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LIVING AND WORKING CONDITIONS IN BULGARIA
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Contents About Bulgaria ............................................................................................................... 5 How to find a job ........................................................................................................... 6 How to apply for a job.................................................................................................. 6 Finding accommodation ............................................................................................ 7 Finding school . .............................................................................................................. 7 Registration procedures and Residence permits . ............................................. 8 Checklist for before and after you arrive in a country ..................................... 9 Kinds of employment ............................................................................................... 10 Employment contracts . ........................................................................................... 10 Special categories ...................................................................................................... 12 Self-employment ....................................................................................................... 13 Remuneration . ............................................................................................................ 14 Working time ............................................................................................................... 15 Leave (annual leave, parental leave etc) ............................................................ 16 Ending employment ................................................................................................. 17 Representation of workers . .................................................................................... 18 Labour disputes - strikes . ........................................................................................ 18 The political, administrative and legal systems .............................................. 19 Incomes and taxation ............................................................................................... 20 Cost of living ................................................................................................................ 21 Health Systems . .......................................................................................................... 22 Educational systems . ................................................................................................ 24 Cultural and social life .............................................................................................. 26 Private life (birth, marriage, death) ...................................................................... 27 Transport ....................................................................................................................... 28 The social security system in this counrtry ....................................................... 29 Unemployment insurance....................................................................................... 30 Sickness Insurance...................................................................................................... 31 Family and maternity benefits .............................................................................. 32 Pensions ........................................................................................................................ 33
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LIVING AND WORKING CONDITIONS IN BULGARIA
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About Bulgaria Area (sq. km) Population Capital Official language National currency GDP per capita (euro) Government type: Religion:
110 994 7 679 290 Sofia Bulgarian Bulgarian lev (BGN) 3 253 Parliamentary republic Bulgarian Orthodox - 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%; Roman Catholic - 1.7%; Jewish - 0.1%; Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian and other - 4%
National Flag The color of the green stripe symbolizes freedom. The white symbolizes peace and Slavic thought. The red represents the bravery of the Bulgarian people Independence Day 3 March 1878 Highest Point Musala 2,925 m Point Black Sea 0 m Industries Electricity, gas and water; food, beverages and tobacco; machinery and equipment, base metals, chemical products,coke, refined petroleum, nuclear fuel Exports Clothing, footwear, iron and steel, machinery and equipment, fuels Import Fuels, minerals, and raw materials; machineryand equipment; metals and ores; chemicals and plastics; food, textiles Unemployment rate 7.99%
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How to find a job EU, EEA citizens, including citizens of Switzerland, don’t need Work permit to perform work in Bulgaria. Anyone can visit and register at one of the 105 Employment Bureaux located throughout the country. These bureaux provide information and counselling services, and mediate between jobseekers and prospective employers. Further information is available by telephone (dial +359 2 980 87 19) or on the National Employment Agency’s website: www. az.government.bg There are also privately operated personnel agencies. A list of these is published on the National Employment Agency’s website. Further information on personnel agencies is also available by telephone (dial +359 2 980 87 19). Another way to find a job is by visiting one of the many electronic job exchanges on the Internet - the National Employment Agency itself runs one, and also:
www.jobtiger.bg, www.jobs.bg, www. itjobs.bg. The national and the regional press also carry an abundance of job advertisements.
How to apply for a job Job applicants must prepare a curriculum vitae (CV) to submit to their prospective employer. This is the first step to successful employment. There are standard CV templates, and there is one approved by the European Commission. A CV sets out the applicant’s skills, qualifications, experience and interests. CV patterns can be found on the EUROPASS web site - http://europass.cedefop. europa.eu In addition to a CV, employers often require a job application and/or a cover
letter. The cover letter is about the applicant’s motivation to join the company’s team. Other documents that go with a job application include (authenticated) school leaving certificates/diplomas, further training certificates, length of service certificate, criminal convictions record, medical examination certificate. In case you’re invited to attend an interview don’t forget to bring with you your CV, diplomas and Recommendations from previous employers.
