site.btaOver 400 Applications Filed in First 24 Hours of “I Choose Bulgaria” Initiative

Within just 24 hours of the launch of the I Choose Bulgaria initiative, 420 applications were submitted by Bulgarians living abroad who want to return to their homeland, Labour and Social Policy Minister Borislav Gutsanov told the Bulgarian community in New York, as quoted by the Labour Ministry press office on Tuesday. Gutsanov was part of the Bulgarian delegation, led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, which also greeted Bulgarian expats on the occasion of the Day of Bulgarian Independence – September 22.

The application process opened on September 18, 2025. According to Gutsanov, this is the first time a Bulgarian government has taken a real step to bring back citizens from abroad through the I Choose Bulgaria initiative. He stressed that the programme is targeted specifically at Bulgarians working abroad, who will be eligible for support if they work for at least six months in Bulgaria.

“We must rebuild Bulgaria together and tackle the demographic crisis,” Gutsanov said. He also briefed the Bulgarian community in New York on how to apply, noting that the process is done online through the Employment Agency’s website.

Approved applicants will receive assistance in several areas: up to BGN 10,000 for relocation costs, information about the labour market, and support from the Employment Agency in securing a job, as well as financial aid for housing, the Labour Ministry further said. The programme also provides Bulgarian language training for family members who are not fluent. Six months after returning, applicants will be able to apply for compensation equal to 30% of six average sectoral wages, and after twelve months – 50% of six average sectoral wages.