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Sick leave in Bulgaria
Maternity, paternity, and parental leave in Bulgaria
Adoption leave in Bulgaria
Additional types of leave in Bulgaria
Public holidays in Bulgaria
Protect your employees and your business
Annual leave in Bulgaria
Managing leave policies in Bulgaria is essential for employers to ensure compliance with labour laws while maintaining employee satisfaction. Bulgarian law provides specific entitlements for annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays, which employers must incorporate into their workforce policies.
Employees in Bulgaria are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid annual leave per year, provided they have completed at least four months of employment. Employers may offer additional leave days as part of company policy or collective agreements. Some categories of employees are entitled to longer vacation (disabled employees with permanently reduced working capacity 50% and more; employees younger than 18 years; employees working under specific conditions and life and health hazards etc.)
Paid leave entitlements must be stated in the employment contract, and employees are encouraged to use their leave within the calendar year to avoid forfeiture. If leave is not used within the given year, it may be carried over for up to two years, after which it is typically lost unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Annual leave is typically scheduled in agreement between the employer and the employee. However, employers must ensure that employees take their legally mandated leave to prevent burnout and maintain productivity.
Sick leave in Bulgaria
Sick leave in Bulgaria is partially covered by employers and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The first three days of sick leave are paid by the employer at 70% of the employee’s regular salary.
From the fourth day onwards, the NSSF takes over payment at 80% of the regular salary or 90% in cases of work-related illness or injury. Employees can claim up to 18 months of paid sick leave, provided they have completed at least six months of service or made sufficient social security contributions. A medical certificate must be submitted within 48 hours of the first day of illness.
Sick leave eligibility is contingent upon an employee’s social security contributions. Employees who have not met the minimum contribution period may not be eligible for paid sick leave under the NSSF, placing a greater financial burden on them during illness. Employers should ensure that employees understand the documentation required for sick leave claims and the processes involved in securing compensation.
In cases of extended sick leave, employees may be subject to periodic medical evaluations to determine their continued eligibility. If an employee remains unable to work beyond the 18-month period, they may apply for disability benefits through Bulgaria’s social security system. Employers should be mindful of the reintegration process for long-term sick employees, ensuring a smooth transition back to work where possible.
Maternity, paternity, and parental leave in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, organisations must adhere to statutory regulations regarding parental leave to support employees balancing work and family responsibilities. The Bulgarian Labour Code provides clear guidelines on maternity leave, paternity leave, and parental leave, ensuring financial support and job security for new parents.
Maternity leave in Bulgaria
All female employees are entitled to 410 days of paid maternity leave, with 45 days required to be taken before the due date. The remaining leave period follows childbirth, and after six months, the mother can transfer unused leave to the father if desired.
Employees who have contributed to Bulgaria’s social security system for at least 12 months receive maternity benefits from the National Social Security Institute (NSSI), amounting to 90% of their average daily gross wage.
To claim maternity leave benefits, employees must provide a series of medical certificates. The first certificate is issued 45 days before the due date, followed by another 42 days post-birth from the attending doctor. The child’s or mother’s general practitioner (GP) issues a third certificate covering leave up to 135 days after birth. For the remainder of the 410 days, employees must request leave directly from their employer, who then submits the claim to the NSSI.
After the 410-day maternity leave, additional leave can be taken until the child reaches two years of age, with financial support of 780 BGN per month. This allowance applies only if the child is not enrolled in formal childcare, and the mother has not transferred her entitlement to another eligible family member. If the child is placed in nursery care, financial support is discontinued.
Paternity leave in Bulgaria
Fathers are entitled to 15 days of paternity leave following the birth of their child, paid at 90% of their regular salary. To qualify, fathers must have been employed for at least one year. Once the child reaches six months of age, the father can use any remaining maternity leave transferred from the mother.
Fathers also have access to two months of additional leave for raising a child under eight years old, provided they have not previously used transferred maternity leave or parental leave for a child under two. The leave is paid by the National Social Security Institute and requires the employee to notify the employer at least 10 days in advance.
Additional parental leave in Bulgaria
Once maternity leave ends, parents can take unpaid parental leave until the child reaches eight years old. Each parent is entitled to six months of parental leave, provided the child is not in state-maintained institutional care. Parents may transfer up to five months of their entitlement to the other parent with their consent.
Parental leave can be taken either all at once or in increments of no less than five working days. Employees must inform their employer at least 10 working days in advance before taking parental leave. Employers should ensure that their workforce understands these entitlements and provide guidance on how to apply for parental leave when needed.
By staying compliant with Bulgaria’s parental leave regulations, businesses can foster a supportive work environment while ensuring adherence to labour laws.
Adoption leave in Bulgaria
Employers must comply with regulations regarding Bulgaria’s adoption leave to support employees who choose to expand their families through adoption. The Bulgarian Labour Code outlines the rights of adoptive parents, ensuring financial support and job security during the transition period.
