There is no exact statistic on the number of Bulgarians living abroad, but a report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from last year indicates that around 2.8 million Bulgarians are living outside the country. According to the 2021 population census conducted by the National Statistical Institute (NSI), over 300,000 Bulgarian citizens had returned to the country by that time. This trend has continued in the following years. 

The NSI's 2023 annual report of "Population and Demographic Processes 2023" shows that over 17,000 Bulgarians returned home in 2023.

For those who have lived abroad for a long time, the process of returning to Bulgaria is often accompanied by numerous challenges in their efforts to settle back home. A significant obstacle is the fragmentation between various institutions, and often the communication with officials in different government bodies. Katerina Andreeva and Ana-Maria Andreeva, two sisters who know this from personal experience, have created a specialized website - "ZaVrashtane v Bulgaria" ("Back to Bulgaria") - which aims to become a helpful platform that facilitates reintegration in this country.

"We aim to help create active communities in various cities across the country, because this summer we met many active and innovative people who are not based only in Sofia. We want to show those who are returning to Bulgaria or those who wish to move to another city that it is possible without leaving the country. We also want to create a space where citizens can discuss issues that matter to them in their city. These discussions could be held with experts, different perspectives could be heard, and hopefully, a consensus could be reached on what could be changed in the respective area."