EU eligibility

Who can apply for EU grants for business systems?

Check the key eligibility criteria across SME digitalization programmes and find out whether your company qualifies.

EU digitalization programmes are not available to every company without exception. Each programme has a specific eligible applicant profile — by size, turnover, sector, and history. Here is a summary of the key requirements.

Key criteria by programme

OPIC / PCIP — Operational Programme

Targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises registered in Bulgaria with a proven operational track record.

Eligible

  • ✓SME under EU definition (up to 250 employees)
  • ✓Registered in Bulgaria for at least 3 years
  • ✓Demonstrated turnover or balance sheet
  • ✓Not subject to insolvency proceedings
  • ✓Tax and social security compliant

Ineligible

  • ✕Startups without financial history
  • ✕Companies in the agriculture sector (separate programme)
  • ✕Public entities and institutions
  • ✕Enterprises in difficulty under EU definition

NRRP — National Recovery and Resilience Plan

Broader scope — includes larger manufacturing companies but with stricter sustainability requirements.

Eligible

  • ✓SMEs and mid-cap companies
  • ✓Manufacturing, trade, or service sector
  • ✓Clean financial and accounting record
  • ✓No outstanding tax liabilities

Ineligible

  • ✕Financial institutions and insurers
  • ✕Companies with active EU infringements
  • ✕Activities with negative environmental impact (defined sectors)

European Funds 2021–2027

New programming period focused on green and digital transformation.

Eligible

  • ✓SMEs from all non-excluded sectors
  • ✓Projects with measurable digital or green value
  • ✓Companies with capacity to manage the project
  • ✓Co-financing from own resources

Ineligible

  • ✕Projects without a clear measurable result
  • ✕Companies in excluded sectors (tobacco, arms, etc.)
  • ✕Duplicate funding from another EU programme

Quick eligibility check

  • ✓Your company is registered in Bulgaria
  • ✓You have at least 3 years of history (varies by programme)
  • ✓Under 250 employees or you meet SME criteria
  • ✓No outstanding tax liabilities or they are deferred
  • ✓Your activity is not in an excluded sector
  • ✓You can provide co-financing (typically 20–50%)
  • ✓You have the capacity to execute the project (team, accounting)
  • ✓No other active financial aid for the same activity

Common reasons for rejection

  • !Incomplete or contradictory documentation at application
  • !Activity falls outside the programme scope
  • !The system applied for was already purchased before approval
  • !Company is on the NRA tax debtors list
  • !No clear business case for needing the system

Next steps

  1. 1

    Consult with us — we will do a free eligibility assessment

  2. 2

    Check the currently open procedures on the MII and Managing Authority sites

  3. 3

    Prepare your financial history and company registration data

  4. 4

    Identify which systems you intend to fund and estimate the value

Not sure if you qualify?

Send us information about your company and project and we will give you a free preliminary eligibility assessment.

Request an eligibility assessment