Current Legal Framework
As of July 1, 2025, there was no explicit prohibition in the Bulgarian labor legislation preventing individuals on leave for pregnancy and childbirth, childcare leave for a child up to the age of 2, adoption leave for a child up to the age of 5, or childcare leave for a child up to the age of 8 by the father (or adoptive parent), from working under an additional employment contract.
In practice, this allowed individuals to receive full financial compensation from state social security under one employment relationship, while simultaneously receiving remuneration under another.
The Purpose Behind the Legislative Amendments
The legislative amendments aim to eliminate the possibility of concluding additional employment contracts during these types of leave, thereby preventing individuals simultaneously receiving full compensation and salary. According to the rationale behind the amendments, these types of leave are targeted measures provided to working parents and adoptive parents to enable them to care for their children in a family environment until they reach a certain age.
Benefits Offered by the New Rules
The changes affect the following types of benefits: a)temporary incapacity for work, maternity benefits for pregnancy and childbirth (up to 410 days), childcare leave for a child up to the age of 2, adoption leave for a child up to the age of 5, and b)childcare leave for a child up to the age of 8 taken by the father or adoptive parent.
New Restrictions Effective July 1, 2025
Starting from July 1, 2025, parents who enter additional employment contracts will no longer be entitled to receive full compensation from the state under their primary employment contract.
Exceptions
However, full compensation will not be suspended if, during the respective leave, a civil contract is concluded under conditions that are not considered as employment and are not subject to social insurance contributions.
How Eurofast Can Support You
At Eurofast, we assist employers and employees in understanding and applying the latest amendments to the Social Security Code. Our team in Bulgaria provides guidance on compliance, payroll adjustments, and the correct application of maternity and childcare benefits. By ensuring that your policies and employment practices align with the new legislation, we help you remain compliant while safeguarding both your business operations and employee rights.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
