Send package to Bulgaria
Compare shipping offers for Sofia, Plovdiv and all of Bulgaria
A package to Bulgaria remains within the European Union. Therefore, goods from Germany within the EU usually do not require customs clearance. This significantly simplifies shipping.
- Compare parcel, express and freight offers directly
- No regular import duty on Union goods
- Find services for cities and rural areas
- Include the full four-digit postal code
- Please note the 20 percent Bulgarian VAT.
- Documenting business shipments correctly for tax purposes
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Send directly and easily to Bulgaria
The EU single market simplifies the movement of goods. Nevertheless, the address, tax information, and products should be finalized before collection.
Choose the appropriate shipping method:
Standard packages are suitable for goods that can be delivered in advance. Express services, on the other hand, are better suited for urgent documents and spare parts.
Enter the full address:
Please provide the street address, house number, and four-digit postal code. For apartment buildings, also include the block, entrance, floor, and apartment number.
Check VAT:
B2B and B2C deliveries are subject to different rules. Therefore, clarify VAT ID number, OSS (Official Store Number), and invoice details before selling.
Shipping from
10.82 €
Delivery in
2-7 days
Guaranteed total cost for Platinum customers
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Parcel shipping from Germany to Bulgaria
The Shipping from Germany to Bulgaria The journey is primarily by road. The route mostly leads through Central and Southeastern Europe. There is no customs border for EU goods along this route.
Paket International compares available offers based on your information. Enter your pickup location, destination address, dimensions, and weight. Then select the price and service that best suits your needs.
Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas have good transport links. Ruse, Stara Zagora, and Pleven are also regularly accessible. Rural destinations may take a little longer.
Bulgaria has been using the euro since January 1, 2026. This eliminates currency conversions between German and Bulgarian business partners.
With complete information, a Send package to Bulgaria, without unnecessary queries during transport and delivery.
Common problems when shipping to Bulgaria
Although no formal customs clearance is required, errors can delay delivery. Most often, parts of the address or contact information are missing.
Typical problems include:
- The four-digit postal code is missing.
- The town and postal code do not match.
- The street name or house number is incomplete.
- Block, entrance or apartment are missing.
- The recipient's name is only written in Cyrillic script.
- Phone number or email address is missing.
- The B2B invoice contains an incorrect VAT ID number.
- The transport confirmation remains incomplete.
- A shop is calculating the wrong sales tax.
- Goods subject to excise duty travel as normal parcels.
- Lithium batteries are not registered correctly.
- The package exceeds size or weight limits.
- The destination is located in a surcharge area.
- The recipient cannot be reached at the time of delivery.
First, check the address and contact details. Then, compare the product, service, and tax treatment. This way, you can identify errors before pickup.
For business deliveries, the invoice should match the order. For pallet deliveries, a packing list and delivery instructions are also helpful.
Typical goods for shipping to Bulgaria
EU membership facilitates trade with Bulgaria. Therefore, the destination is suitable for spare parts, merchandise, and regular e-commerce shipments.
Typical program content includes, for example:
- Machine and plant components
- Vehicle and commercial vehicle parts
- Tools and workshop equipment
- Electrical components and switching systems
- Pumps, valves and seals
- Computers and network devices
- Measurement, testing and control technology
- Solar and energy technology
- Furniture, fittings and home accessories
- Textiles, shoes and sporting goods
- Cosmetics and care products
- Product samples and promotional materials
Product and carrier regulations also apply within the EU. This applies, for example, to dangerous goods, alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain foodstuffs.
Describe the goods clearly in German or English. For business shipments, we recommend also including an item number. This makes it easier for the recipient to identify the delivery.
Check the following beforehand: prohibited and restricted itemsDevices with batteries also require correct Information on lithium batteries.
Shipping information: Bulgaria
Shipping methods to Bulgaria compared
The most suitable shipping method depends on urgency, weight, and destination. Quantity and type of goods also influence the selection.
Express Shipping
Express shipping is ideal for urgent documents, samples, and spare parts. Transport can be by road or air. Detailed tracking facilitates scheduling.
Standard parcel shipping
A standard parcel is suitable for planned deliveries. This service usually offers a good balance between price and delivery time. DHL currently cites four to five working days as a guideline.
Economy and Premium service
Economy services are suitable for less urgent packages. Premium services often offer shorter delivery times or additional delivery options. The exact difference depends on the carrier.
General cargo and pallet shipping
Pallets are usually transported to Bulgaria by truck. General cargo is suitable for smaller quantities. Part or full loads, on the other hand, are appropriate for larger projects.
Air and sea freight
Air freight is helpful for particularly urgent B2B shipments. Sea freight plays a role primarily in global pre-carriage. For Germany, direct road transport usually remains the more practical option.
| Shipping method | Suitable for | Time | Important point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express | Documents, samples, spare parts | fast | Check appointment and tracking |
| Standard package | normal goods packages | medium | good value for money |
| Economy | less urgent goods | rather slowly | Keep the term flexible |
| General cargo | individual pallets | medium | Clarify access and unloading |
| Full load | large quantities of goods | individually | Coordinate time slots |
Our page about Express Shipping shows quick options. For large shipments, you will find information on... Pallet shipping.