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Finding accommodation There are no restrictions on renting or buying accommodation in Bulgaria. Tenant and landlord usually sign a rent agreement. In most cases landlords require a down payment of several monthly rents. Rental properties come unfurnished or fully or partially furnished. Rentals are quite common in larger towns and cities, and not common at all in smaller communities. The national and the regional press carry an abundance of property advertisements for both rent and purchase. Estate agents are also available but their prices are usually higher.
Finding school With very few exceptions, there is a kindergarten and a primary school in every inhabited place in Bulgaria. Larger towns and cities have general schools, specialist secondary schools (gymnasia), vocational schools, and universities. To enrol in a Bulgarian school or university, an EU/EEA citizen must file with the appropriate Regional Education Inspectorate or the Ministry of Education and Science a document (official attestation) showing their completed grade or academic level. The full set of required documents includes: application and sample form; attestation of grade completed or qualifications acquired, and an inventory of subjects or disciplines covered, if not set out in the attestation (accompanied with certified translation into Bulgarian); deposit slip in respect of stamp duty paid.
All of these documents are to be submitted in their originals. To continue their education in a Bulgarian school, pupils who, by official attestation issued in another country, have completed ninth or any higher secondary school grade must pass an exam in Bulgarian language and literature, history and civilisation, and geography and economics, covering the content related to Bulgaria, where these subjects are taught in the grades for which the applicant seeks recognition. The exam is administered at a school designated by the competent Regional Inspectorate or at a Bulgarian school abroad. Access to kindergartens and nursery schools is unrestricted on presentation of the child’s birth certificate and medical examination certificate.
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Registration procedures and Residence permits EU citizens can enter and exit the Republic of Bulgaria by showing their identity card or international passport. Any family member of an EU citizen who is not an EU citizen can enter and exit the Republic of Bulgaria by showing his or her international passport and, as required, visa. No visa is required if that person has a residence card issued by a Member State. EU citizens can stay in Bulgaria for up to three months without any other identity document but their ID card or international passport. Any thirdcountry nationals who are family members of an EU citizen can stay for up to three months with their international passport. After the initial three-month period, a Member State citizen can be issued with a Long-term Residence Certificate valid for up to five years, provided that he or she is a worker or is self-employed in Bulgaria or has health insurance and the necessary means of living or has enrolled in an educational establishment, including vocational schools. The residence certificate is issued by the National Police Service on ap-
plication filed within three months from entry into Bulgaria. Any third-country nationals who are family members of an EU citizen can also reside long term in Bulgaria. The duration of their long-term residence is determined by the EU citizen’s duration of long-term residence. Any EU citizen and the members of his or her family (who are not EU citizens) who have resided in Bulgaria for five consecutive years are issued with a Permanent Residence Card if they meet the requirements under the Entry, Residence and Exit Act relating to EU Citizens and Members of their families. More information can be obtained from the Bulgarian Diplomatic Missions which addresses are available on the web site of the Ministry of foreign affairs - www.mfa. government.bg
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Checklist for before and after you arrive in a country Before coming to Bulgaria, you should get a good understanding of the living and working conditions in the country. You should have found a place to stay. Immediately upon arrival, a newcomer must register his or her current address at the local authority. Bulgaria’s currency is the lev (BGN), and foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport or at any bank. If you intend to work in Bulgaria but do not have an employment contract yet, you can register at the employment bureau in your registered domicile. For that purpose, you will need an identity document and a document certifying your current address in Bulgaria. To find the right job for you, you should also bring your education or qualifications certificates translated into Bulgarian. If you come with your family and some of your family members are still at school, you should find out about the necessary documents for enrolment in Bulgarian schools and have them issued by the competent authorities in your country. To have free access to health care establishments in Bulgaria, foreigners must be in possession of a European Health Card. Otherwise, you must pay for the medical services you receive and claim reimbursement in
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the country where you are insured. If you intend to become self-employed in Bulgaria (as a businessman, a professional, a craftsman, a farmer, etc.), you must first find out about the tax registration requirements of the National Revenue Agency (NRA) and the membership requirements of the appropriate professional chamber or business association. Here are some useful websites: www.nap.bg (NRA), www.mzgar.government.bg (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry), www. kab.bg (Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria), www.nzkbg.org (Nаtional Chamber of Skilled Crafts).
