Can I fish without a licence?
No — you need a fishing licence. Amateur fishing requires a ticket from the Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture (IARA). Prices: weekly BGN 12, monthly BGN 16, six-month BGN 30 and annual BGN 50 (≈€26) — the fees rose in 2025, with the annual roughly doubling. The licence is personal and named and cannot be passed on; fishing on someone else's is treated as fishing without one. Children under 14 and people with disabilities get it free. Fishing without a licence is fined BGN 100–400 (≈€51–204). In the Black Sea, amateur fishing is possible without a licence under set conditions. Closed seasons and minimum catch sizes apply to everyone regardless.
📋 The rules
- Amateur fishing: a licence from IARA is mandatory
- Annual BGN 50 (≈€26); monthly BGN 16; weekly BGN 12
- The licence is personal and named — not transferable
- Children under 14 and people with disabilities — free
- Without a licence: fine BGN 100–400 (≈€51–204)
🔓 Exceptions
- Children under 14 and people with disabilities get the licence free
- In the Black Sea amateur fishing is possible without a licence under set conditions
- Closed seasons and minimum catch sizes apply regardless of the licence
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Amateur fishing without a licence is fined BGN 100 to 400 (≈€51–204). Breaches of closed seasons, minimum sizes and banned gear are sanctioned separately. In serious cases the catch and equipment can be confiscated.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How much is a fishing licence?
The annual one is BGN 50 (≈€26), six-month BGN 30, monthly BGN 16 and weekly BGN 12. Prices rose in 2025 — the annual and monthly roughly doubled and the weekly tripled.
What is the fine for fishing without a licence?
BGN 100 to 400 (≈€51–204). Breaches of closed seasons, minimum catch sizes and the use of banned gear are penalised separately and more heavily.
Are there free licences?
Yes. Children under 14 and people with disabilities receive a fishing licence free of charge. That does not exempt them from the other rules — closed seasons and catch sizes apply to everyone.
Can I lend my licence to someone?
No. The licence is personal and named and cannot be transferred. Fishing on someone else's licence is treated as fishing without one and penalised the same way.
Do I need a licence in the Black Sea?
Under set conditions, amateur fishing in Black Sea waters is possible without a licence. The conditions are specific, so check the current requirements before relying on the exemption.
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