The voice of Bulgarians living abroad, part of the Facebook group "Come Home"

The survey, conducted by the Facebook group "Come Home" and supported by CareerDailyNews.com, posed the question “What are the desired and expected prerequisites for you to have a reason to return to Bulgaria?”

It gathered hundreds of votes and comments from Bulgarians from different parts of the world. The numbers outline clear trends and simultaneously raise questions that cannot be postponed. Here’s what they mean in a deeper socio-economic context:

🏡 Better living conditions – 47%

Almost half of the participants indicate “better living conditions” as a key factor for returning. This is a broad term, covering several aspects:

• Social security – a sense of safety, stability, functioning institutions.
• Education and childcare – quality schools and kindergartens, accessible and adequate.
• Living environment – clean surroundings, infrastructure, transport, cultural and social life.

🔍 Conclusion: This is not just a material problem – it is a pursuit of peaceful, dignified, and balanced life. Returning does not depend only on work, but on the overall ecosystem of daily life.

 

🏙 Realization in the hometown – 23%

Every fourth person wants to return not just to Bulgaria, but to their hometown. This highlights the uneven development of the country, where Sofia absorbs most of the investments and opportunities.

• Problems: Lack of jobs, poor infrastructure, depopulated areas.
• Potential: Digitalization and remote work can create new opportunities in small towns and villages.

🔍 Conclusion: Decentralization of the economy and targeted support for the regions can reverse the demographic decline and provide real alternatives outside the capital.

🏥 Healthcare, infrastructure, judicial system – 11%

These three systems are key to the sense of justice and security. Trust in them is severely shaken – both in terms of quality and accessibility and transparency.

• Healthcare: Often criticized for corruption, inefficiency, and unequal access between city and village.
• Infrastructure: Lack of modern roads, transport, and utilities.
• Judicial system: The lack of justice and a sense of impunity drives away not only businesses but also ordinary people.

🔍 Conclusion: This is a structural problem that requires political will and long-term investments to restore trust in the state.

 

💼 Opportunity for own business – 9%

Entrepreneurship is at the core of economic growth. Almost 1 in 10 respondents seeks a chance to realize independently, but faces barriers:

• Burdensome administration
• Lack of predictability
• Difficult access to financing

🔍 Conclusion: If Bulgaria creates a real environment for starting and developing small and medium businesses, it will not only attract returnees but also retain many of those considering emigration.

 

💶 Higher compensation – 7%

Although salaries are often a leading factor for emigration, here we see something interesting: the financial incentive is not a primary driver for returning.

This does not mean that money is not important – rather, that when all other conditions are good, compensation becomes secondary.

🔍 Conclusion: The quality of life carries more weight than nominal income. If Bulgaria offers a stable environment, many Bulgarians are willing to accept slightly lower incomes in exchange for life at home.

 

A sense that we have a state – 3%

Although it seems like a marginal result, it has deep significance. These are people who seek neither money nor business, but citizenship and institutional dignity.

🔍 Conclusion: Without a sense of community, justice, and national pride, the connection to homeland is lost. And that is the hardest to restore.

 

🧠 Conclusion: What do the numbers say?

• Bulgarians abroad do not seek illusions – they seek real grounds to return.
• Life in Bulgaria should not be a compromise, but an attractive alternative.
• Change is not just a matter of policies, but of a vision for the future of the country.

 

Here are a few of the more interesting comments from our compatriots abroad:

Pavlina Draganova:

“I have been living in Norway for 26 years. I have everything necessary for a normal life.
Over the years, I have repeatedly returned to Bulgaria. I know both its good and bad sides well. In the last two years, I spend almost 50% of my time in Bulgaria.

When I think about a final return, there are several things that hold me back:

• the poor state of healthcare,
• widespread corruption and abuses,
• arrogant behavior on the road and reckless driving that has taken so many lives,
• the feeling of impunity,
• the lack of coordination between institutions,
• the general apathy and lack of responsibility – both personally and in professional and public terms.

And last but not least – the lack of priority for education. Not just as the transfer of knowledge, but as the building of values and skills for life.“

 

Rumyana Yordanova:

“I have been living for 10 years in Germany, in a small town that resembles a very large village. Fortunately, there are not many foreigners here, but the nature around is beautiful. The place reminds me of my hometown in Bulgaria.

I am a person who loves nature, and the connection with it helps me somewhat cope with the nostalgia.

I would not just return to Bulgaria — I plan to return permanently to the Homeland.

