Bulgaria to launch relocation incentives for citizens moving to smaller towns

The second phase of the ‘I Choose Bulgaria’ initiative is set to launch on October 1, targeting citizens living in large cities who are willing to relocate to smaller towns with populations under 50,000.

To support this transition, the state will provide several financial incentives for a period of 12 months. These include a relocation allowance of up to 480 euros, a monthly housing rent subsidy of up to 207 euros, and a daily transport allowance of 4 euros for each working day. Additionally, one-time incentives will be available for those who complete at least eight months of work within a single year.

Lilia Stoyanova, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy, stated that the goal is to improve the quality of life for families facing challenges in large cities, such as lack of childcare or poor air quality, while simultaneously easing the pressure on major urban centers. The program also includes tiered incentives based on the number of children under 18 in a household, offering additional percentages based on the average national salary.

While the program aims to revitalize smaller communities, some observers have expressed skepticism regarding its long-term effectiveness compared to broader structural improvements needed in rural infrastructure and administration.