Nearly 1,850 Bulgarians Return Home Under “I Choose Bulgaria” Program

Since the launch of the “I Choose Bulgaria” initiative, a total of 1,844 Bulgarian citizens who previously lived abroad have returned to the country, according to data reported by BTA. The program is designed to encourage the return of emigrants, particularly those with high-level qualifications.

Officials note that the majority of returnees are professionals with in-demand skills, including teachers, medical specialists, and information technology experts. The scheme has also attracted people working in fields such as engineering, banking, accounting, construction, and industrial production.

In total, 4,142 individuals applied to participate in the initiative, while 1,884 were approved for support, a figure that exceeds initial projections. More than 1,500 of those approved are between the ages of 30 and 40, reflecting a strong response from mid-career professionals.

The returning participants come from a wide range of countries, with the highest numbers arriving from the United Kingdom and Germany. Significant groups have also come from the Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, and Ireland, while others returned from more distant destinations, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa.

According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, the initiative will continue to operate until 2028, as part of broader efforts to address labor shortages and support the reintegration of Bulgarians from abroad.

The total public cost of attracting returnees so far is reported to be below half a million euros, making it one of the more cost-efficient labor mobility programs implemented in recent years.