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Kinds of employment Under the Bulgarian Labour Code, the minimum age for employment is 16. Exceptionally, 15-year olds can be hired for light-duty low healthhazard jobs. Younger than 18-year olds can be hired after receiving a permit from the Labour Inspectorate. Employment can be permanent or of limited duration and on a fulltime or part-time basis. Full working time is eight hours per day in a 40-hour/5-day week. Part time, to count for length of service, must be minimum four hours per day. Work can be organised in shifts, including night shifts. Fulltime employment prevails. Employers usually insist on a probationary period (not to exceed six months), during which the employee can be terminated without notice. Regardless of the kind of work, the signing of a written contract of employment is required by law. An employee can enter into additional job contracts with other employers outside the working hours under the main contract of employment. A combined working week—under the main and any additional employment contracts—may not exceed 48 hours, or 40 hours, for persons younger than 18. Persons
older than 18 can be hired for a total of more than 48 hours per week if they consent to that in writing under any additional contract of employment. Employment contracts may also be entered into on less than a fullmonth basis. However, if the working time under such a contract is less than five days (consecutive or non-consecutive) or 40 hours per month, it does not count for length of service.
Employment contracts The employment contract is required by law. It is done in writing before the employee has assumed his or her duties and sets out a description of the workplace, the job title, the date of conclusion and the contract’s term of validity, the duration of annual and any additional paid leaves, the employee’s wages and the length of the working day or week. Within three days from the conclusion of an employment contract, the employer must notify its local Directorate of the National Revenue Agency (NRA). The employer must also, before the employee has assumed his or her duties, deliver to the employee a copy of
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the employment contract signed by both parties and a copy of the certified notification to the NRA Directorate. The employee must then report for work within seven days, unless another time limit has been agreed with the employer. Employment contracts can be concluded for a fixed term or for an indefinite term. A fixed-term contract may not be longer than three years (for temporary, seasonal or short-term jobs) and it can also expire on the completion of a specified job; or on the return of a permanent employee, if concluded to substitute for that employee; or on the appointment of a permanent employee after a competition, if that is a requirement for the job. A fixed-term contract becomes indefinite if, on its expiry, the employee continues working for five days or more without the employer’s objection expressed in writing and provided that the position is still vacant. In the event of any change in the employment relationship, the employer must inform the employee in writing about that change not later than a month from its entry into force. Within three days from any change, the employer must notify its local NRA Directorate. 11 previous
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Special categories Under the Bulgarian Labour Code, pregnant women, nursing mothers, mothers whose child is younger than three, disabled persons and minors (younger than 18) enjoy special protection, including protection in the event of termination. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, mothers The employer may not assign pregnant women and nursing mothers to jobs which may place them under a safety or health risk. The employer may not send on a business trip a pregnant woman or the mother of a child younger than three years old without her written consent. Disabled persons The employer must reassign to an appropriate job an employee who has been issued with a disability certificate. If the employer fails to do that, it must pay compensation to the employee. Employees of 50 per cent disability or more are entitled to a minimum paid annual leave of 26 working days. Minors Minors (persons younger than 18) can only be hired after a full medical examination and subject to a labour inspectorate permit issued on a case-by-case basis. Minors may not work more than seven hours per day in a 35-hour/5-day week. They are entitled to a minimum paid annual leave of 26 working days, which also applies to the calendar year in which they turn 18.
