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Regulatory framework and objectives
The Bulgarian government updates and establishes the minimum wages in force throughout the country on an annual basis. The objectives of this policy are multiple. Firstly, to guarantee a more adequate salary for low-income workers; in parallel, to reduce poverty and strengthen the purchasing power of the population. From January 1st 2026, the monthly minimum wage will increase by 12.6% compared to the level established for 2025. It will be set at 1,213 leva (approximately €620.20). Consequently, the minimum hourly wage will increase and will be fixed at 7.31 leva (approximately €3.74) from 2026.
This adjustment complies with the provisions of EU Directive 2022/2041 of 19 October 2022 on adequate minimum wages in the European Union and its national transposition (Labour Code). EU Directive 2022/2041, in force since 25 October 2022, recommends a minimum wage threshold of approximately 50% of the average gross monthly wage.
Impact and benefits on the population
The impact of the minimum wage adjustment will be considerable. According to the Bulgarian National Statistical Institute (NSI), the increase will affect approximately 600,000 workers, notably the following categories:
- Full-time workers employed on minimum wage contracts (approximately 467,700 in the second quarter of 2025);
- Assistants to people with disabilities (approximately 83,000), whose wages will increase by approximately 12.6%;
- Social service employees, participants in state-funded employment programmes and professional foster families (approximately 30,000).
In conclusion, the increase in the minimum wage could be a fundamental provision to promote the purchasing power of the population, especially among lower-income groups. Furthermore, the measure is in line with forecasts for growth in the labour market and national gross domestic product.
