Mandatory elements under Art. 66 of the Labour Code
An employment contract must be concluded in writing before the employee starts work. Its minimum content is set out exhaustively in Art. 66(1) of the Labour Code. The *трудов договор* (employment contract) filed with the National Revenue Agency has to be in Bulgarian — this page explains, in English, what a compliant contract needs to contain so a non-Bulgarian-speaking employer or employee understands what they're signing:
| Element | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Workplace | the employer's registered seat, or a specific site/address |
| Position and nature of the work | the title per the National Classification of Occupations and Positions, plus a short description |
| Date of conclusion and start | the signing date and the date work begins, if different |
| Duration | open-ended or fixed-term contract; if fixed-term, a specific end date or condition |
| Paid annual leave | the amount of basic leave (min. 20 working days) and any supplementary leave |
| Notice period | equal for both parties on termination (typically 30 days) |
| Remuneration | basic and any regular supplementary pay, plus how often it is paid |
Example — a filled-in employment contract (skeleton)
This is an English translation of the structure — the actual contract we prepare and file is drafted in Bulgarian.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT No. [number]
under Art. 67(1)(1) in conjunction with Art. 66 of the Labour Code
Employer
"[Company name]" EOOD
UIC (EIK): [EIK number]
Sofia, [address]
Employee
[Employee name]
Personal ID No.: [ID number]
Address: [address]
Employer: ____________________ Employee: ____________________
Frequently asked questions
Which elements are mandatory in an employment contract under Art. 66 of the Labour Code?
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The workplace; the job title and nature of the work; the date of conclusion and the start date of performance; the duration of the contract; the amount of paid annual leave; an equal notice period for both parties; and the basic and any supplementary remuneration, together with how often it is paid.
Must the employment contract be in writing?
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Yes — an employment contract must be concluded in writing between the employee and the employer before the employee starts work.
What is the minimum paid annual leave for 2026?
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The minimum basic paid annual leave is 20 working days, unless the employee's category of work or personal circumstances entitle them to extended leave under other legislation.
Can an employment contract include a probationary period?
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Yes — the parties may agree a probationary period of up to 6 months in favor of the employer, the employee, or both, and it must be stated explicitly in the contract.
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Sources
Labour Code, Art. 66(1) and (2), Art. 67, Art. 70. Verified 4 September 2026.
Important
This template is general in nature and does not replace individual advice for a specific work arrangement (part-time, remote work, irregular working hours). The document actually filed must be in Bulgarian; this page is an English-language guide to its contents.