Presentation of the Report “The State of Returning in Bulgaria”
What does returning to Bulgaria look like today?
You're invited to the launch of the "State of Returning to Bulgaria" report – 20 October, Barter Community Hub, Sofia
When we moved to Bulgaria, we quickly learned something simple: there is no single place to find clear information, support, and people who have walked the same path. That's why we started ЗаВръщане в България. Now we wanted to check – with data, not just personal impressions – whether that is the experience of many others too.
So between April 2025 and February 2026 we ran our largest online survey yet. On 20 October we'll present the results for the first time.
What we learned
2,286 people took part – 1,810 Bulgarians abroad and 476 who have already returned. A few things that made us stop and think:
80% of Bulgarians abroad name being close to family as a reason to return – the most selected answer. The strongest motivations aren't financial.
2 in 3 Bulgarians abroad who are thinking about returning (66%) plan to do so within 1 to 3 years. For many, return isn't a distant idea – it's a near step.
Nearly 60% of returnees rate their decision 8 to 10 out of 10. Despite the difficulties, most don't regret it.
Only 10.9% use official institutions as a source of information about returning. Not because they don't want to, but because no such place really exists.
The rest – what holds people back, what's missing, and what would make return more informed, supported and connected – we'll share in person.
What to expect
A walkthrough of the report's key findings, hosted by Anna-Maria and Katy – the sisters behind ЗаВръщане в България
A conversation about what the data means for people considering a return, and for those already here
Time for questions, connection and new acquaintances
Details
When: 20 October 2026, 18:30
Where: Barter Community Hub, Sofia
Registration: luma.com/aszshqj1
Everyone is welcome! Bulgarians abroad, returnees, partners, media, and anyone who cares about this topic. If you filled in the survey, this is your report too – come and see what we said together.
The report and interactive infographics will be publicly available after the event, in Bulgarian and English.
Event partners: Правен интелект and Puzl Coworking.
Publishing this report is made possible by donors from our community and the support of TESY Ltd.
