Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare in Bulgaria
Production and exports
About 10 billion tablets and 164 million liquid medicines are produced in Bulgaria every year. The pharmaceutical sector makes up about 2.2% of GDP.1
Exports of pharmaceutical products were US$1.31 billion in 2024, according to UN COMTRADE data.3
Sopharma, founded in 1933, is the largest local producer and exporter, with production in Sofia and Sandanski and distribution through Sopharma Trading in Bulgaria and abroad.4
The medicines market
- Retail sales in the pharmaceutical segment were about €3 billion in 2024; prescription medicines grew 15% in value.
- Germany supplies about 21% of Bulgaria’s medicine imports, worth €448 million in 2024.
- There are 4,197 registered pharmacies. Apteka Mareshki runs more than 300 pharmacies in 120 towns, Sopharma Trading about 200 in 40 cities, and there are 14 other chains.
- ARPhaRM, the association of research-based companies, represents 24 international pharmaceutical companies.
Source: Germany Trade & Invest: Bulgaria’s pharmaceutical industry (8 April 2025, in German); International Trade Administration: Bulgaria, healthcare and life sciences (31 March 2026)2,1
Clinical trials
International companies spend around €100 million a year on clinical trials in Bulgaria, and about 12,000 patients take part each year. After a 2024 change in the law, the Bulgarian Drug Agency aims to approve studies within 35 days.2,1
Healthcare projects
Public projects include the National Children’s Hospital, with 400 beds, and healthcare investment worth about US$350 million from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, as well as a National e-Health Strategy for 2021–2030. Medical universities are in Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, Pleven and Stara Zagora.1
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Bulgaria export in pharmaceuticals?
Bulgaria exported US$1.31 billion in pharmaceutical products in 2024, according to UN COMTRADE data. Sopharma, founded in 1933, is the country’s largest local producer and exporter.
How large is Bulgaria’s pharmaceutical retail market?
Retail sales in Bulgaria’s pharmaceutical segment were about €3 billion in 2024, and prescription medicines grew 15% in value. The retail-sales figure covers the pharmaceutical segment as a whole.
How much medicine does Bulgaria import from Germany?
Germany supplied about 21% of Bulgaria’s medicine imports, worth €448 million in 2024.
How many pharmacies are registered in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria had 4,197 registered pharmacies. Apteka Mareshki runs more than 300 pharmacies in 120 towns, while Sopharma Trading runs about 200 in 40 cities.
How long does clinical trial approval take in Bulgaria?
The Bulgarian Drug Agency aims to approve clinical trials within 35 days, following a change in the law in 2024. International companies spend around €100 million a year on clinical trials in Bulgaria, with about 12,000 patients taking part each year.
Sources
- International Trade Administration: Bulgaria, healthcare and life sciences (31 March 2026)
- Germany Trade & Invest: Bulgaria’s pharmaceutical industry (8 April 2025, in German)
- Trading Economics: Bulgaria exports of pharmaceutical products (UN COMTRADE)
- Sopharma Group: Management report, Q4 2025 (PDF)
Figures checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