Here I am fully integrated: I have a good job with decent compensation, the respect of my bosses and colleagues, many acquaintances and friends... In other words — I have everything a person needs to live well.
But... in my chest, there is a huge emptiness. I cannot say that I am happy — mainly because I am far from my son.
And nothing I have here can fill that void.

I know that there are many irregularities in our Homeland. But despite that, I choose Bulgaria and believe that if we Bulgarians are united, we can preserve it and make it a better place — for us and for future generations.“

 

Marieta Toshkova:

“I have been living in Norway for about 20 years, but next month will be our last here.
It’s decided! The children are already in Bulgaria – with relatives, and we are returning at the end of August.

I dream of a job with normal working hours, adequate compensation, and humane treatment… and why not a business of my own?

I am terrified of everything that awaits us.
One of my daughters has diabetes and is on insulin. Recently, she had to seek emergency help at the hospital in Panagyurishte, but she was denied an examination due to the lack of a pediatric endocrinologist. 🙈
I was in shock and horror. Fortunately, her condition was not life-threatening and she managed to wait until the next day when she was admitted to the hospital in Plovdiv. There, they gave her wonderful and professional attention.

This is what I fear the most – losing someone close to me due to a lack or poorly organized healthcare.“

 

Dimitrina Gavrilova:

“I have been living in Italy for 20 years. I take care of elderly and sick people.
I plan to return in 2027 when I retire.

Young people, I will be a retiree and cannot promise much.
But the time is yours! Only you — those who have been outside Bulgaria and have accumulated rich experience (I am sure because I learned a lot too) — you can change Bulgaria.

Do not divide yourselves. Unite to revive Bulgaria.“

 

Ivan Ivanov:

“Hello to everyone!
Since January 2007, I have been living and working in England, in Telford — a town near Birmingham. I work in the field of information technology and logistics.

I count the days until I gather the most important things from my luggage and take a one-way ticket to Sofia.

I would shorten this time if I find a similar job around my hometown Lovech or in the area.

I wish you all success and keep my fingers crossed that our dreams come true soon!“

 

Daniela Stoyanova:

“I live in Exmouth – a coastal town in southwest England. I emigrated 18 years ago.
I am here with my family.

I would return to Bulgaria if there were:

• less bureaucracy,
• better opportunities for own business,
• and more adherence to laws – by everyone.“

 

Theodora:

“I have been living in the USA for 20 years and working in the financial sector.

What worries me the most when thinking about returning is:

• healthcare,
• road deaths,
• the impunity and apathy of selected individuals and institutions.

I have always worked for change and would actively participate in Bulgaria,
but I am not sure if real changes are really happening — or only when there is interest for personal gain.

Reading the posts of those who have already returned, I hope one day I will write such a post —
and be happy with my family in Bulgaria! ❤️“

 

Tsvetanka Zagorova:

“As I read your publications, I realize that we, Bulgarians, already have self-awareness!
And that means we are a force that can change not only Bulgaria but also the world!

The world, as we know it, is leaving.
Let us, Bulgarians, together build our New Bulgaria!

In my opinion, the most important thing is the unity of our ideas, goals, thoughts, actions, and hearts – for the common Bulgarian good.

I have been living in Syria for 32 years and have not returned to the Homeland for 15 – since the beginning of the war here.
Now I am returning with my family and my husband – a Syrian who graduated engineering at the university in Burgas.

We have seen death in the eyes, but we have seen the truth:
"Unity makes strength!"

I hope we all unite, work, and communicate together –
for the good of our children, for the good of our beautiful country!

If we support each other, all problems in society will have solutions.

We are returning permanently in a month!

Thank you for the wonderful messages!“

 

And finally, we will conclude with the words of the creator of the Facebook group “Come Home”, Lenko Kabaivanov:

“Let’s see how we can change Bulgaria with our desires and intentions, through a positive focus and constructiveness!

Why do we always have to wait for something to happen before we take action?! 

Our Homeland is one!  Is everything perfect in the West?!

The whole world is already in chaos!

Our suffering Nation is ancient and wise, let us be patient. Some will change and rise, others will not. It is already a time of separation!

If you are sensitive to this matter and already feel it, then your heart is pulling. Mother Bulgaria is pulling you, you know that the moment has come to return to the root and nothing else matters. You have strong faith and know that you will manage at home because you have been through everything abroad.

Free yourself from fear! Act boldly and realize your dreams at home! Now! If your soul is suffering, do not waste time!

Everything else is meaningless if the heart is not in place!

Bulgaria is at a crossroads and is rising! Be active participants in this Revival! Let us write history together at home!