Bulgaria · Work and business · 2027
From 1 January 2027, the minimum monthly wage in Bulgaria will be 660 euros, and the minimum hourly rate will be 3.98 euros. The change applies to pay for a full working month based on an eight-hour working day and a five-day working week.
According to Bulgarian National Radio, the government adopted the decree on 29 October 2026; it was published in the State Gazette on 3 November. The new rates take effect at the beginning of the following year.
How much the minimum wage will increase
- Currently, in 2026: 620.20 euros per month.
- From 1 January 2027: 660 euros per month.
- Increase: 39.80 euros, or approximately 6.4%.
- New minimum hourly rate: 3.98 euros.
660 euros is the minimum basic wage before employee social insurance contributions and income tax are deducted. The amount the employee takes home will depend on the applicable deductions and tax reliefs.
What to check in your pay from January
If your basic wage is set at the current minimum, check its level from January 2027 with your employer. Pay attention to the rate stated in your employment documents and payslip, as well as the specified working hours.
According to an estimate by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy cited during discussion of the proposal, the increase will affect around 462 thousand employees. This estimate concerns people receiving the minimum wage, rather than everyone working in the country.
If your wage is already above the new minimum, the change alone does not automatically increase every wage by 6.4%. Your pay conditions need to be considered in light of your contract and the applicable rules.
What to discuss with your accountant in advance
To prepare for the beginning of the year, we recommend checking:
- which employees receive a basic wage below the new minimum for full-time work;
- how the change will affect payroll calculations and the overall payroll budget;
- which documents and information need to be prepared when pay changes;
- the accuracy of calculations for part-time work and hourly pay.
The difference of 39.80 euros relates to the basic monthly rate. The change in the employer's total labour cost should be calculated separately, taking social insurance contributions and the specific employment conditions into account.
If you need help with calculations and employment administration, take a look at our business and accounting services in Bulgaria.
Plan expenses around take-home pay
When planning household expenses, use the actual amount after deductions. If several family members earn the minimum wage, check each person's expected payment separately: the increase in the basic rate may differ from the increase in the money available to spend.
The new rate applies throughout Bulgaria, including to employees and employers in Burgas and the surrounding region.
Sources: BNR: the adopted decree and its effective date; Ministry of Labour: discussion of the proposal, the increase and number of employees; General Labour Inspectorate: minimum remuneration. Information checked on 6 November 2026.
