diff --git a/src/network/bridge_driver.c b/src/network/bridge_driver.c
index 660c38dac7..975b7f63ab 100644
--- a/src/network/bridge_driver.c
+++ b/src/network/bridge_driver.c
@@ -3124,6 +3124,9 @@ static virNetworkPtr networkDefine(virConnectPtr conn, const char *xml) {
             goto cleanup;
     }
 
+    /* define makes the network persistent - always */
+    network->persistent = 1;
+
     /* def was asigned */
     freeDef = false;