Driving licences

Driving licence recognition for drivers from Asia

To drive professionally for a Bulgarian carrier, a driver from Asia needs a licence valid for work in Bulgaria. We accompany the process from document review to the Code 95 qualification \u2013 alongside sourcing the drivers themselves.

Licence reviewed before sourcing starts
Sworn translations and legalisation
Accompaniment and interpretation at authorities
Planned together with Code 95

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Service at a glance

Scope: Categories C, C+E, D
Source markets: Philippines, India, Nepal, Uzbekistan
Lead time: Candidates within 1–3 months
Next step: Code 95

One coordinator through the whole process

01Definition

What it involves

A foreign licence is not automatically a basis for professional work in the European Union. Depending on the issuing country, the document is exchanged, recognised, or an examination is required. The route follows the individual driver's documents, not a single general rule.

Exchange

Possible for countries and documents where the applicable rules allow direct exchange.

Recognition

A recognition procedure based on documents and certified translations.

Examination

Where the rules require a theoretical or practical exam in Bulgaria.

02Documents

What gets prepared

Original licence

Driving licence from the issuing country, valid at the time of the procedure.

Sworn translation and legalisation

Translation by a sworn translator and legalisation per the requirements for the given country.

Residence document

Single permit for residence and work, or another valid document confirming lawful stay.

Medical certificate

Issued in Bulgaria under the applicable requirements for professional drivers.

Proven experience

Employment documents and references from previous carriers – verified already at the sourcing stage.

Criminal record documents

As required by the procedure and by the employer.

03Process

How it works in practice

01
Document review
before start
Before sourcing we review the licence and record and determine the real route: exchange, recognition or examination.
02
Residence and address registration
1–2 weeks
After arrival we arrange lawful stay documents and address registration – the basis for every next step.
03
Document pack and translations
1–2 weeks
Sworn translations, legalisation, medical certificate and application preparation.
04
Accompanying at the authority
case by case
Appointment booking, accompaniment and interpretation when documents are submitted.
05
Code 95 qualification
per schedule
Once the licence is in place, professional qualification follows at a partner training centre.

04Authorities

Who decides what

Driving licences are issued by the Ministry of Interior. Professional driver qualification and training centres fall under the Executive Agency \u201eAutomobile Administration\u201d. We prepare documents and accompany the driver \u2013 decisions stay with the authorities.

The Code 95 qualification is covered on Code 95 for drivers from Asia, and the residence and work procedure on single permit for residence and work.

05Timeline

Timelines

Candidates realistically arrive within 1–3 months of signing the contract. The exact timeline depends on the capacity of public authorities, consular services, embassies and the visa system.

Candidates within 1–3 months

From brief to a work-ready driver

1–2 wks

Compiling translations and documents

parallel

Licence and Code 95 in one schedule

06FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can a driver from Asia work in Bulgaria on a licence from their home country?

Professional work for a Bulgarian carrier requires a driving licence valid for that purpose in Bulgaria. Depending on the issuing country and document type, the route is exchange, recognition or an examination. We review each candidate's documents before the process starts so there are no surprises after arrival.

Which documents are needed?

Typically: the original driving licence, a sworn translation and legalisation, a residence document for Bulgaria, a medical certificate and proof of professional experience. The exact list depends on the authority and the issuing country – we compile it together with the candidate.

Who issues the Bulgarian driving licence?

Driving licences are issued by the Ministry of Interior, while professional driver qualification (Code 95) falls under the Executive Agency „Automobile Administration”. We coordinate document preparation and accompany the driver – we do not replace the authorities.

Does recognition include Code 95?

No. These are two separate matters: recognition or exchange concerns the driving licence itself, while Code 95 is a professional qualification obtained through training at a licensed centre. We plan the two steps one after another.

How long does the procedure take?

Candidates realistically arrive within 1–3 months of signing the contract. The exact timeline depends on the capacity of public authorities, consular services, embassies and the visa system. Licence recognition is scheduled right after address registration so it does not block the carrier's plan.

Do you help with the language barrier?

Yes. We provide interpretation and accompany the driver through administrative steps; candidates from the Philippines usually speak English at a working level.