Paid time off

Bulgaria mandates a minimum of 20 working days of paid annual leave for all employees. This entitlement represents the baseline vacation time that employers must grant to workers each calendar year, separate from public holidays and other statutory leave categories.

The regulation is established under Bulgarian labour law and administered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. The minimum annual leave provision applies uniformly across sectors and employment types, though collective agreements or employment contracts may provide more generous terms. The 20-day minimum is calculated on a working-day basis, meaning weekends and public holidays do not reduce the entitlement.

Employees typically accrue leave on a monthly or annual basis, depending on company policy and contractual arrangements. Leave must generally be taken within the calendar year or carried forward under specific conditions defined by employer policy or collective agreements. Unused leave at year-end may be subject to forfeiture rules or carryover provisions, though Bulgarian law permits limited carryover in certain circumstances.

Employers must maintain accurate records of leave accrual, usage, and balances for each employee. Payroll teams should ensure that leave is properly tracked and that employees receive their full entitlement before year-end or that carryover is documented and managed in compliance with internal policies. When employment terminates, employees are entitled to compensation for any unused accrued leave at their regular daily wage rate. Failure to provide the statutory minimum leave or to compensate unused leave upon termination can result in labour inspectorate penalties and employee claims.