Bulgarian Exodus from Germany: A Turning Tide in European Migration
Recent data reveals a significant shift in migration patterns, with a record number of Bulgarians leaving Germany. Between November 2024 and October 2025, 58,450 Bulgarians departed Germany, exceeding the number who arrived during the same period. This marks the first time since Bulgaria joined the European Union that more Bulgarians have left Germany than have settled there.
The Numbers Inform the Story
The outflow has resulted in a net decrease of 11,930 Bulgarians residing in Germany over the past year. While Bulgarians remain the third-largest group of European migrants in Germany, the influx is no longer sufficient to offset the departures. This trend mirrors broader changes in European migration, with increasing numbers of people returning to their home countries.
Interestingly, Poland has seen the largest decrease in citizens living in Germany, with 14,875 fewer Polish residents. Croatia follows with a decrease of 10,676, while Romania experienced a smaller decrease of 5,333. Greece and Hungary too saw negative net migration, with 2,010 and 1,056 fewer citizens respectively.
Reasons Behind the Return
Several factors are contributing to this reversal. Reports suggest that complex German bureaucracy, high taxes and a narrowing gap in living standards with other European nations are driving Bulgarians to seek opportunities closer to home. In 2024, over a third of those returning to Bulgaria from abroad were Bulgarian citizens.
Specifically, 52,189 individuals changed their primary residence to Bulgaria in 2024. Of these, 51.5% were non-EU citizens, 34.9% were Bulgarian citizens, and 13.6% were EU citizens.
A Pan-European Trend?
The shift isn’t unique to Bulgaria. Data indicates a broader trend of migration flows reversing across Europe. What we have is reflected in Bulgaria’s own demographic statistics, with a growing number of citizens returning from abroad.
Despite the outflow, Bulgarians still represent a significant portion of incoming migrants to Germany, ranking third after Romanians and Poles. As of January 1, 2024, approximately 371,128 Bulgarians resided in Germany, followed by 112,834 in Spain, 60,494 in the Netherlands, 48,659 in Italy, and 13,021 in the Czech Republic.
Understanding the Data
It’s important to note that the German statistical office collects data based on changes in registered address. This excludes individuals staying for less than three months and those changing addresses within Germany multiple times within six months. The figures likely represent a conservative estimate of the actual migration trends.
Unlike the experiences of Romanian and Polish citizens, who often show both positive and negative net migration months, Bulgarian migration to Germany has consistently shown a negative balance throughout the period of November 2024 to October 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are more Bulgarians leaving Germany now?
A: Factors include complex bureaucracy, high taxes, and a closing gap in living standards between Germany and Bulgaria.
Q: Is this trend expected to continue?
A: Current data suggests this trend is part of a broader European shift in migration patterns, but future trends will depend on economic and political factors.
Q: Where are Bulgarians returning to?
A: A significant number are returning directly to Bulgaria, as evidenced by the increase in individuals changing their residence to Bulgaria.
Q: How does this compare to other nationalities?
A: Poland has seen the largest decrease in citizens in Germany, followed by Bulgaria and Croatia.
Q: What is the size of the Bulgarian diaspora in Europe?
A: Over 700,000 Bulgarians live in other European countries, with the largest communities in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and the Czech Republic.
