In Bulgaria, employees are entitled to at least 20 working days of paid annual leave per year under the Labour Code. Certain categories of employees (e.g. minors, hazardous work) are entitled to additional leave.

Statutory entitlement

Minimum 20 working days of paid annual leave per year. Additional leave for minors and hazardous work.

Eligibility

All employees are entitled to annual leave. Leave is pro-rated in the first year.

Employer obligations

  • Grant at least 20 working days of paid annual leave per year.
  • Pay the employee's normal remuneration during annual leave.
  • Pay for unused annual leave on termination of employment.

Employee rights

  • Right to at least 20 working days of annual leave.
  • Right to additional leave for hazardous work or as a minor.
  • Right to paid leave payout on termination.

Common pitfalls

  • Not paying for unused leave on termination — this is a statutory requirement.

How annual leave accrues

Annual leave accrues from the start of employment. Leave is pro-rated in the first year.

Frequently asked questions

Can annual leave be carried forward?

Unused annual leave can be carried forward by mutual agreement.

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.