Immigrants in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is home to a diverse community of immigrants, including people from other European Union member states, as well as those from outside the EU. The largest immigrant communities in Bulgaria are from Turkey, Romania, and Ukraine.
According to the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria, as of 2023, there were approximately 242,000 foreigners residing in Bulgaria, which is around 2.6% of the country's total population. Of these, around 30% were from non-EU countries, with the largest numbers coming from Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia.
The majority of immigrants in Bulgaria are concentrated in larger cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna, and many work in the services sector, including hospitality, retail, and healthcare. However, there are also significant numbers of immigrants working in agriculture and construction, particularly those from neighboring countries.
Despite the presence of immigrants in Bulgaria, the country has faced challenges in integrating these populations into society. There have been reports of discrimination and prejudice against immigrants, particularly those from outside the EU, and there have been calls for greater efforts to support the integration of immigrants into Bulgarian society.
