Up to six average salaries for relocating to a small town: New “I Choose Bulgaria” application round begins

A new intake under the “I Choose Bulgaria” measure will begin in the autumn, with support this time aimed at people willing to leave large cities and settle in localities with fewer than 50,000 residents. At least 1,050 people and their families are expected to benefit from the opportunity.

Applications will be submitted entirely online through the Employment Agency’s website. Applicants must be of working age and currently live in a locality with more than 50,000 residents. To receive the available support, they must start work after relocating.

The program provides several types of financial assistance – for moving household belongings, accommodation, commuting to work, as well as a one-off incentive for people who manage to remain employed.

Up to €480 can be reimbursed for moving household belongings. The amount will be paid to one family member upon presentation of documents proving the expenses and after a total of eight months of employment within a one-year period.

Additional support is available for people who settle in a place where they do not own a home. They can receive €207.58 per month for up to one year. The funds can cover rent, utility bills and internet.

If the workplace is located in another locality, participants will also be entitled to transport assistance of €4.09 for each day worked. This incentive can also be paid for a period of up to 12 months.

The most substantial financial support is intended for long-term retention in the labor market. After proving a total of eight months of employment within a one-year period, participants will be eligible to receive a one-off payment equal to six average salaries for the country for the respective year.

For families with children under the age of 18, the incentive will be higher. The amount will increase according to the number of children – by a coefficient of 1.1 for one child, 1.2 for two children and 1.3 for three or more children.

Applicants will have to find suitable employment themselves, but they will also be able to use the Employment Agency’s employment mediation services. The one-off incentive will not be available to people who have started work under other subsidized employment programs.

A total of €15 million has been allocated for the second component of the “I Choose Bulgaria” program. The funds come from the Human Resources Development Programme, financed with the support of the European Social Fund Plus.