Hourly minimum compensation

Bulgaria's hourly minimum wage is €3.74 per hour, established as a fixed hourly rate. This rule sets the lowest permissible compensation that employers must pay workers for each hour of labour, regardless of employment contract type or sector, with limited exceptions for apprentices and workers in specific training programmes.

The minimum wage in Bulgaria is governed by the Labour Code and administered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. The government sets the rate annually following consultation with social partners, including employer and employee representatives. The current hourly rate of €3.74 reflects Bulgaria's position as having one of the lowest statutory minimum wages in the European Union, though the rate is adjusted periodically to account for inflation and economic conditions.

Bulgaria transitioned to an hourly minimum wage calculation method to align with EU standards and provide clarity for part-time and casual workers. Previously, the minimum wage was expressed as a monthly figure; the hourly equivalent ensures consistent application across all work arrangements.

Employers and payroll teams must ensure that all worker compensation, including base wages and regular allowances, meets or exceeds €3.74 per hour worked. This applies to standard employment contracts, fixed-term agreements, and temporary work arrangements. Payroll records must document hourly rates and total hours worked to demonstrate compliance. Failure to meet the minimum wage requirement can result in administrative penalties and back-pay obligations. Employers should monitor government announcements for annual rate adjustments, which typically take effect on 1 January each year.