How Bulgaria's EV Subsidy Works in 2026

Buying an electric car in Bulgaria can be significantly cheaper if you make proper use of the available state incentives. This article explains the current situation as of 2026 — the programs, the conditions, and the practical steps.

The national EV subsidy scheme

Bulgaria runs an active EV subsidy scheme, administered by the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Environment and Water, funded partly by European funds and partly by the national budget.

Subsidy amount

For individuals buying a new Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV):

• Up to €35,000 — a subsidy of up to 10% of the price, capped at €3,500
• €35,001–60,000 — a subsidy of up to 7%, capped at €4,000

For Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV), the subsidy is half as much.

*Note: The exact amounts are updated with each new regulation. Check the current conditions on the official Ministry of Environment and Water portal.*

Who qualifies

To apply, you need to meet the following conditions:

• Individuals: Have a permanent address in Bulgaria; not have used an EV subsidy from the same program in the last 5 years; the car must be new (within 6 months of manufacture).
• Legal entities: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with up to 250 employees; not be in insolvency proceedings; detailed conditions vary by scheme.

The application steps

1. Find an approved model

Not every electric car is on the approved list. Check whether the car you want is included in the current scheme before signing a contract with the dealer.

2. Sign the contract with the dealer

The purchase contract must be signed while the scheme is active. Dealers are usually familiar with the process and can help you through it.

3. Submit your application

Applications are submitted online through the Ministry of Energy portal or via the dealer (under the direct scheme). Required documents:

• A copy of the purchase contract
• ID card
• Bank account IBAN
• Scrapping documents, if trading in an old vehicle

4. Wait for approval

The official review period is up to 30 working days, but in practice it can take 2–3 months when application volume is high.

5. Receive the subsidy

The subsidy is paid directly to your bank account or deducted from the amount owed to the dealer, depending on the scheme.

The "scrap and buy new EV" scheme

An additional bonus — if you scrap an old car (Euro 1, 2, or 3) and buy a new EV, you may receive an extra €1,000–2,000 discount. Conditions for scrapping include: the car must have been registered in your name for at least 1 year, registered in Bulgaria, and be technically fit for registration.

Tax breaks for individuals

Separately from the subsidy, EV buyers benefit from:

• Reduced road tax (10% of the standard rate for combustion vehicles)
• Reduced parking fees in many municipalities, including Sofia
• Reduced vehicle tax — calculated based on power and environmental category

Pitfalls to watch for

Budget depletion: The schemes have a limited budget and can run out quickly. Follow the news and apply early.

Holding requirements: Most schemes require you to keep the car for at least 3 years. Selling before then may require repaying the subsidy.

Dealers outside the scheme: Not all dealers participate in the direct schemes. For purchases made online from abroad, the subsidy usually doesn't apply.

Additional European-level incentives

Bulgaria is in the process of transposing new European regulations that further incentivize EVs. Additional funding is expected by 2027 through the Just Transition Fund mechanism for regions with a traditional automotive industry.

Conclusion

The subsidy reduces the price by €3,500–4,000 on a new EV up to €60,000. Combined with lower fuel and maintenance costs, the financial case for switching to electric mobility in Bulgaria is stronger than ever. Act early — scheme budgets run out.