Contents
- The Unified Electronic Employment Record replaces paper employment record books, and employers must use it from 1 June 2025.
- Civil service record books are abolished from 1 June 2026, and their data is transferred to the electronic record.
- From 1 January 2025, farmers must comply with employment law in order to receive subsidies.
- Employer and employee may agree a temporary change of workplace for up to 30 working days a year.
2025 brings significant changes to employment legislation in Bulgaria. They aim to improve the protection of employment rights, encourage digitalisation and simplify administrative procedures for both employers and employees. This article examines the main aspects of the employment law reform and how it will affect businesses and the workforce.
Introduction of the Unified Electronic Employment Record
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the Unified Electronic Employment Record, which will replace traditional paper employment record books. From 1 June 2025, employers will be required to use this centralised platform to store and manage information on employment relationships.
What is the Unified Electronic Employment Record?
- It is a digital system that will allow employers to record hiring, changes and termination of employment contracts.
- It will give employees easy access to information on their length of service and rights.
What does it mean for employers and employees?
- For employers: less administrative burden, automated processes and a lower risk of errors.
- For employees: greater transparency and data security, and no risk of paper documents being lost or damaged.
Abolition of Civil Service Record Books
Civil service record books will be abolished from 1 June 2026. The information previously kept in them will be integrated into the Unified Electronic Employment Record.
What does this mean for civil servants?
- The change will reduce red tape in the public sector and make information easier to access.
- For employees, it means greater security and convenience in checking their length of service and terms of employment.
New Social Requirements for the Agricultural Sector
From 1 January 2025, social conditionality is being introduced for farmers. This means that, to receive subsidies, they will have to show that they comply with employment law, including providing employment contracts and safe working conditions for their workers.
How will compliance be monitored?
- Farmers will be inspected for compliance with the regulatory requirements, and breaches will result in penalties or reduced subsidies.
Flexible Arrangements for Changing the Place of Work
In 2025, a new simplified option for temporarily changing the place of work will be introduced. Employers and employees will be able to agree a temporary change of workplace for up to 30 working days in a calendar year.
What does this measure involve?
- The change is intended to encourage remote work and flexible forms of employment.
- It will make things easier for companies and give employees more freedom.
How to Prepare for the Changes
For employers:
- Train your team to use the Unified Electronic Employment Record.
- Review and update internal policies and employment contracts to comply with the new requirements.
- Invest in software that will make it easier to digitalise administrative processes.
For employees:
- Familiarise yourself with your new rights and obligations.
- Check whether your employer is ready for the introduction of the electronic record.
- Seek legal advice if you have questions about your employment relationship.
The 2025 employment law changes are a step towards modernising and digitalising employment relations in Bulgaria. They bring a number of benefits, such as simpler administrative procedures, greater transparency and protection of workers' rights. Preparing for them is essential for both employers and employees. To make sure you meet the new requirements, consult an experienced lawyer who can help you adapt to the new reality.
If you need assistance with implementing the new requirements, our employment law team can help.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Unified Electronic Employment Record?
A centralised electronic system in which employers record the hiring, changes and termination of employment contracts. It replaces paper employment record books and gives employees access to their service data.
When are civil service record books abolished?
From 1 June 2026. The information in them is transferred to the Unified Electronic Employment Record.
What is social conditionality for farmers?
From 1 January 2025, farmers must show that they comply with employment law, including employment contracts and safe working conditions, in order to receive subsidies. Breaches lead to reduced subsidies.
