Bulgaria Employment Guide

Bulgaria Employment Guide: Comprehensive Leave Policy Overview

Maternity Leave Entitlements

Employees who have completed 12 months of continuous service are eligible for 410 days of paid maternity leave. The policy requires 45 days to be taken before the expected delivery date and 45 days following childbirth. The remaining balance can be utilized flexibly until the child reaches two years of age.

Compensation during this period varies according to the child's age. The National Social Security Institute administers all payments directly to employees.

Paternity Leave Provisions

Fathers with at least one year of service qualify for 15 days of paid paternity leave at 90% of their standard earnings. Similar to maternity benefits, these payments are managed directly by the National Social Security Institute.

Employees may extend this period with an additional six months of unpaid leave, providing greater flexibility for new parents.

Parental Leave Options

While Bulgaria doesn't have specific legislation governing parental leave, employees can utilize alternative arrangements to extend their time away from work. Practical solutions include transferring remaining maternity leave to partners after six months or applying for child-rearing benefits through social security.

For international companies like SailGlobal, understanding these transfer mechanisms is crucial for developing competitive family-friendly policies that exceed local minimums.

Sick Leave Regulations

Bulgaria's sick pay system operates through a shared responsibility model between employers and the state. Employers cover the first three days of absence at approximately 70% of normal wages, while the National Social Security Institute assumes responsibility from the fourth consecutive day onward at 80% of average daily earnings.

Employees are entitled to up to 180 days of paid sick leave annually, with potential extensions available through medical board assessment. SailGlobal's HR teams should maintain clear documentation processes to ensure compliance with these requirements.