Bulgaria’s sick leave law provides employees with sickness benefits from the National Social Security Institute (NSSI) after the first 3 days of illness. The employer pays salary for the first 3 days at 70% of the daily assessment basis, and the NSSI pays sickness benefit at 70% from day 4. The system is governed by the Social Insurance Code (Кодекс за социално осигуряване).
Key Takeaways
- Employers pay 70% of the daily assessment basis for the first 3 days
- NSSI pays sickness benefit at 70% from day 4 for up to 12 months
- A medical certificate (болничен лист) is required from day 1
- For occupational illness, the benefit is 100% from day 1
- The waiting period is the first 3 days — the employer’s obligation
Bulgaria’s Sick Leave Entitlement
Bulgaria’s sick leave system is governed by the Social Insurance Code. When an employee falls ill, the employer pays 70% of the daily assessment basis for the first 3 days. From day 4, the NSSI pays sickness benefit at 70% of the assessment basis.
The employer’s 3-day obligation is a minimum — many collective agreements and employers voluntarily pay 100% of salary during this period. The NSSI benefit can last for up to 12 months (360 days), subject to medical assessment.
For workplace accidents and occupational diseases, the NSSI benefit is 100% of the assessment basis from day 1, with no employer waiting period.
Who Pays for Sick Leave?
| Period | Pay Rate | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | 70% of daily assessment basis | Employer |
| Days 4–360 | 70% of assessment basis | NSSI |
| Occupational illness | 100% from day 1 | NSSI |
Sick Leave Pay Rates
| Period | Pay Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Employer period (days 1–3) | 70% of daily assessment basis | Social Insurance Code |
| NSSI benefit (days 4–360) | 70% of assessment basis | Social Insurance Code |
| Occupational illness | 100% of assessment basis | Social Insurance Code |
| Maximum benefit period | 12 months | Social Insurance Code |
The daily assessment basis is calculated from the employee’s income for the 6 months before the illness, divided by the number of calendar days in that period. The maximum daily assessment is capped by NSSI.
Medical Certificate Requirements
Bulgaria requires a medical certificate (болничен лист) from the first day of illness. The doctor issues the certificate (paper or electronic through the NHIF system) and specifies the expected duration of absence.
The employee must provide the certificate to the employer. The employer can verify it through the NSSI portal. For absences exceeding 30 days, the NSSI may request additional medical documentation.
How to Calculate Sick Pay in Bulgaria
Example: An employee earning BGN 3,000/month is off sick for 30 calendar days.
- Employer period (days 1–3): BGN 3,000 × 0.70 ÷ 30 × 3 = BGN 210
- NSSI benefit (days 4–30): 27 days
- Daily NSSI benefit: BGN 3,000 × 0.70 ÷ 30 = BGN 70/day
- NSSI payment: BGN 70 × 27 = BGN 1,890
Total paid to employee: BGN 210 (employer) + BGN 1,890 (NSSI) = BGN 2,100
The First-Three-Days Rule
The employer’s 3-day obligation is the core of Bulgaria’s sick leave system:
- The employer pays 70% of the daily assessment basis for the first 3 calendar days
- This is a statutory minimum — employers can pay more through collective agreements
- The 3-day period applies to each new illness
- For workplace accidents, there is no employer waiting period
Many Bulgarian employers voluntarily pay 100% of salary during the first 3 days to improve employee retention.
Employer Obligations and Penalties
Bulgarian employers must:
- Pay 70% of salary for the first 3 days
- Verify the medical certificate through the NSSI portal
- Report the absence to NSSI
- Maintain records for at least 10 years
- Cooperate with rehabilitation plans
Non-compliance can result in fines from the General Labour Inspectorate (ГИТ) and potential liability for unpaid benefits.
Comparison With Other Countries
| Country | Sick Days | Pay | Certificate Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria | 3 days employer + 12 months NSSI | 70% | Day 1 |
| UK | 28 weeks SSP | £116.75/week | Day 7 |
| Australia | 10 days personal/carer’s leave | Full rate | 2+ consecutive days |
| US | Varies by state | Varies | Employer policy |
FAQ
Can the employer pay more than 70% during the first 3 days?
Yes, but only voluntarily. The statutory minimum is 70%. Many employers and collective agreements require 100% of salary during the first 3 days. The employer cannot pay less than 70%.
How long does NSSI sickness benefit last?
NSSI sickness benefit can last for up to 12 months (360 days) from the start of the illness, subject to ongoing medical assessment. After 12 months, the employee may be assessed for disability benefits if they are unable to return to work.
What happens during the waiting period?
The first 3 days are the employer’s obligation — the employee receives 70% of the daily assessment basis. This is not an unpaid waiting period in the traditional sense; the employer pays, not at full salary but at the statutory 70% rate.
leave emails? Track your employee's leave with Leave Balance
