* Playroll continues to analyse immediate opportunities and fulfilled roles by recruitment partners, contractors and employers to identify in-demand jobs.

Capital City
Sofia
Currency

Bulgarian Lev (лв)

Timezone

EET (GMT +2)

Payroll
Monthly
Employment Cost

18.92% - 19.62%

Annual Leave

20 days

In-demand Specialties*
Engineering And Technical Specialists, Transport And Service, Economists

The Ultimate Guide to Hiring Employees in Bulgaria

Simplify hiring employees in by partnering with Playroll. Our Employer of Record (EOR) handles hiring, onboarding, payroll, taxes, immigration, benefits administration, and compliance. While you maintain control of day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.

hiring-in-Bulgaria-guide

Key Considerations Before Hiring In Bulgaria

Employing in Bulgaria requires employers to own a legal entity in the country and manage payroll, tax, benefits and compliance through their own in-country resources. Grow your team in Bulgaria with our Employer of Record solution, ensuring streamlined, compliant business expansion with no entity.

Playroll allows you to hire employee's in Bulgaria quickly, easily and we even automate tax document collection, benefits, payroll and more.

Good To Know

Due to well-established customs in software development and a consistently growing IT market, Bulgaria is recognised as one of the most appealing global destinations for IT outsourcing.

Boasting a robust infrastructure, including high-speed Internet connectivity, Bulgaria is an attractive option for individuals, clients, and companies seeking remote operations.

With its cost-effectiveness, skilled workforce, and conducive business environment, Bulgaria stands out as an optimal location for recruiting qualified employees. Bulgarians often possess advanced degrees and substantial work experience in their respective fields.

Bulgaria is renowned for its efficient transportation system, facilitating easy commuting for workers. Additionally, the government actively supports foreign investment initiatives in the country.

playroll-good-to-know

Fundamental Aspects of Employment in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, all employment contracts, whether temporary (1-3 years) or regular, must be in writing to be legally valid. As per the Employment Law, these contracts must include the following employment details:

  • Identification of both parties
  • Starting and conclusion dates (and employment duration for temporary contracts)
  • Working hours and designated workplace
  • Job title and responsibilities
  • Basic salary (including compensation and benefits)
  • Payment details
  • Leave entitlements
  • Notice periods for employment termination

Probationary Period in Bulgaria

Permanent employees in Bulgaria are given a probationary period ranging from 3 months to a maximum of 6 months.

Working hours in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, the regular work week consists of 5 days, with a weekly duration not surpassing 40 hours or 8 hours per day. Employers can extend daily working hours on certain days through written orders, offsetting this by reducing hours on other days, with a maximum extension of 10 hours.

Overtime in Bulgaria

Overtime, as specified in employment contracts and agreements, is paid for work beyond the standard 40 hours weekly. The limit is 3 hours per day for 2 consecutive days, 6 hours weekly, 30 hours monthly, and 150 hours yearly. Compensation rates are 150% for weekdays, 175% for weekends, and 200% for public holidays.

Navigating Key Aspects of Payroll in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has a robust and complex payroll and tax system, and as an employer, it pays to understand payroll process basics.

1 January - 31 December

Fiscal Year in Bulgaria

1 January - 31 December is the 12-month accounting period that businesses in Bulgaria use for financial and tax reporting purposes.
monthly

Payroll Cycle in Bulgaria

The payroll cycle in Bulgaria is usually monthly, with employees being paid by the last working day of the month.
4,875 BGN p/h

Minimum Wage in Bulgaria

The minimum wage for employees in Bulgaria is typically 4,875 BGN per hour, amounting to ~780 BGN per month for a typical 40 hour work week.

Minimum wages and salaries in Bulgaria

The minimum hourly wage in Bulgaria is 4.875 BGN.

Bonus Payments in Bulgaria

There is no law in Bulgaria that requires 13-month salaries.

Comprehensive Overview of Employment Taxes in Bulgaria

Understanding the tax obligations for both employers and employees is crucial when operating in Bulgaria's business landscape. This section explains how taxes and statutory fees affect payroll and individual earnings in Bulgaria.

Employer Tax Contributions

Employer payroll contributions are generally estimated at an additional 18.92% - 19.62% on top of the employee salary in Bulgaria.

Tax Rate Tax Type

Employee Payroll Tax Contributions

In Bulgaria, the typical estimation for employee payroll contributions cost is around 13.78%.

