Registering a car imported from Korea with the traffic police
Registration is the last step and usually the most predictable — provided the documents from Korea and from customs are in order.
Registering a car imported from South Korea with the Bulgarian traffic police requires the Korean title document, the export declaration, the customs declaration and proof that duty and VAT have been paid. The car goes through an identification-number check and a roadworthiness test, and some models also need bringing into line with European requirements.
This article is part of the complete guide to importing cars from South Korea.
Terms in this article:Export declarationCustoms declarationBringing into compliance
This is a working draft. The Korea Cars BG team is still expanding it — for your specific case, write to us and we will answer in writing.
The import documents
You need the Korean title document, the export declaration, the customs declaration, and proof that duty and VAT have been paid.
Each of them is checked before an application is filed — a missing document means another visit, not a refusal.
Roadworthiness test and identification
The car goes through an identification-number check and a roadworthiness test. This is where the chassis is verified against the documents.
Conformity with European requirements
Some cars built for the Korean domestic market need conformity work before registration. Exactly what depends on the model and year, and is agreed in advance.
What we do
Korea Cars BG prepares and files the documents and arranges the inspection. You sign, and receive the keys together with the full set of paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
- What paperwork is needed to register an imported car?
- The Korean title document, the export declaration, the customs declaration and proof that duty and VAT have been paid. To those are added the roadworthiness test and the identification-number check.
- How long does registration take?
- With the paperwork in order the stage takes [NUMBER] working days. Delays almost always come from a missing document rather than from the procedure itself.
- Does the car have to be converted for Bulgaria?
- The steering — no, Korean cars are left-hand drive. Some models need bringing into line with European requirements on other points, which depends on the model and the year.
Have a question about a specific car?
Tell us what you are looking for and we will answer in writing — with an indicative final price and timeline.
Send an inquiry