Bulgaria Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Bulgaria's net migration was -2,961 in 2025, ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 665.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Bulgaria's net migration stood at -2,961 in 2025, a decline of +3,485 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -8,424 by 2026. Bulgaria ranked 92nd globally.
Bulgaria's net migration has fluctuated significantly over the past 66 years, with a notable shift from a historic low in 1992 to a peak in 2020. The all-time trough of -120,552.00 in 1992 reflects the country's economic instability and migration pressures following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In contrast, the peak of 30,167.00 in 2020, while positive, indicates a relatively modest increase in migrants compared to other countries, such as the Gambia, which ranked 91 globally in 2025 with a net migration of -2,984.00. Bulgaria's current net migration stands at -2,961.00, ranking 92 globally. While the country has made progress in stabilizing its migration flows, a significant shift in its economic development or a change in regional migration patterns could alter the trajectory of its net migration in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -19,506 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -13,965 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -8,424 | - | - |
| 2025 | -2,961 | −3,485 | #92 |
| 2024 | 524 | −4,649 | #142 |
| 2023 | 5,173 | −21,325 | #155 |
| 2022 | 26,498 | +14,742 | #164 |
| 2021 | 11,756 | −18,411 | #170 |
| 2020 | 30,167 | +32,323 | #181 |
| 2019 | -2,156 | +1,717 | #93 |
| 2018 | -3,873 | +2,236 | #75 |
| 2017 | -6,109 | +3,373 | #71 |
| 2016 | -9,482 | −5,255 | #60 |
| 2015 | -4,227 | −2,047 | #83 |
| 2014 | -2,180 | −856 | #92 |
| 2013 | -1,324 | +25,010 | #103 |
| 2012 | -26,334 | −2,974 | #49 |
| 2011 | -23,360 | −1,692 | #53 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bulgaria matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulgaria's net migration was -2,961 in 2025. Ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 665.1% decrease from the previous year.
Bulgaria's net migration peaked at 30,167 in 2020.
The lowest net migration in Bulgaria was -120,552 in 1992.
Bulgaria ranks 92nd globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bulgaria's net migration is projected to reach -8,424 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Bulgaria in 2025 was -2,961. This ranks 92nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bulgaria_net-migration,
title = {Bulgaria Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bulgaria/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}