclosed transporter with the side doors open
Inside the enclosed trailer, secured on the deck.
The My Car Import enclosed transporter parked outside the office with imported stock cars alongside
Arriving at our premises, where the modifications and testing happen.

Paperwork

What should come with a Bulgarian car

Send us photographs of everything the seller has and we’ll tell you what’s missing before any money changes hands.

Ask the seller for

  • The registration certificate, both partsСвидетелство за регистрация, част I and част II – the large paper certificate and the credit-card-sized one kept in the car
  • The certificate of conformityBulgarian registrations use a CoC, so the seller may already have one – if not, we source them
  • The purchase invoice or sale contractДоговор за покупко-продажба – needed for the customs value, and for VAT if you’re reclaiming
  • Photographs of the VIN and chassis plateTakes two minutes and settles most identity questions
  • Service history and the ГТП recordBulgaria’s annual technical inspection. Not required to register here, but worth having

Missing something? It’s rarely fatal – we source Certificates of Conformity and dating evidence all the time.

Once your car has cleared customs, it is delivered to our premises where we modify, test and register

Your car will be modified and tested by our in-house team for UK compliance. All relevant testing is undertaken onsite at our privately owned IVA testing lane.

  1. We modify your car at our premisesYour Bulgarian vehicle is modified and tested by ourselves for compliance in the United Kingdom. More often than not this will be headlights and speedometer. But this depends on the original origin of the vehicle.
  2. We test your car at our premisesAll relevant testing is undertaken onsite at our privately owned IVA testing lane. This gives us the advantage of being able to set our own schedules meaning if your Bulgarian vehicle needs an IVA test we can get it through as fast as possible. We also have MOT testing facilities onsite meaning your vehicle never has to leave.
  3. We take care of the entire processFrom transport and customs through to modifications, testing and DVLA registration.
  4. Or register remotelyIf your car is already in the United Kingdom it can be remotely registered. There may be limitations under certain circumstances.
An empty four-post inspection lane in the My Car Import workshop with vehicles being worked on beyond
On the inspection lane at our premises. We test on site every week.

Transit times

How long does it take to transport a car from Bulgaria to the United Kingdom?

The transit time for transporting a car from Bulgaria to the United Kingdom can vary depending on the chosen shipping method. Here are the main shipping options and their estimated transit times:

Estimated transit times

  • RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping – typically 5 to 10 daysThe car is driven onto a specialised car carrier ship. Often the most popular and cost-effective option, depending on the specific route and shipping schedule.
  • Container shipping – usually 7 to 14 daysThe car is loaded into a container and secured for transport. More protection than RoRo, but can be more expensive.

It’s essential to remember that these are approximate transit times, and delays can occur due to various factors such as weather conditions, port congestion, or customs clearance procedures.

Should you choose to work with us, My Car Import will update you on all shipping estimates at the time of import.

Get your no obligation free quote today

Tell us where your car is and what stage you’re at, and we’ll price the whole job.

Frequently asked questions

Every vehicle is different. If yours isn’t covered here, just ask.

What is the process for importing cars under ten years old?

We do this via an IVA test. We are the first and longest privately held IVA testing facility in the UK which means that your car doesn’t need to wait weeks for a testing slot at a government testing centre.

We IVA test every week on-site and, therefore, have the fastest turnaround for registration and UK road compliance.

What is the process for importing cars over ten years old?

Cars over 10 years old, including classics, are type approval exempt but require an MOT test and certain modifications before registration. Modifications are age-dependent but generally to the headlights and rear fog light.

What are the import duties and taxes involved in importing a car from Bulgaria to the UK?

When importing a car from Bulgaria to the UK, you may be required to pay import duties and taxes. The exact amount will depend on factors such as the value of the car, its age, and whether it meets certain emissions and safety standards.

Do I need to register the imported car in the UK?

Yes. Once your car is imported, you’ll need to register it with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK. This involves completing the necessary paperwork and paying the relevant fees.

What documents are required for importing a car from Bulgaria to the UK?

To import a car from Bulgaria to the UK, you will typically need the car’s original registration documents, a purchase invoice or bill of sale, a valid insurance certificate, and a customs declaration form. Additionally, you may need to provide documentation related to the car’s conformity with UK standards.

Do I need to transport the car to the UK myself?

There’s always the option of transporting a car to the UK via your own means, either by driving it or arranging for a transportation service. However, we always advise that you thoroughly research the company to avoid any hidden fees.

We recommend My Car Import to ensure efficiency, safety, and transparency from the outset.

Are there any specific regulations for importing electric or hybrid cars from Bulgaria to the UK?

Electric or hybrid cars imported from Bulgaria to the UK may need to meet specific requirements regarding charging compatibility, emissions standards, and safety regulations. It is advisable to fill in a quote form for more information.

Importing from somewhere else?

We collect from right across the EU. Pick a country for the guide to bringing a car home from there.

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Get a quote