Bulgaria: immigration

How many people move to Bulgaria?

44,640 people moved to Bulgaria from abroad in 2025, and 9,555 left, giving net migration of +35,085, according to the National Statistical Institute (NSI). Of the immigrants, 45.9% were citizens of countries outside the EU, 38.9% were Bulgarian citizens and 15.2% citizens of other EU countries.

The figures count people who changed their registered address to or from abroad. People who leave without changing their address are not counted, so emigration may be understated. Despite positive net migration, the population fell by 14,153 in 2025 because deaths exceeded births.

Official sources: NSI: population and demographic processes, 2025

How many residence permits does Bulgaria issue?

Bulgaria issued 23,577 first residence permits to non-EU citizens in 2025, valid for at least three months, 19.9% more than in 2024, according to the National Statistical Institute (NSI). 12,596 were for paid work and 5,136 for family reasons. Permits for work rose 45.6%.

The NSI also counted 11,880 single permits for residence and work, 68.2% more than in 2024. First permits are those issued to a person for the first time, so renewals are not included. EU citizens do not need these permits.

Official sources: NSI: residence permits for foreigners, 2025

How many refugees are in Bulgaria?

UNHCR counted 105,596 refugees and 1,317 asylum seekers in Bulgaria at the end of 2025, according to its Refugee Data Finder. At the end of 2024 there were 108,747 refugees and 5,981 asylum seekers.

Refugees are people UNHCR counts as needing international protection. Asylum seekers are people whose claims have not yet been decided. Applications for protection in Bulgaria are handled by the State Agency for Refugees.

Official sources: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder · State Agency for Refugees

What is the population of Bulgaria?

Bulgaria's population was 6,423,207 on 31 December 2025, 14,153 fewer than a year earlier (-0.22%), according to the National Statistical Institute (NSI). People aged 65 and over made up 24.3% and children under 15 made up 13.9%. The mean age was 45.4 years.

The NSI estimates the population each year from the previous year's figure and the year's births, deaths and migration. The decline comes from deaths exceeding births: there were 99,479 deaths and 50,241 live births in 2025, while net migration added 35,085 people.

Official sources: NSI: population and demographic processes, 2025

How many immigrants live in Bulgaria?

The UN Population Division puts the share of people born abroad in Bulgaria at 4.4% in 2024. In 2015 the figure was 1.7%. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 11.7%, and Bulgaria placed 43rd highest of 52. World rank, highest first: 96th of 193.

How many people move to Bulgaria each year?

-2,961: that is net migration in Bulgaria for 2025, according to the UN Population Division. The peak was 30,167 in 2020 and the low -26,334 in 2012. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 158, and Bulgaria placed 29th highest of 52. World rank, highest first: 104th of 193.

How many refugees live in Bulgaria?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees in the country in Bulgaria was 105,596 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 176,297; its low point was 2012, at 2,273. Europe & Central Asia median: 62,365; Bulgaria is 21st highest of 50. World rank, highest first: 51st of 169.

How many refugees come from Bulgaria?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Bulgaria at 533 in 2025. The peak was 4,250 in 2005 and the low 393 in 2023. It is 25th highest of 49 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 533. Worldwide: 116th of 189.

How big are remittances in Bulgaria's economy?

According to the World Bank, personal remittances received in Bulgaria was 2.1% of GDP in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. It is 19th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 1.4% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 63rd of 127.