Notice period

In Bulgaria, the statutory notice period for termination of an indefinite-term employment contract is 30 days, unless the parties have agreed to a longer period not exceeding three months.

The notice period applies when either the employer or employee terminates an ongoing employment relationship without cause. This rule establishes the minimum advance warning required before an employment contract ends, allowing both parties reasonable time to prepare for separation. The 30-day baseline may be extended by mutual agreement between employer and employee, though any agreed extension cannot exceed three months in total duration.

The regulation is governed by Bulgaria's Labour Code and administered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. The rule reflects standard European employment protections that balance employer operational needs with employee job security and transition time.

Employers and payroll teams in Bulgaria must ensure that termination notices comply with the 30-day minimum requirement and verify any contractual agreements that may extend this period up to three months. When processing employee separations, payroll must calculate final compensation, accrued leave, and severance obligations based on the notice period actually served or paid in lieu. Documentation of the termination notice—including the date issued and the agreed notice length—should be retained for compliance purposes. If notice is waived or paid out early, this must be recorded and reflected in the final payroll run. Failure to observe the statutory notice period may expose employers to claims for damages or reinstatement.