Employer of Record and Payroll Services in Bulgaria 
Mercans-owned legal entity
We have our own legal entity to protect your business from risk and provide you and your employees with a distinctive experience.
We have our own legal entity to protect your business from risk and provide you and your employees with a distinctive experience.
Services available
- Employer of record
- Contractor management
- Global payroll
- In-country payroll
Mercans offers complete payroll, PEO and HR services in Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers an interesting and attractive option for new businesses and foreign direct investment thanks to lower labor costs as well as low and flat corporate and income taxes. Additionally, there are no legal limits on foreign ownership or control of firms. In many respects, foreign companies are treated similarly to local companies. Particular sectors such as IT, business process outsourcing and automotives have steadily attracted foreign investment.
Doing Business in Bulgaria
There is significant support for small and medium sized businesses. While it is relatively easy to set up a new business in the country, investors often cite corruption, the difficulty in obtaining the necessary permits, administrative procedures associated with opening a business and delays as ongoing challenges.
Entity Registration and Incorporation Requirements
Setting up a new business or expanding an existing one in Bulgaria is straightforward. Choose how your company operates from a range of entity types that suit your individual circumstance.
Banking
Banking Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday
Working Week
The standard working week is from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Labor Law
The Labor Code is the primary source of labor law, regulating the key elements of labor relations. The main obligations of the employer are defined in the Code including work conditions, payment of wages as well as social security contributions.
Main Industries
Metallurgy, electricity, electronics, machinery and equipment, shipbuilding
GDP Growth
0.84%
Dates & Numbers
dd/mm/yyyy
Official State Name
the Republic of Bulgaria
Population
6.95 million
Capital
Sofia
Major Languages
Bulgarian
Currency
Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Internet Domain
.bg
International Dialing Code
+359
1°C
Payroll
The minimum wage applies to everyone regardless of age, industry or experience. The minimum wage is regulated by the government on an annual basis.
It is acceptable to provide employees with online payslips
Payslip
Payroll reports must be kept for 50 years
Reports
Employees receive paid annual leave of 20 days
Annual Leave
Employees receive paid sick leave of 3 days. Any leave without a doctor’s note is unpaid.
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to 2 years of paid maternity leave and 15 days of paid paternity leave.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Termination of an employee requires notice of 1 - 3 months
Employee Termination
This is not mandated by law
13th month salary
4.06 BGN per hour
Minimum Wage
Overtime payment of 50% for regular days worked, 75% for work on weekends,100% for work completed on national holidays.
Overtime
There is generally no statutory severance pay.
Severance Pay
Tax and Social Security
Individuals are taxed based on their tax residency status. National insurance contributions include social security and health insurance contributions.
Tax
Bulgarian tax residents are taxed on their worldwide income and non-residents are taxed in Bulgaria on Bulgarian-source income.
Corporate Income Tax
Personal Income Tax
Sales Tax
VAT
Social Security
The Bulgarian social security system provides protection against general disease, work-related accidents, occupational disease, maternity, unemployment, old age and death. Generally, all employees are automatically compulsorily insured.
Social Security Rate
Social Security Rate for Employers
Social Security Rate for Employees
Employment Law
In general, the Bulgarian Labor Code applies to all employment contracts in Bulgaria unless another law or international treaty applies. Parties are generally permitted to elect the jurisdiction of law that they wish to apply.
Employment Agreement
An employment agreement must be in writing in order to be valid and enforceable. Any amendments to the agreement, by necessity, must be in writing. Employment agreements contain the main particulars of parties including specifications on the place of work, nature of work, date of the conclusion of the contract, basic and other types of leave, notice periods and more.
Working condition
Maximum permitted working times are prescribed by law. Workers are also entitled to daily breaks. The Labor Code specifies the methods for determining reduced working time, night work or other types of working time, some of which may result in a different wage calculation.
Leaves
The basic leave period may not be shorter than 20 working days. Depending on the type of leave requested, this may require the employer’s consent, such as unpaid vacation leave.
Employment termination
Heavily regulated by the Labor Code, termination of employment may be done by mutual consent, through a lapse of time, the fulfillment of work. Termination of employment may also be done with or without notice by either employer or employee.
1 month
Minimum notice period for terminating an employee
16 days
Total number of public holidays
40
Working hours per week
20 days
Total number of days for Compassionate & Bereavement Leave
Immigration
The application process for a foreign worker from the EU is less complicated than the worker from outside the EU. Foreign persons may choose to reside for a short period, long-term or permanently.
Residency permits
As a rule, work permits are issued for a period of one year but may be extended. There are a number of exemptions to holding a work permit including:
- foreign workers with permanent residence in Bulgaria
- representatives of foreign companies which are members of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- no work permit is required for any posting that does not go beyond three months
- members of the executive board, managing directors and permanent representatives of companies or branch offices of foreign companies.
Work Permit Validity
1 – 3 years
Required Documents
A copy of the first page of the individual’s passport
A passport photo in color
Proof of the reason for travel, such as the work permit
Proof of medical insurance
Evidence of sufficient financial means
Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria, such as a lease agreement
A police background check
Work experience
Aged 45 years or below.
Build the best team and hire top talent compliantly in Bulgaria. Get in touch with Bulgaria payroll outsourcing & PEO specialists for a free consultation!