Drone regulations in Bulgaria

Last update on 13.08.2021 | 10 Kommentare

In this post, you learn about the drone rules in Bulgaria.

The EU Drone Regulation has been in force in Bulgaria since December 31, 2020. This has largely harmonized the rules for remote pilots. You only have to register as an operator in one European country and your EU drone license is also recognized across countries.

If you want to register in Bulgaria, you can do so via this link.

Overview of the European rules that apply in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, the regulations of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) apply. The following is a summary of the key facts. For a complete overview, read our article on the new EU drone regulation.

Is registration necessary? Registration is mandatory for all drone operators, unless the drone weighs less than 250 grams and is NOT equipped with sensors to collect personal data (e.g. camera, microphone). Drones that fall under the EU Toys Directive are also exempt. The registration is recognized in all countries that have also introduced the EU Drone Regulation.
LabelsAll drones must be visibly marked with the individual registration number (e-ID). If available, the number must also be loaded into the drones remote identification system. More info on drone badges
Drone licence:Depending on the category, pilots must take exams to obtain the EU drone licence. These are recognised in all countries that have also introduced the EU Drone Regulation.
Differentiation by category: Open Category (with three subcategories), Specific Category and Certified Category; no distinction between private and commercial pilots.
Maximum Altitude:120 Meter in uncontrolled airspace in Open Category.
Keep distance to airports
Respect the privacy of other people

National peculiarities in Bulgaria

Each country can define certain aspects of its drone regulations. For Bulgaria, the following requirements apply in addition to the European regulations.

Is drone insurance mandatory? No. Learn more about drone insurance here.
Minimum age for remote pilots16 years
Resources:CAA
Maps with no-fly zones

Further regulations in Bulgaria

If you would like to acquire a drone license in Bulgaria, an online portal is available for this.

You can find application forms, for example for the Specific Category, via this link.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Bulgaria to the best of our knowledge. We can not guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, please contact the competent aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the embassy in your country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your copter in Bulgaria!

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About the author

Since January 2015, we travel around the world. In our backpack we carry a camera drone which we use to capture the best places from a bird’s perspective. First we travelled with a DJI Phantom 2. But now we use several drones like the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ or the DJI Mini 3 Pro. On our blog we share the best tips for you about travelling with a drone. If you have questions about this article or new information, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment!

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Discussions

  • Stanimir Dimitrov | 30.01.2018

    Hi,
    Yes everything that you know is exactly correct. You need permissions from two agences for safety fly.
    Here: https://www.caa.bg/en/category/641/drones and here: http://www.bulatsa.com/en/services/information-remote-controlled-aircraft

    But if you fly under 50 m. Nobody tell you something and you can fly without that permission. Inlegal of course and for your responsibility!

    Reply
    • Francis Markert | 28.03.2018

      Hi Stanimir,
      Thank you for your feedback! Very helpful! 🙂

      Reply
  • Ryan | 12.03.2018

    Where is there information regarding the 50m exception?

    I’ve seen a couple of people online say that permission is not required for drones up to 4kg and if flown under 50m, but I can’t find anything official to verify.

    Reply
    • Francis Markert | 28.03.2018

      Hi Ryan,
      As Stanimir said, it is not an official rule.

      Reply
  • Nikolai Tsekov | 04.09.2018

    I’d not bother with documents for flying in Bulgaria, unless trying to film around the ministries buildings and the Parliament building in Sofia.

    But I’d not try to fly >2kg drone anywhere within the city, and I’d keep it in sight.

    Reply
  • Sorin | 27.09.2018

    Guys, I want to bring my Mavic Pro to Bansko.
    Will use it for amateur purposes: tracked downhill rides, ridiculos selfies & stuff.
    Are there any restrictions?
    Should I ask for authorities approval?

    Cheers!

    Reply
    • Nikolai Tsekov | 28.09.2018

      Don’t bother, I’ve never heard of anyone needing authorities approval, and I guess I never will. May be if you are filming something with many people, like a concert, or something similar, it would be good idea to try them, otherwise just fly and enjoy. Mind the winds, I’ve been to Bansko twice and both times it was very windy.

      I’m in Croatia right now, on a trip we decided in the last moment, and I regret they have such a lousy law about drone flights.

      Reply
    • Nikolai Tsekov | 28.09.2018

      P.S. Try “patatnik” and “tarator w/o garlic” (unless you like garlic) at the tavern at the dead center of the town 🙂

      Reply
      • Sorin | 30.09.2018

        Thanks!!

        Reply
  • Ollie | 03.09.2020

    Hi there – Im travelling to Varna, and would like to know If can I fly my DJI Mavic Mini (249g) If so how high and are there any rules? I have sent documents as outlined below. Cheers

    Reply

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