Tax Rate Tax Type

Individual Payroll Tax Contributions

In Bulgara, there is a flat individual tax rate of 10%. Aside from this, employees contribute 13.78% to Social Security.

Tax Rate Income Bracket

Pension in Bulgaria

Women qualify for retirement at 61 years and 8 months with 36 years of employment, while men qualify at 64 years and 4 months with 39 years of employment. Those not meeting these conditions can retire at 66 and 8 months with at least 15 years of insured employment.

The tax-related information provided in this guide is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Reach out to our dedicated team for insights on remote hiring in Bulgaria tailored to your needs.

Easily navigate payroll, taxes and contributions with Playroll.

Grow your distributed workforce today!

Understanding the Protocols for Termination of Employment in Bulgaria

When it comes to terminating employment in Bulgaria, understanding the legal obligations regarding severance pay and contributions is essential. Below is a detailed overview of the key considerations for both employers and employees.

Termination Process

Terminating employment in Bulgaria is governed by reasons outlined in Bulgarian Labor Law, unless the employer cites a cause for immediate dismissal, such as misconduct.

Notice Period

In Bulgaria, a written notice must be provided to the employee and relevant government authorities, with the following guidelines:

Severance Pay

In Bulgaria, severance pay is obligatory, with the amount contingent on the termination type. It is calculated as a minimum of 4 months' gross salary and must be paid within 7 days of termination. For company downsizing, the redundancy payment is typically 1 month's salary, unless the employment contract states otherwise.

Annual Leave Entitlements and Company Policies in Bulgaria

The annual leave entitlement in Bulgaria is 20 days for a full time worker. These can include public holidays on top of that or within those days, which would otherwise be unpaid.

Public Holidays in Bulgaria

Bulgaria recognises 12 public holidays in a calendar year:

Holiday Date

Paid Time Off in Bulgaria

Maternity Leave in Bulgaria

Paternity Leave in Bulgaria

Sick Leave in Bulgaria

Marriage Leave

Bereavement Leave

Study Leave

Study Leave

Parental Leave In Bulgaria

Bulgaria's Benefits Built Into Playroll

Competitive benefits package in Bulgaria

Playroll is committed to providing tailored, competitive benefits packages that are designed not only to attract but also retain top talent worldwide. Our global team of benefits experts build custom local packages to ensure your employees in Bulgaria's needs are met. Typically our packages contain some or all of the following benefits.

Health Insurance
Pension or 401k
Life and Disability Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Discounts & Perks

Playroll Supplementary Benefits For Employment In Bulgaria

Make your benefits package in Bulgaria a talent magnet with Playroll's local plans. We offer benefits that are compliant, comprehensive, and flexible — all at competitive rates. Speak with our local territory experts to explore the localized benefits we can offer you, while you scale your team.

  • Health Insurance
  • Pension
  • Workman's Compensation
  • Background Checks
  • IT Equipment Sourcing

Statutory benefits for employment in Bulgaria

Playroll allows you to provide localized benefits for employees in Bulgaria within minutes. All in one manageable online dashboard. If you'd like specific information about our benefits packages in Bulgaria create an account or contact our global expansion team, today.

Playroll Benefit Services

Playroll's Expertise in Facilitating Work Visas for Bulgaria

At Playroll we're all about empowering employees to work anywhere, making mobility possible for global teams. We sponsor visas and hire the employee for you, so you don’t have to worry about payroll, taxes, and more.

It's important to note, visa support can be complicated. There are many variables that affect whether sponsorship is possible, including one’s nationality, education, marital status, and the immigration policy for the country in question.

Unfortunately, this means we can’t support visas everywhere - with that being said, we handle the entire visa process in-house, and dig into your situation to give you an overview of what to expect if we're able to help with visa sponsorship in Bulgaria.

Playroll Immigration Support

Integrated EOR Platform

Legal and compliance experts are readily available to provide guidance and case-by-case Q&A support.

Accelerated Immigration Timeline

By leveraging dedicated support from in-house legal and compliance experts for case by case questions and more.

Hire in 50+ Countries

Accelerated Immigration Timeline

Acquiring a visa without an entity has never been easier, leverage Playroll's global coverage to sponsor and hire employees.

Playroll Visa Services

Hiring International Employees is Complex.

Playroll makes it easy!