The state program "First Car" was launched to simplify the purchase of a car for citizens who especially need financial support when applying for a car loan. In 2026, the program continues to operate, but its format differs significantly from the original concept and is actually a tool for preferential car loans for certain categories of the population.
The essence of the program and the amount of state support
The "First Car" program involves the purchase of a new car on credit with a state subsidy. The discount is provided at the expense of budgetary funds and immediately reduces the cost of the car when applying for a car loan. Participation is possible only when buying cars produced or assembled in Russia, which simultaneously stimulates demand and supports domestic automakers.
The amount of the subsidy depends on the region and type of car. For residents of the Far East, there is a 25% discount, for the rest of Russia - 20%. Special conditions are provided for electric vehicles: they are subject to an increased subsidy of 35%, regardless of the region of residence. At the same time, the maximum amount of state support for electric vehicles is limited to 925,000 rubles.
Validity and regional features
The program began operating in 2017. Subsequently, it was extended several times: first for 2019-2020, then in an updated form - for 2023, when the conditions of participation were significantly revised. Later, the authorities decided to extend the program until the end of 2026.
Formally, you can use the "First Car" in all regions of the country. However, in practice, participation largely depends on the availability of banks and dealers working with the program. Most often it is available in large cities - Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Volgograd, Samara, Ufa, Chelyabinsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and Rostov-on-Don. In other settlements, it is recommended to check the possibility of participation directly with official dealers, who usually publish such information on their websites or report by phone.
Who can participate in the program in 2026
The high demand for the program since its launch has led to the fact that budget limits for subsidies are often exhausted in the first months. In 2023, the rules of participation were adjusted, and the list of citizens entitled to state support became more specific. These conditions remain in place in 2026.
The following categories of citizens can become participants in the program:
- medical workers, as well as employees of state and municipal educational organizations;
- mobilized, volunteers and contract soldiers - participants in the SVO, as well as members of their families;
- people with disabilities;
- parents of minor children;
- buyers of electric vehicles;
- pensioners who previously served in the military;
- borrowers who sell an existing car as a down payment, provided that the car is no more than six years old and has been owned for at least one year.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, it is these groups of citizens who need additional support. At the same time, a fundamental change was that the purchased car is no longer required to be the first in a row. Thus, the program has lost its original name in meaning and has actually turned into a mechanism for preferential car loans.
Basic terms of the car loan and requirements for the car
The basic parameters of the program have not changed significantly since 2023. The maximum term of the car loan is set at seven years, but most banks limit it to 36 months. This means that the borrower needs to repay the loan in three years, which directly affects the amount of the monthly payment and requires a sober assessment of their own financial capabilities.
The car purchased under the program must be new and manufactured no earlier than 2025. The weight of the vehicle cannot exceed 3.5 tons. The car must be domestic or assembled in Russia. For cars with an internal combustion engine, there is a price limit - no more than 2 million rubles, while for electric vehicles there is no such limit. The purchase of used cars under the program is not allowed. Additionally, there is a requirement for the absence of other car loans: the borrower must not conclude and plan to conclude loan agreements for the purchase of a car in 2025-2026.
Cars participating in the program
A wide range of models from Russian manufacturers fall under the terms of the program. It includes all cars of the Lada, VIS and UAZ brands, GAZ cars weighing up to 3.5 tons, as well as "Moskvich-3" and Tenet T4. In the electric vehicle segment, Evolute, Lada e-Largus, "Moskvich-3e", Amberauto A5, as well as Voyah Dream and Voyah Free participate in the program.
Participating banks
The list of banks working with the "First Car" program is published on the official website of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and is regularly updated. In 2026, the participants include VTB, Sovcombank, Gazprombank, Genbank, Credit Europe Bank, Bystrobank and OTP Bank.
Procedure for buying a car under the program
The procedure for participating in the program is standard for preferential car loans. The buyer needs to choose a car from an official dealer and apply to the bank. Before that, it is recommended to check your credit history in advance.
To register, you will need a passport and driver's license, an application for participation in the program, as well as a document confirming membership in one of the preferential categories. In some cases, banks may request additional information, including a certificate of income, information about driving experience or the consent of the spouse.
After the application is approved, which may take up to a month, a loan agreement and a car purchase and sale agreement are concluded. Additionally, it is necessary to issue a casco policy and register the vehicle with the traffic police.
In its current form, the "First Car" program in 2026 remains a working, but strictly limited support tool, the effectiveness of which directly depends on the borrower's compliance with the established requirements and his willingness to comply with the strict lending conditions.