On January 1, 2026, important changes in the rules for paid parking in Sofia will come into force.The new regulation of the Metropolitan Municipal Council introduces updated prices, new conditions for residents, expanded zones, electronic control and restrictions on polluting cars.
What is changing in paid parking zones?
Parking in Sofia continues to be managed through blue and green zones, but their scope will be expanded.For the blue zone, it will cover a larger part of the center, including additional streets in "Sredets", "Lozenets", "Oborishte".As a green zone, it will include new neighborhoods - "Ivan Vazov", parts of "Slatina", "Yavorov", "Hippodrome", as well as areas around metro stations.The working hours remain:
- Blue Zone: Monday - Saturday, 08:30 - 20:00;
- Green Zone: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 19:30
What are the new prices for short-term parking?
From the beginning of 2026, the prices for parking in the zones will increase for the blue zone - 1.79 €/3.50 BGN/hour, and for the green zone - 1.28 €/2.50 BGN/hour.The maximum duration restrictions remain – 2 hours for blue and 4 hours for green zone.Payment is made via SMS, mobile application or parking meter.
What are the new conditions for residents?
Those living in the zones can buy an annual sticker, but now at differentiated prices according to the number of cars in the household:
- First car: €76.69 / BGN 150 (green) / €102.26 / BGN 200 (blue);
- Second car: €153.39/BGN 300 / €230.08/BGN 450;
- Third car: €306.78/BGN 600 / €460.16/BGN 900
The sticker is only valid for the address registration area.The vehicle must be in the name of the person with permanent address at the address.
What's new with the service subscription?
The official subscription will be limited:
- Up to 2 places per company in a blue zone;
- The price will be €460.16/BGN 900/month in the blue zone and €357.90/BGN 700/month in the green;
- Mandatory registration of specific registration numbers is introduced.
What measures are in place to improve control?
Parking will be controlled through a new electronic system based on number and QR code scanning in real time:
- New mobile cameras will monitor for violations;
- All resident stickers and subscriptions will have a QR code for verification;
- Connecting to the traffic police system will provide automatic verification of ownership and validity.
What are the restrictions on polluting cars?
Sofia introduces environmental restrictions as part of the Clean Air Strategy:
- Prohibition of parking diesel cars under Euro 4 in blue zone;
- Cameras will identify the ecostickers;
- Owners of old diesels will be fined automatically.
What incentives do households with one car receive?
The goal of the reform is to encourage the use of fewer private cars in the center.The new system offers additional preferences for households with lower car intensity.
New additional incentives for households with one car in the zone
| Incentive | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 10% discount on annual sticker on renewal | On continuous use of sticker in the last 2 years | First time onlycar |
| Priority access to residential+ spaces | Reserved spaces available only for households with 1 car | Within the zone |
| Free night pass (19:30 - 08:30) | No extra charge when purchasing an annual sticker | With automaticactivation |
| Bonus minutes when parking outside the zone | Up to 30 min. for free in a green zone in another neighborhood (2 times a month) | Through the CGM application |
Will there be new parking lots?
Yes.In 2026, the Metropolitan Municipality will build over 3,200 new parking spaces, including:
- 1,200 places on the periphery of the new zones;
- 900 Park & Ride spaces around metro stations;
- 350 seats available to residents only;
- 750 underground locations in Triad, East and Revival.
How will citizens be kept informed?
Until the end of 2025, a broad information campaign will be carried out:
- Online fee calculators by address;
- Virtual assistant on the CGM website;
- Campaigns by neighborhoods with the assistance of the regional administrations;
- Explanatory videos in public transport.
What's next after the rules are introduced?
By June 2026, the CGM will carry out an assessment of the effect of the reform.They will be observed:
- Free capacity in the zones;
- Reduction of old cars standing;
- Impact on inner city traffic;
- The reaction of households to the new tariffs.