Understanding Employee Leave Entitlements in Bulgaria

Bulgarian labor legislation provides comprehensive leave benefits for employees, balancing employer needs with worker welfare. Understanding these regulations is essential for international companies operating in the Bulgarian market.

Annual Leave Provisions

After completing four months of employment, Bulgarian workers are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days of paid annual leave. Employers must notify employees of their annual leave entitlement at the beginning of each calendar year. Special provisions apply to various employee categories:

Employees with 50% or greater reduced working capacity receive at least 26 working days
Workers in high-risk occupations receive an additional 5 working days minimum
Employees working extended hours beyond the standard 8-hour day receive supplementary leave

Cash compensation for unused leave is only permitted upon employment termination, except in cases where employment ends before the four-month qualification period.

Maternity and Parental Leave Framework

Bulgaria offers substantial support for new parents through its leave policies. Female employees receive 410 days of maternity leave, with 45 days available pre-delivery. Compensation averages 90% of daily earnings from social security.

Special circumstances include:

42 days postnatal leave in cases of stillbirth, child death, or institutional placement
Extended leave possibilities through medical authorization

Breastfeeding employees receive paid breaks until the child reaches eight months:

Standard workday: Two 1-hour breaks or one 2-hour break
Reduced hours: One 1-hour break
Multiple births: Extended break allowances

Comprehensive Parental Leave Options

Bulgarian parental leave policies demonstrate significant flexibility:

Until child reaches age 2: Additional leave if childcare unavailable
Adoption leave: 365 days for children under five
Until age 8: Up to 6 months unpaid leave per parent
Multiple children: Additional paid leave days based on family size

Employees must provide 10 days' notice when utilizing these leave types.

Paternity Leave Entitlements

Fathers receive 15 days of paternity leave following childbirth or adoption of children under five. With maternal consent, fathers may utilize remaining maternity leave after the child reaches six months.

Sick Leave Compensation Structure

Employees receive sick leave compensation based on medical certification. Compensation rates vary:

General illness: 80% of average earnings (70% for first three days)
Work-related injury: 90% of average earnings

Employers cover initial three days, with social security assuming subsequent payments.

Educational Leave Opportunities

Bulgaria supports employee development through two primary leave types requiring seven days' advance notice:

Application leave: 6-12 paid days for educational enrollment
Training leave: 25-30 days annually for examination preparation
Advanced degrees: 6-12 months for doctoral studies

2025 Public Holidays Schedule

Bulgaria observes 14 public holidays annually. Employees working holidays receive double compensation regardless of overtime status.

Holiday	Date
New Year's Day	January 1
Liberation Day	March 3
Good Friday	April 18
Easter Monday	April 21
Labour Day	May 1
Army Day	May 6
Culture Day	May 24
Unification Day	September 6
Independence Day	September 22
Christmas	December 25-26

Additional Leave Categories

Bulgarian law provides for various special circumstances:

Marriage: 2 days
Blood donation: Day of donation plus following day
Bereavement: 2 days for immediate family
Pregnancy-related medical appointments
EU institution employment: Up to 1 year unpaid leave

Practical Implementation Considerations

Companies like SailGlobal help international employers navigate Bulgaria's complex leave regulations. Proper administration requires understanding accrual methods, notice periods, and compensation calculations. Many organizations benefit from specialized HR support to ensure compliance while maintaining operational efficiency.

Effective leave management contributes significantly to employee satisfaction and retention. Bulgarian workers value employers who demonstrate understanding and compliance with local labor standards. Proactive leave policy communication helps prevent misunderstandings and promotes positive workplace relationships.

Bulgaria Employee Leave Guide: Annual, Maternity & Parental Rights 2025