Is a license required for a walkie-talkie in Bulgaria?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions by customers who are interested in purchasing a two-way radio in Bulgaria for the first time. The answer depends on the type of radio station, the frequency band, and its intended purpose. In this article, we will look at the main categories and what applies to each of them.

License-Free Radios — PMR 446 MHz

Yes, there are radio stations for which no license is required in Bulgaria and Europe. These are PMR 446 (Personal Mobile Radio) devices operating in the frequency range 446.000 – 446.100 MHz. Bulgaria is a member of CEPT (European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations), which means that PMR 446 radios are permitted for free use throughout the European zone without registration or permit.

PMR 446 radios are suitable for:

• Small facilities, warehouses, and shops

• Hotels and restaurants

• Hunting trips, hiking, and outdoor recreation in the mountains

• Family and personal use

It is important to know that these devices operate at low power (up to 0.5W) and provide a range of up to about 5 km under optimal conditions. No modifications to PMR 446 radios are allowed, and their use on board an aircraft or ship is prohibited without permission.

Professional Radios — License Required

For professional radios — whether analog or digital DMR — using frequencies outside the PMR 446 band, a permit from the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) is required in Bulgaria. This applies to most handheld, mobile, and base station radios used in a business environment.

The license is issued by the CRC and covers the specific frequencies on which your radio system will operate. The procedure includes submitting an application, specifying the technical parameters of the equipment, and paying an administrative fee.

Licensed radios are widely used by:

• Security companies throughout Bulgaria

• Construction companies and industrial sites

• Transport and logistics companies

• Rescue teams and Mountain Rescue Service

• Utility companies and municipal structures

Amateur Radios (Ham Radio)

For amateur radio activity, a special permit for competence issued by the CRC after passing an exam is required. Radio amateurs operate on specially designated frequency bands and receive a personal call sign. There are two classes of competence — Class 1 and Class 2, with Class 1 granting access to more frequencies and higher power.

PoC / LTE Radios — A Special Case

PoC / LTE radios operate over the mobile network (4G/LTE) and technically do not use radio frequency spectrum outside these networks. A frequency license from the CRC is not required for their use — an active SIM card from a mobile operator is sufficient. This makes them particularly convenient for organizations across Bulgaria that need long-range communication over a large area without administrative burden.

How to Choose Correctly?

Integra-A Ltd. has been operating on the Bulgarian market since 1993 and can help you choose the right equipment — whether you are looking for license-free radios for a quick start or a licensed DMR system for your organization in Sofia and the rest of the country. Our team advises clients from all industries and provides full assistance in building and maintaining radio systems.

📞 Contact us at +359 888 66 09 55 or office@integra-a.com