How to Apply for EU Funding for Software and Digitalisation in Bulgaria (2026)
In short: the dedicated “Digitalisation of Enterprises” procedure (BG16RFPR001-1.012) closed on 26.09.2025. Software — CRM, ERP, automation — can now be funded as part of the investment under other procedures of the Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises Programme 2021–2027 (PCIE). As of 2 October 2026 these are “Introducing Green Technologies in SMEs” (open until 10.11.2026) and “Implementing Innovation in SMEs within Local Action Group (LAG) territories” (second intake from 14.01 to 15.03.2027).
Which procedures fund software right now
| Procedure | Code | Grant | Intensity | Status as of 02.10.2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introducing Green Technologies in SMEs | BG16RFPR001-2.003 | €77,000 – €450,000 | up to 70% | Open until 10.11.2026, 16:30 |
| Innovation in SMEs within LAG territories | BG16RFPR001-1.011 | €15,000 – €102,500 | up to 75% | Second intake: 14.01 – 15.03.2027 |
| New Production Models for SMEs | BG16RFPR001-1.010 | €25,000 – €400,000 | up to 70% | Closed on 05.06.2026 |
| Digitalisation of Enterprises | BG16RFPR001-1.012 | BGN 5,000 – 50,000 | up to 70% | Closed on 26.09.2025 |
Under both open procedures software is an eligible intangible-asset cost — but not as an end in itself. Under “Green Technologies” it must lead to a measurable green effect (less waste, lower resource use); under the LAG procedure it must help implement a new or improved product, service or business process.
Always check the current conditions on mig.government.bg and in ISUN. We keep a summary on our EU programmes page.
Who can apply
Each procedure has its own criteria, but most require:
- a trader under the Bulgarian Commerce Act or Cooperatives Act;
- a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise under the Bulgarian SME Act;
- registration before a cut-off date (for example 31.12.2023 for the green-technology and LAG procedures);
- a minimum average annual net revenue for the last three years, depending on the enterprise category;
- additional conditions — for example a registered office and activity within an eligible LAG territory.
The often-quoted “at least 3 years of history” actually follows from the registration cut-off and the revenue period, so always check the specific procedure.
How large is the grant
The grant covers part of the eligible costs — up to 70% under “Green Technologies” and up to 75% under the LAG procedure. The rest is the company's own contribution. The maximum depends on the enterprise category and the aid regime (de minimis or regional aid), and under the LAG procedure the grant cannot exceed the applicant's average annual net revenue.
How the application works — step by step
- Choose a procedure. Match the project's goal to the procedure's goal. Software “because we need it” rarely succeeds — it has to be part of a meaningful investment.
- Check eligibility. Enterprise category, revenue, registration date, location and any de minimis aid received so far.
- Prepare the project. A description of the investment, a budget and a justification of the costs. Allow at least 4–8 weeks — good documentation isn't written in a few days.
- Submit in ISUN. Applications are entirely electronic and require a qualified electronic signature (QES). Questions about the conditions can be submitted up to 3 weeks before the deadline.
- Evaluation and contract. Evaluation usually takes several months. If approved, a grant agreement is signed.
- Contractor selection. The beneficiary selects a contractor through a public-invitation procedure under Council of Ministers Decree No. 4 of 11.01.2024, also run in ISUN.
- Delivery and reporting. The software is built and deployed within the contract term, and costs are reported with the contract, acceptance protocols, invoices and evidence of deployment.
Common mistakes
- Presenting the project as “buying software” with no clear link to the procedure's goal.
- Starting work before the eligibility period — the cost may become ineligible.
- Submitting on the last day — ISUN and QES are unforgiving of technical problems at 16:29.
- A mismatch between the budget and the offers from potential contractors.
How we help
Astra Solutions is AstraCore's unit for EU-funded projects. We check which procedure your business qualifies for, describe the software component so it fits the procedure's goal, and — as the contractor — build, deploy and document the system. See how we work as an EU project contractor or book a free consultation.