Adoptive parents are entitled to 365 days of leave upon adopting a child up to five years of age, starting from the date of the adoption. During this period, the adoptive parent receives financial support from the National Social Security Institute (NSSI), provided they have contributed to the Bulgarian social security system for at least 12 months before the leave period begins.
Additionally, adoptive fathers are entitled to two months of leave to care for a child under eight years old. This leave is paid by the NSSI, ensuring that fathers can take an active role in the child’s early development. To utilise this entitlement, adoptive fathers must notify their employer at least 10 days in advance.
Adoption leave benefits provide crucial support to employees adjusting to their new family responsibilities. Employers should ensure compliance with these regulations while fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace environment for adoptive parents.
Additional types of leave in Bulgaria
Marriage leave in Bulgaria
Employees in Bulgaria are entitled to two days of paid leave when they get married. This statutory leave allows employees to celebrate and attend to any necessary arrangements related to their wedding without financial loss. Employers must approve this leave upon request, ensuring the employee provides adequate notice and relevant documentation.
Bereavement leave in Bulgaria
In the unfortunate event of the death of a family member, employees are entitled to two days of paid bereavement leave. This leave provides time for employees to grieve and attend funeral arrangements. Employers should have clear internal policies on the required documentation for bereavement leave requests.
Blood donation leave in Bulgaria
Employees who donate blood are entitled to one day of paid leave on the day of donation to ensure proper recovery.
Examination and study leave in Bulgaria
Employees pursuing higher education or professional qualifications may be entitled to paid or unpaid study leave, as outlined in their employment contract or collective agreement.
Military service leave in Bulgaria
Employees required to attend military training or reserve duties are entitled to leave for the duration of their service, with specific conditions depending on their employment contract.
Unpaid leave in Bulgaria
Employees may request unpaid leave for personal reasons, subject to employer approval. Unpaid leave duration and conditions are often determined by company policy or collective agreements.
Employers should establish clear leave request procedures and inform employees of their entitlements to foster a well-balanced and productive workforce.
Public holidays in Bulgaria
Bulgaria observes 12 public holidays, during which employees are generally entitled to a paid day off. If employees are required to work on a public holiday, they must receive double pay or compensatory time off, as mandated by labour regulations. Some employers provide additional benefits or holiday bonuses during festive periods.
In addition, the country observes several national holidays throughout the year, recognising historical events and cultural traditions. The following are the official national public holidays in Bulgaria:
1 January (New Year’s Day)
Celebrates the beginning of the new calendar year.
3 March (Liberation Day)
Marks Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule in 1878.
18 April (Orthodox Good Friday)
A significant Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
19 April (Orthodox Easter Saturday)
Part of the Orthodox Easter celebrations.
20 April (Orthodox Easter Sunday)
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
21 April (Orthodox Easter Monday)
The final day of Orthodox Easter festivities.
1 May (Labour Day)
Recognises workers' rights and achievements.
6 May (Saint George’s Day / Army Day)
A dual celebration honouring Saint George and the Bulgarian Armed Forces.
24 May (Culture and Literacy Day)
Celebrates the Cyrillic alphabet and Bulgarian cultural achievements.
26 May (Culture and Literacy Day Holiday)
An additional day off when Culture and Literacy Day falls on a weekend.
6 September (Unification Day)
Commemorates the unification of Bulgaria in 1885.
8 September (Unification Day Holiday)
Observed when Unification Day falls on a weekend.
22 September (Independence Day)
Celebrates Bulgaria’s declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908.
24 December (Christmas Eve)
The beginning of Bulgaria’s Christmas celebrations.
25 December (Christmas Day)
Observes the birth of Jesus Christ.
26 December (Second Day of Christmas)
A continuation of the Christmas festivities.
Other observances in Bulgaria
Apart from national holidays, Bulgaria has other significant observances, some of which are public holidays for specific institutions or groups.
For example, 1 November (Day of the Bulgarian Enlighteners) is a day honouring educators, scholars, and cultural figures who contributed to Bulgaria’s national revival. While not a nationwide public holiday, it is recognised in educational institutions and government offices.
When a public holiday falls on a weekend, an additional day off may be provided to compensate employees. Understanding and planning around Bulgarian public holidays ensures compliance with local labour laws and helps maintain employee satisfaction and productivity.
Protect your employees and your business
As an employer in Bulgaria, staying informed about your employees’ rights and entitlements is essential. However, keeping up with local labour laws and regulations can be complex and overwhelming.
When you engage workers through CXC, we ensure full compliance with Bulgarian employment laws, including employee benefit requirements. This way, your workforce receives all the benefits they are entitled to, while your business remains protected from legal and financial risks.
Find out more about our Employer of Record (EoR) solution – speak to our team today.
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