Bulgaria offers one of Europe's most competitive film production incentives: a 25% cash rebate on eligible local production expenditures. Administered by the Bulgarian National Film Centre (NFC), the scheme is open to international feature films, high-end TV series, documentaries and animation. For international productions, the rebate is accessed through a registered Bulgarian service company - Push Pull Production is registered and manages the full application process as part of the production service.
Key Parameters
- Rebate amount: 25% of qualifying local spend
- Minimum qualifying spend: EUR 250,000 in Bulgaria
- Maximum rebate per project: EUR 5 million
- Eligible productions: Feature films, high-end TV series, documentaries, animation
- Qualifying expenditures: Crew salaries, equipment rentals, location fees, post-production costs incurred in Bulgaria
- Administered by: Bulgarian National Film Centre (NFC)
How to Access the Rebate as an International Production
International productions must apply through a local Bulgarian co-producer or a registered Bulgarian service company. Push Pull Production is a registered service company and handles the complete application process - documentation, qualifying spend verification, cultural test compliance and submission to the NFC - as part of the full production service. You do not need a separate legal entity or Bulgarian co-producer to access the rebate.
Why Bulgaria's Rebate Stands Out
At 25%, Bulgaria's cash rebate is among the highest in Central and Eastern Europe. Combined with already-competitive local day rates - crew, equipment and locations running at 25-35% of Western European equivalents - the effective cost advantage for qualifying productions is substantial. A production spending EUR 1 million in Bulgaria recovers EUR 250,000 in cash, on top of the underlying cost savings versus shooting in Germany, the UK or France. Bulgaria is also an EU member state, meaning clear legal frameworks, predictable costs and no customs complications for equipment from EU-based productions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Bulgaria Film Incentives
What is the Bulgaria 25% cash rebate for film productions?
Bulgaria offers a 25% cash rebate on eligible local production expenditures, administered by the Bulgarian National Film Centre (NFC). The rebate is available to international feature films, high-end TV series, documentaries and animation productions that spend a minimum of EUR 250,000 in Bulgaria. The maximum rebate per project is EUR 5 million.
What expenditures qualify for the Bulgarian film rebate?
Qualifying spend includes crew salaries and fees, equipment rentals, location fees and permits, catering, accommodation, transport and post-production costs incurred in Bulgaria. Spend must be with Bulgarian registered suppliers and service companies to qualify.
How does an international production apply for the Bulgarian film incentive?
International productions must apply through a local Bulgarian co-producer or a registered Bulgarian service company. Push Pull Production is a registered Bulgarian service company and manages the full application process as part of the production service - including documentation, spend verification and submission to the Bulgarian National Film Centre.
Is there a cultural test for the Bulgarian film rebate?
Yes. Productions must pass a cultural test administered by the Bulgarian National Film Centre. The test awards points for Bulgarian cast, crew, locations and subject matter. Most international productions working with a registered Bulgarian service company such as Push Pull Production meet the threshold without difficulty.
Can a production combine the Bulgarian rebate with shooting in North Macedonia or Greece?
Yes. For productions shooting across multiple countries, the Bulgarian portion of spend qualifies for the 25% rebate independently. Push Pull Production services shoots across Bulgaria, northern Greece and North Macedonia under one production team, and manages Bulgarian rebate applications for the qualifying portion of multi-country productions.
Interested in the Bulgarian film incentive for your production? Contact Push Pull Production and we will walk you through eligibility, qualifying spend and the application process for your specific project.