Transport routes from Germany to Bulgaria
Bulgaria is located in the southeast of the European Union. Therefore, long road corridors connect the country with Germany. Trucks are the most important mode of transport for parcels and pallets.
Road transport
Many routes lead through Austria and Hungary. Depending on the route, the journey then continues through Romania or Serbia. A purely EU route avoids customs transit for EU goods.
Since January 2025, Bulgaria has been a full member of the Schengen Area. Personal checks at internal land borders have been abolished in principle. However, traffic, security, and goods checks remain possible.
Important Bulgarian transport routes connect:
- Sofia with the Serbian border
- Widin with Sofia
- Sofia with Plovdiv
- Plovdiv with Burgas
- Russian with Varna
- Sofia with the Greek border
Air transport for urgent shipments
Time-critical goods can travel by air. Sofia is the most important air freight destination. Regional airports supplement the network depending on the carrier and season.
After arrival, the goods are transported by road. This makes air freight particularly worthwhile when time is of the essence or when dealing with valuable goods.
Sea and combined transport
Varna and Burgas are located on the Black Sea. Both ports handle different types of cargo. They can serve as gateways for overseas shipments.
For shipments from Germany, road and rail are usually more direct. Combined transport can be economical for large quantities or established routes.
Delivery within Bulgaria
Large cities have dense delivery networks. Mountainous regions, small villages, and remote locations sometimes require more time. Winter conditions can also affect delivery times.
Therefore, plan your delivery by including the destination postal code, accessibility, and delivery frequency. For pallet deliveries, you should also clarify the loading ramp and unloading assistance.
Import duties when shipping to Bulgaria
No import duties are normally levied on goods from the EU originating in Germany. There is neither a regular import customs duty nor an import VAT at the internal border.
However, the following costs may be relevant:
- Bulgarian VAT on B2C distance sales
- Acquisition taxation for B2B recipients
- Excise tax on alcohol or tobacco
- Toll and fuel surcharges
- Area surcharges
- Cash on delivery or appointment service
- Return and storage costs
Value-added tax (VAT) is not included in the transport price. However, online shops must correctly include it in the final price. Above the EU threshold, the destination principle generally applies.
Non-Union goods are an exception. Customs duties and import VAT may apply during transit, customs warehousing, or direct import into a third country. The specific procedure determines the applicable regulations.
However, for typical Germany-Bulgaria parcels, the focus is on intra-community trade.
Cost of sending a package to Bulgaria
Shipping costs depend on weight, size, and service. Destination and additional services also affect the price.
Important price factors include:
- actual weight
- Length, width and height
- calculated volumetric weight
- Express, standard or economy service
- Pickup and delivery address
- transport insurance
- bulky goods or excess items
- Dangerous goods or lithium batteries
- Cash on delivery and appointment options
- possible area surcharge
Large, lightweight cardboard boxes often have a high bulk density. Compact packaging can therefore reduce the price. It also provides better protection against movement within the box.
For business customers, it's worth comparing the overall service. Tracking, liability, and delivery attempts vary depending on the carrier.
For pallets, loading aids and unloading conditions affect the price. Therefore, please specify whether the recipient has a ramp or a forklift.
With complete data, you get a realistic comparison for the Shipping to Bulgaria.
Shipping to Bulgaria for online shops
Bulgaria offers German online shops an EU market without regular customs borders. This makes processing orders easier than with shipments to third countries.
The following information should be available for each order:
- clear product name
- Item number or SKU
- Quantity and selling price
- Weight and package dimensions
- full delivery address
- four-digit postal code
- Mobile number and email address
- Information regarding batteries or hazardous materials
- correct VAT rate
Managing VAT via OSS
For B2C distance sales, the common EU threshold of €10.000 applies. Above this amount, the tax of the destination country generally applies. For Bulgaria, the standard rate is 20 percent.
The One Stop Shop combines reporting and payment in one EU country. As a result, merchants often do not need an additional Bulgarian VAT registration.
Clearly display delivery options
Display standard and express delivery options separately. This allows customers to easily see the difference in price and delivery time. Include pickup points or delivery options to improve conversion rates.
Automate shipping data
Centralized product management reduces errors. The shop, invoice, and shipping label then access the same data.
The Shipping integration connects ordering and label purchase. Individual systems can also be used for our [product/service]. Shipping API use.
Plan returns in advance
A return address within the EU simplifies returns. Clearly communicate costs, deadlines, and procedures. This reduces the workload for both customer service and buyers.
Special considerations for shipping to Bulgaria
Bulgaria combines EU single market, Schengen membership and the euro. Nevertheless, country-specific address and tax rules remain important.
Address in Latin letters
For international shipments, the UPU recommends using the Latin alphabet. Within Bulgaria, however, the Cyrillic alphabet is common. Therefore, use Latin letters for your shipping label.
A complete address should ideally contain:
- Name of recipient or company
- Mobile phone number
- Street and house number
- residential complex or district
- Block, entrance, floor and apartment
- four-digit postal code
- Place in capital letters
- BULGARIA as a country
The postal code is listed to the left of the town name. For example: 1000 SOFIAProviding your phone number and email address makes coordinating delivery easier.
