Over 1,800 Emigrants Return to Bulgaria Through I Choose Bulgaria Program
The “I Choose Bulgaria” (Избирам България) program has successfully facilitated the return of 1,844 emigrants, distributing 463,000 euros in relocation and professional incentives. According to official program data, these returnees—largely high-skilled professionals including doctors, IT specialists, and teachers—have received targeted financial support for housing, moving costs, and salary supplements. The initiative, designed to reverse brain drain, saw double the expected number of applicants, with over 1,500 participants falling into the 30–40 age demographic.
How Does the “I Choose Bulgaria” Incentive Structure Work?
The program provides a tiered financial model to stabilize returnees in the local labor market. Participants receive a one-time stimulus after six months of employment equal to 30% of six average monthly salaries for their specific sector. After one full year of employment, this increases to 50% of six average monthly salaries. Data shows 315 individuals have already claimed these performance-based bonuses, totaling 232,844 euros.
What Is Driving Emigrants Back to Bulgaria?
While economic incentives provide the initial push, the demographic data reveals a shift in where returnees are settling. Although Sofia and Plovdiv remain the primary hubs, a significant portion of returnees are choosing regional centers like Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, and Pleven. This trend suggests that remote work capabilities and lower costs of living in secondary cities are becoming as attractive as the capital’s job market. Participants have returned from diverse regions including the United States, Japan, China, and the United Arab Emirates, bringing international expertise back to the Bulgarian economy.
How Does This Program Impact Long-Term Labor Trends?
The success of this initiative signals a pivot from mass labor migration to targeted talent acquisition. With 4,142 total applications received, the demand for government-backed repatriation support is high. By offering language training for non-Bulgarian family members—a move requested by 168 applicants—the program acknowledges that permanent relocation requires social integration, not just a paycheck. This contrasts with previous decades where migration policies focused primarily on short-term labor contracts rather than total household resettlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the “I Choose Bulgaria” program?
The program is aimed at Bulgarian emigrants looking to return home. Eligibility is determined by professional expertise, with a focus on high-demand fields like medicine, IT, and engineering.
What specific expenses are covered by the financial aid?
Financial support covers relocation of personal belongings, housing assistance, transport to and from the workplace, and performance-based salary bonuses after six months and one year of employment.
Are there language requirements for the families of returnees?
Yes, the program provides Bulgarian language training for family members who do not hold Bulgarian citizenship, ensuring smoother integration into the community.
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