site.btaOne in Two Bulgarians Would Return to Their Hometown if Offered Attractive Job, Survey Finds

Every second Bulgarian would return to their hometown in the event of an attractive job opportunity, according to the results of a new study by the Bulgaria Wants You platform and the JTN research agency, presented Wednesday at the Career and Life: Why in Bulgaria? forum in Sofia.

This is the third consecutive year the study has been conducted. It focuses on the attitudes of young Bulgarians aged 18 to 35 regarding life and career development in the country.

The 2025 results confirm a steadily growing positive trend. Some 93% of respondents said they see their future in Bulgaria over the next five years, a 7-point increase from 2024 and the highest level of optimism recorded so far. This sentiment is especially strong among respondents aged 25 to 35, a key age group for the country’s demographic and economic development, 95% of whom plan to stay in Bulgaria.

The study also reveals that 58% of respondents would return to live in their hometown if presented with the attractive job opportunity. This underscores the growing potential of the regions and the importance of access to quality employment outside the capital. Half of those surveyed said they are more productive when working from home, highlighting the increasing acceptance of flexible and remote work as a viable path to a stable life and career in Bulgaria, including in smaller towns.

Pay remains a leading factor in shaping young people’s attitudes. The average net monthly salary respondents consider motivating is BGN 3,254. Their ideal salary is BGN 4,671. Both figures mark increases from the previous year, by 27% and 10% respectively, pointing to clearer expectations and greater confidence in the value of their labour.

The data serves as a valuable guide for businesses, institutions, and media outlets working toward sustainable solutions to Bulgaria’s demographic and economic challenges.

According to the Bulgaria Wants You platform, efforts will continue to create a more attractive, stable, and inspiring Bulgaria. The next edition of the forum will be held at the Bulgarian Embassy in Paris on June 19. Attendance is free but requires registration at bulgariawantsyou.com.