Bulgaria – National Regulations in Employment Law

We, the International Labour and Employment Group of Rödl & Partner, are happy to advise you on labour law issues (individual and collective) as well as social security law issues on a global, regional and local level.

Below you will find basic information on national labour law provisions in Bulgaria.

Interview with georgi Jordanov

Are there national and/or local collective agreements in the country that regulate labour relations?

Yes. There are local collective agreements. They can also be concluded by company, industry, and branch.

Are there different legal rules by department/canton?

No.

Is there and what is the staff threshold above which the presence of staff representatives is mandatory?

Yes. In some cases, specified by the law the presence of staff representatives is mandatory regardless of the number of employees.

Regarding employee consultation and information, the general threshold for employee representation is 50 employees.

Are trade unions present in the company?

Not compulsory.

If applicable what is the applicable legal working time?

Generally, 40 hours a week. Alternative working time organization is possible. In any case the employee shall not work more than 12 hours a day.

Is there a minimum wage set by law/collective agreements (yes/no)?

Yes. By the law and collective agreements.

What is the number of legal annual paid holidays?

Minimum of 20 days per year. In some cases additional days of paid holidays are granted.

Existence of specific classification of employees according to their functions/responsibilities?

Yes. All positions are defined according to the National Classification of Professions and Positions.

Obligation to set up complementary social insurance schemes (mutual insurance/Provident fund/pension)?

No. There is no general obligation to set up additional insurance schemes. The employees at some positions are subject of mandatory insurance for additional professional risks, e.g. professional accident insurance and/or additional (professional) pension fund.