Foreign-born population – 2022 | 3.3% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
0.2 million, 49% women | Evolution since 2014: +104% | Russia (16%), Türkiye (9%), Germany (8%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, 13 000 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Bulgaria (excluding EU citizens), 8.1% more than in 2023. This figure comprises 57.3% labour migrants, 18.6% family members (including accompanying family), 8.3% who came for education reasons and 15.8% other migrants. Around 1 300 short-term permits were issued to international students and 1 500 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 15 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2023, a 42% increase compared to 2022. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Ukraine, Türkiye and Russia were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Ukraine registered the strongest increase (7 900) and Germany the largest decrease (‑200) in flows to Bulgaria compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 11%, to reach around 12 100. The majority of applicants came from Syria (7 600), Afghanistan (2 000) and Morocco (900). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Egypt (500) and the largest decrease nationals of Syria (‑4 800). Of the 8 220 decisions taken in 2024, 62% were positive.
Emigration of Bulgarian citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑11% in 2023, to 81 000. Approximately 43% of this group migrated to Germany, 15% to the Netherlands and 10% to Spain.
Political instability in Bulgaria, related to the frequent change of governments in 2022‑2024, slowed down the development of effective migration policies addressing internal and external challenges. Nevertheless, a political agreement was reached on 1 January 2025, as Bulgaria became a full member of the Schengen Area. This milestone followed the earlier removal of air and sea border checks on 31 March 2024. The integration into the Schengen Area facilitates passport-free travel, boosting trade, tourism, and strengthening the EU-EFTA internal market.
In preparation for Schengen accession, the Bulgarian Government focussed on improving and modernising its border control. In October 2024, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria agreed on a joint declaration committing to the continuation of joint efforts to fight irregular migration and preventing illegal onward transit. Furthermore, in order to mitigate the potential change of migratory patterns and in accordance with the provisions of the Schengen Borders Code, Bulgaria temporarily reintroduced the internal border control at the Bulgarian-Romanian land border for six months.
Temporary Protection Status for Ukrainians has been extended to 4 March 2026, in line with the European Council’s decision in June 2024 to extend the protection regime for displaced Ukrainians. Consequently, the Council of Ministers adopted a new Programme for Humanitarian Support and Integration of Displaced Persons from Ukraine Granted Temporary Protection in the Republic of Bulgaria in May 2025.
The government approved a draft law amending the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act in early 2025. Part of the amendments aim to align the Act with EU directives, in particular the directives on highly qualified employment and seasonal employment of third-country nationals. For example, for EU Blue Card holders, the amendments provide for the possibility of changing employers after the first 12 months; for seasonal workers, there will be an option to extend their stay for up to 90 days.
Apart from these adjustments several reliefs and facilitations were approved concerning third-country nationals who come to reside and work or study in Bulgaria. More specifically, holders of EU Blue Cards and single permits, as well as seasonal workers will be obligatorily insured by the National Health Insurance Fund. Foreign students will have the possibility to apply for a stay of up to 18 months initially and two new legal grounds for residence of digital nomads and post-graduates were provided in the amending law.
Bulgaria also continued its effort in the digitalisation of migration processes. The testing phase of the digitalisation of foreign labour recruitment services started in May 2024. Intermediary companies will have to be registered electronically, and all documents and processes will go through the information system of this register. For the time being the digital system has not been legally regulated in the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act.
For further information: www.aref.government.bg | www.mvr.bg.