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Self-employment The freedom of establishment in the European Union means that every EU citizen can start a firm, and every firm registered in a Member State can register its representation, branch or subsidiary in another Member State. To be registered in Bulgaria, a business undertaking (an individual or a legal person) must comply with the provisions of the Bulgarian Commercial Act. At present, business undertakings are registered by District Courts. This will change soon and the task will be taken over by the Registry Agency (www.registryagency.bg). Self-employed craftsmen must register on the Craftsmen’s Register maintained by 25 regional Craftsmen’s Chambers. Further information is available at www.nzkbg.org Some members of the professions (architects and civil engineers specialising in investment properties; lawyers, etc.) must register with the appropriate chamber/bar college before they can practise without any restrictions. Other professions must register with NRA for social security and tax purposes. Farmers and tobacco growers are in a special category. They must register with the appropriate local Service for Agriculture and Forestry. These local Services are grouped together in Regional Directorates and their list can be found at www.mzgar. government.bg/Structure/ODZG/ sites_odzg.htm 13 previous
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Remuneration There is a minimum monthly or hourly wage in Bulgaria fixed on an annual basis by the Government. Wages are usually quoted and paid on a monthly basis, and partial advance payment is customary. Men and women are entitled to equal pay for equal or equivalent work. The pay amount includes the base monthly salary and all the additional allowances under the Labour Code. Pay is calculated on the basis of working time or work done. The wage per unit of work done (norm) is negotiated and agreed upon by the employee and the employer. If the employee underperforms for reasons beyond his or her control, he or she is entitled to full pay; if the employee is responsible for the underperformance, he or she is only entitled to the portion of pay for the work actually done. In the event of idle time for which the employee is not responsible, he or she is entitled to full pay; conversely, if the employee is responsible for any idle time, he or she does not get paid for that time. Contributions to social security
and income tax are withheld on a monthly basis from the employee’s pay and transferred to the National Revenue Agency by the employer on the employee’s behalf. The members of the professions pay their social security contributions and income taxes directly.
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Working time The normal working week in Bulgaria is five days/40 hours long. Normal working time per day is eight hours. For production reasons, the employer may extend the working time on certain days and offset that by shorter working time on other days, provided that any extended working day must not be longer than 10 hours. There can be no more than 60 extended working days per calendar year and no more than 20 such consecutive days. Given the special requirements of the job, the employer can also set flexible working time. In such cases, the employee must, as necessary, stay at work after the regular hours and is entitled to a rest break of not less than 15 minutes at the end of the normal working day. Shorter working times are set for workers exposed to special life or health hazards, and for workers younger than 18. The kinds of work eligible for shorter working time are determined by the Government. In Bulgaria, an employer and an employee can also agree on parttime work. In such cases, the duration and distribution of working time is set out in the employment contract. In the case of night work, the five-
day working week may not be longer than 35 hours. Normal night working time on a five-day basis may not be longer than seven hours per day. Work done between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., or for minors, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., is treated as night work. During working time, employees are entitled to one or several rest breaks which are not counted as working time. Breaks for meals may not be shorter than 30 minutes.
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they have worked eight months counted for length of service. All employees are also entitled to unpaid leave unrelated to their paid leave entitlement or length of service. Unpaid leave of up to 30 working days per calendar year counts for length of service. The following are non-working public holidays in Bulgaria: 1 January; 3 March (Bulgaria’s national holiday); 1 May; 6 May; 24 May; 6 September; 22 September; 24–26 December; and two days at Easter (Sunday and Monday).
Leave (annual leave, parental leave etc)
Annual leave Every employee is entitled to paid annual leave of not less than 20 working days. Disabled persons and minors are entitled to not less than 26 working days. These days can be taken all at once or in parts, but half of them at least must be taken together in the calendar year for which they are due. First-time employees are not entitled to any paid annual leave before
Sick leave Employees are entitled to sick leave for occupational or other causes, recuperative treatment, urgent medical examination or tests, quarantine, caring for a sick family member, caring for a child placed under quarantine. For sick leave to be paid, the employee must have prior length of service of not less than six months. This requirement does not apply, however, in cases of occupational accidents or diseases, or to minors. Maternity leave Pregnant women are entitled to maternity leave of 315 days for each child, of which 45 days must be taken before giving birth. For each day of maternity leave, the employee
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is paid 90 per cent of her average daily wage. Parental leave After the maternity leave, the employee is entitled to parental leave for the time until a first, second or third child turns 2; and of six months for each subsequent child. With the mother’s consent, parental leave can be taken by the father or by any one of the mother’s or the father’s parents, provided that that parent is employed under an employment contract. After the paid parental leave, each of the parents, if employed under an employment contract, is entitled to unpaid parental leave of six months which can be taken at any time before the child has turned 8.
