The recently adopted amendments to the Investment Promotion Act (IPA), passed at second reading in the National Assembly, provide for the simplification of procedures and requirements for certifying and supporting investors in Bulgaria. The changes reduce administrative burdens, shorten processing times, and introduce more transparent requirements for applicants. These reforms respond to the expectations of the business community and are part of the commitments in the government’s management program, aligned with the priorities of the Ministry of Innovation and Growth (MIG) to improve the country’s investment environment.

More Transparent Conditions and Shorter Timelines

The adopted amendments significantly streamline the administrative process for investors. The Bulgarian Investment Agency and relevant mayors will now have a 14-day deadline to review submitted applications and accompanying documents for any discrepancies.

In addition, the minimum required investor co-financing has been reduced from 40% to 25%, applicable to both own funds and other private capital.

Support for Joint Investment Projects

The legal framework now allows incentive measures to be applied to joint investment projects between two or more legal entities—an option that was previously limited to subsidiaries. This creates more flexibility for planning and executing investments and facilitates faster project implementation and business launch.

Financial Support for Education and Research

One of the key changes is the explicit provision for granting non-repayable financial aid for priority investment projects in high value-added sectors such as manufacturing, education, and scientific research.

The scope of training-related incentives has also been expanded, enabling a wider range of eligible expenses to be financed in support of workforce development aligned with business needs.

Source: Ministry of Innovation and Growth

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