Understanding Bulgarian address abbreviations
Local abbreviations often appear on existing addresses:
ul.for roadbl.for block or buildingvh.for entranceet.for floorap.for apartmentj.k.for residential complexobl.for administrative area
Please use this information in its entirety. Do not translate street names freely. Otherwise, the local assignment may fail.
Euro since 2026
Bulgaria has been using the euro since January 1, 2026. Invoices and cash-on-delivery statements should therefore be based on current currency information. Old templates using lev need to be updated.
Packaging and product obligations
Online retailers in Bulgaria may be subject to extended manufacturer obligations. This applies to packaging, electrical appliances, and batteries. Check registration and quantity requirements before entering the market.
Shipping service provider for Bulgaria
Several parcel and express delivery services serve Bulgaria. The best choice depends on the package details, delivery time, and destination region.
DHL Parcel International
DHL Parcel International Suitable for packages that can be scheduled in advance. DHL currently cites four to five working days as a delivery guideline.
No customs documents are required for shipments from Germany. However, the address should be written in Latin script. A telephone number and email address will facilitate delivery.
DHL Express
DHL Express offers time-critical door-to-door services. These are suitable for documents, spare parts, and high-value business goods. The specific delivery time depends on the postal code and pickup time.
UPS
UPS offers standard and express solutions within Europe. The service is suitable for parcels and larger business shipments. Tracking and delivery options vary depending on the product.
FedEx
FedEx transports express packages and freight shipments to Bulgaria. The provider is particularly suitable for time-critical B2B deliveries. Availability and transit time depend on the destination address.
DPD and GLS
DPD and GLS have European road networks. Both providers can be attractive for scheduled parcel deliveries. Depending on the service, regional partners handle the delivery.
Bulgarian Posts
Bulgarian Posts is the national postal operator. The company offers international parcels, EMS, and tracking. Postal items can be transferred there for local delivery.
Freight forwarding companies
European freight forwarders are suitable for pallets, general cargo, and full truckloads. They coordinate route planning, delivery dates, and unloading. Rail or combined transport options are also available.
Compare before booking:
- Total price and surcharges
- planned duration
- maximum dimensions and weights
- Tracking scope
- liability and insurance
- Number of delivery attempts
- Drop-off and pick-up options
- Bulky goods acceptance
- Service in the target region
Paket International displays available offers based on your shipment details. This helps you find a provider that better matches your goods, budget, and delivery date.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
How can I send a package to Bulgaria?
Enter the pickup location, destination address, dimensions, and weight into the shipping cost calculator. Then compare suitable services. No customs documents are required for standard EU goods.
How long does it take to send a package to Bulgaria?
Delivery time depends on the provider and destination. DHL currently states four to five business days for standard parcels. Express shipments can arrive faster.
Do I need to fill out a customs declaration form?
No, not normally. Germany and Bulgaria are part of the EU Customs Union. Therefore, goods from the Union do not require regular customs declarations.
Are import duties or import sales tax payable?
No import duties are levied on standard EU goods at the Bulgarian border. However, VAT may be relevant for sales or intra-Community acquisitions.
What is the VAT rate in Bulgaria?
The standard rate is 20 percent. Different rules apply to certain products and services. Online shops should therefore check their product categories.
What sales tax applies to sales to private customers?
Above the common EU distance selling threshold, the tax of the destination country generally applies. Merchants can report the Bulgarian tax via OSS.
How does a B2B delivery work?
Check the Bulgarian VAT ID number via VIES. If the requirements are met, the delivery may be tax-free in Germany. The buyer then pays VAT on the purchase in Bulgaria.
Do I need a commercial invoice?
It is not required for customs clearance. However, a proper invoice remains necessary for B2B transactions. It also serves as proof of value in the event of complaints.
Can I send a gift to Bulgaria?
Yes. No customs declaration is required for permitted gifts within the EU. However, please observe carrier restrictions, size limitations, and regulations for hazardous materials.
What does a Bulgarian postal code look like?
It consists of four digits. On the label, it appears to the left of the location. A correct example is: 1000 SOFIA.
May the address contain Cyrillic script?
International shipping labels should use Latin characters. An additional Cyrillic address line can be helpful. However, the machine-readable main address should remain unambiguous.
Can I ship lithium batteries?
This depends on the design, energy content, and packaging. Stricter shipping regulations apply to loose batteries. Therefore, please specify rechargeable batteries in your shipping request.
Can I send alcohol to Bulgaria?
Alcohol is subject to special excise duties and carrier regulations. B2C distance selling creates obligations in the destination country. Clarify these before your first shipment.
Can I ship a pallet to Bulgaria?
Yes. General cargo is suitable for individual pallets. For larger quantities, partial or full loads are an option. Clarify the loading dock and unloading procedures.
Can I send you verfolgen?
Most parcel and express services offer tracking. The status may be slightly delayed during partner handovers. Please refer to the tracking information provided by your chosen carrier.
