Getting a mobile number in Bulgaria
A mobile number is among the first things a newcomer sorts out, because banks, couriers, appointment systems and most e-services want a phone number for verification. The process is short but tends to snag in two places: the identification requirement and the length of a contract. Below is who regulates what, and the questions worth asking before you sign.
Everyday life · Last reviewed: 2026-08-16
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The two basic options
| Prepaid | Contract | |
|---|---|---|
| Agreement | None or very short | Fixed-term contract common |
| Document | Identification at registration | ID and usually an address |
| Payment | By topping up | Monthly invoice, often by direct debit |
| Handset | Bought separately | May come bundled in instalments |
| Early exit | No consequences | Conditions written into the contract |
Documents requested
- Identity document. Identification when registering a subscriber follows from electronic communications legislation and applies to prepaid cards as well.
- For foreigners, a passport or residence document. Which documents are accepted can differ between operators; a call ahead saves a wasted trip.
- Address details. Billed contracts require a billing address; without address registration, prepaid is more practical.
- Bank details. If direct debit is being set up, account or card details are requested — do this only through the operator's own official channel.
Portability and the end of a contract
Numbers are portable
You can keep your number when switching operator; the procedure follows rules set by the Communications Regulation Commission, and the request is filed with the new operator.Ask about term and renewal
For a fixed-term contract, what happens at the end — automatic renewal, and the notice period for termination — is written into the contract itself. Ask both questions before signing.How to complain
Complaints about a bill or a service go first in writing to the operator. If that fails, routes remain to the competent consumer protection and communications authorities; for EU-wide consumer rights see the Your Europe pages.
Roaming within the Union
Bulgaria has been an EU member since 2007, and travel within the Union is covered by common consumer rules built on the "roam like at home" principle. The details — fair use conditions and which services are covered — are set in legislation and updated over time, so verify what your own plan covers in the operator's tariff terms and the general framework on the European Commission's pages. Outside the Union, including calls to and roaming in Türkiye, these rules do not apply and the operator's international tariff governs.
This is not legal or financial advice
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a number without showing a document?
No. Identification at subscriber registration is a statutory requirement and applies to prepaid cards too. A channel offering a number without documents operates outside that regime, which can lead to the service being cut later.
Can I port my foreign number to Bulgaria?
No. Portability works only between operators inside one national numbering plan. The common solution is to keep the old number active and take a second one for Bulgaria.
How do I terminate a contract when leaving the country?
Termination follows the procedure written into the contract, normally written notice within a set period. If the contract is fixed-term, early termination triggers the conditions recorded in it — so ask for a copy at signing.
Sources
The information on this page is based on the official sources listed below. Legislation changes — open the links and verify the current position.
- Единен портал за достъп до електронни административни услуги (egov.bg) — https://egov.bg/ · 2026-08-16
- Lex.bg — Закон за електронните съобщения — https://www.lex.bg/ · 2026-08-16
- Your Europe — telecoms and consumer rights in the EU — https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/ · 2026-08-16
- European Commission — roaming and telecoms single market — https://ec.europa.eu/ · 2026-08-16
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