What you need to know for employing in Bulgaria

National insurance contributions include social security and health insurance contributions. The rate of social security contributions payable by the employee is 10.58%. The rate of health insurance contributions payable by the employee is 3.2%. The above rates are applicable to Bulgarian nationals, as well as to EU/EEA nationals who are subject to Bulgarian social security contributions (i.e. who have not obtained a E101/A1 certificate of coverage issued from their home country social security authorities). Non-EU/EEA nationals are also subject to these contributions under certain conditions, except for health insurance contributions. If they have a permanent residence permit for Bulgaria, they will be subject to health insurance contributions too.

Standard 40 hours per week.

Overtime permitted with limitations, regulated by law.

Generous sick leave entitlements. Payment by Social Security.

Generous maternity/paternity/parental leaves. Generally paid for the most part by Social Security.

Minimum 20 days paid leave per year (plus PH).

Law provides for exceptions and requirements. Carry over admissable.

Additional leaves apply.

Severance can be mandatory under certain conditions. Severance paid out to employee depending on dismissal type.

Terminations heavily regulated. Major blocks for specific categories. Procedural requirements depending on size/number of dismissals.

Notice periods subject to specific conditions.