What are the standard working hours in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria, the standard working hours are as follows:

• The normal working time is limited to 8 hours a day within a 5-day working week, totaling a maximum of 40 hours per week.

The normal working hours are reduced for two specific categories of employees:

• Employees who perform work where there are risks to life and health that cannot be eliminated or reduced regardless of the measures taken, and where reduction of the duration of daily working time mitigates against those risks. For these employees, the normal workday is limited to 6 to 7 hours, depending on the specific category.
• Employees younger than 18 years of age are limited to 7 hours a day and 35 hours weekly in a 5-day working week.

There are also special provisions for night work and shift work.

Is overtime governed by law in Bulgaria? If so, what are the specifics outlined by law?

Overtime in Bulgaria is governed by law under the Labor Code. The specifics outlined by the law are as follows:

• Overtime, defined as work beyond regular hours with the employer's approval, is generally prohibited except for certain situations. These include national defense, emergency repairs, essential work, and seasonal tasks.
• Overtime work is prohibited for employees under 18, pregnant women, and some employees with reduced working hours.
• Employers are required to maintain a record of overtime and notify the labor inspectorate by January 31 of the following year.
• While employee consent for overtime is usually not required, employers must provide a 24-hour advance notice.
• When overtime is assigned, employers must specify a day in the next working week for uninterrupted rest of at least 24 hours.
• If an employee refuses to work overtime, the written refusal, citing a valid reason, must be registered before the scheduled overtime. Sanctions for refusal are withheld until it's confirmed that the refusal was unjustified.

Explicit consent for overtime is mandatory for:

• Mothers of children under six and those caring for disabled children.
• Occupational rehabilitees, provided health authorities approve.
• Employees pursuing studies during employment.

How is overtime payment calculated in Bulgaria?

Overtime work in Bulgaria is compensated by an increased rate of pay agreed upon between the employee and the employer. The minimum rates are as follows:

• 50% for work on working days
• 75% for work on weekends
• 100% for work on public holidays

How is the time off in lieu payment calculated in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria, time off in lieu payment is calculated according to Article 156, point 2 of the Labor Code. When a supported employee is required to work additional hours beyond the usual working hours, this must be expressly stated in their employment agreement. As compensation, the supported employee receives an additional 5 days of paid time off (PTO), as outlined in the employment agreement. This provision is known as additional leave for irregular working hours, and the supported employee must receive a minimum of 5 additional PTO days.

What are the eligibility rules for time off in lieu in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria, the eligibility rules for time off in lieu are specified under Article 156, point 2 of the Labor Code. When an employee is expected to work more hours than the usual ones, this must be stated in the employment agreement. The employee is entitled to an additional 5 days of paid time off (PTO) for irregular working hours, which must be mentioned in the employment agreement. This ensures that the employee receives a minimum of 5 additional PTO days.

How many days before the actual start date should the employment agreement be signed for payroll purposes in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria, the employment agreement must be signed at least 1 day prior to the supported employee's start date. Additionally, it is essential that the agreement is signed before the payroll deadline to ensure timely processing.

Can employment agreements be backdated in Bulgaria?

No, employment agreements cannot be backdated in Bulgaria. Employers must notify the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency of all newly executed employment agreements within 3 days of their signing. Therefore, backdating is not permitted.