Ending employment Employment can be terminated by the employer or the employee, with or without notice. Employment can be terminated without notice if the employment contract is terminated by the parties’ consent expressed in writing. Notice is not required either where the employment contract was concluded for the performance of a certain amount of work and ex-
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pires automatically on the completion of that work; or for the substitution of a permanent employee, on the return of that employee; or where, for health reasons, the employee can no longer perform his or her duties and the employer cannot offer them another appropriate job. Some other special circumstances in which notice is not required are provided for under the Labour Code. An employee can terminate his or her employment contract by written notice to the employer. The employer can also terminate by notice in such circumstances as: the full or partial closure of operations, downsizing, the employee’s unsatisfactory performance, etc. The period of notice, whether by the employee or by the employer, is 30 days, for an employment contract of indefinite duration, and three months, for a fixed-term contract, but not to exceed the remainder of the fixed term. The employer can also offer to terminate the employment contract with severance pay. The employee has seven days to accept the offer, and the severance pay may not be less than four times the employee’s last received gross monthly wages. The employment contract must be terminated in writing. 17
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Representation of workers Workers enjoy freedom of association to form any trade unions of their choice and the right to join and leave trade unions as they wish. Trade unions represent and defend the interests of their members vis à vis government authorities and employers in matters of employment, social security and living standards. Union representatives have the right to be informed by the employer and to request meetings with the employer to inform it about issues raised by the workforce. Union representatives have the right of access to all workplaces in the company and any of its divisions. They have the duty to pass any information received from the employer on to the workforce. Trade unions can, within the limits of law, write and adopt their own statutes and rules, and elect freely their governing bodies and representatives, organise their governance and adopt action programmes. Union representatives at enterprise level have the right to take part in the drafting of all internal rules relating to industrial relations, and the employer must invite them to do so. At enterprise level, the trade union organisation can conclude a collective labour agreement with the employer. To be recognised at national level, trade unions must meet certain criteria which are described in the Labour
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Code. If a trade union meets the requirements, it makes a request and is granted national recognition by the Government.
Labour disputes - strikes Collective work disputes, in matters of employment, social security and living standards, are governed by the Collective Work Disputes Act. A work dispute can be between an employee and an employer (and is thus an individual work dispute) or between representatives of the employees and of the employers, i.e., collective work disputes. Work disputes are brought before courts under the Civil Procedure Code. Trade unions have the right to organise strikes or other actions under the law in defence of workers’ interests. The General Labour Inspectorate – Executive Agency and its divisions can, on their own initiative or on the advice of trade unions, issue binding instructions to employers or public officials to remove any irregularity under the labour legislation.
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The political, administrative and legal systems The Republic of Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic, its Head of State being the President. The Bulgarian political system is based on the principle of pluralism. Government is divided into the legislative, the executive, and the judicial branch. The President is elected directly for a term of five years. Following consultations with the parliamentary parties, the President mandates the candidate for Prime Minister nominated by the biggest parliamentary party to form a Government. The Prime Minister directs and coordinates, and is responsible for, the Government’s general policy. The Prime Minister heads the Council of Ministers which directs and conducts the country’s domestic and foreign policies in accordance with the Constitution and the laws. Legislative powers and parliamentary scrutiny are exercised by the National Assembly elected for a term of four years. The judiciary is independent and exercises its powers through the Supreme Court of Cassation, the Supreme Administrative Court, appellate, district, administrative, and local courts and courts-martial. The Supreme Court of Cassation exercises the highest judicial review to ensure the accurate and uniform application of the law by all courts. The Supreme Administrative Court exercises highest
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judicial review to ensure the accurate and uniform application of the law in the field of administrative justice, and rules in disputes on the lawfulness of acts done by the Council of Ministers or individual Ministers. The bar is free, independent and self-governing, and is called upon to assist individuals and legal persons in the defence of their rights and legitimate interests. Bulgarian is the official language in Bulgaria. Religions are free. Eastern Orthodoxy is the traditional religion in Bulgaria. The institutions of faith are separate from the State. The territory of Bulgaria is divided into six economic development regions; 28 administrative regions; and 264 municipalities. Municipalities are the basic administrative unit where local self-government takes place. The regional administrative level is where regional policies are conducted and consistency is ensured between national and local interests. Bulgaria’s coat of arms features a lion rampant in gold over a dark red shield. The Bulgarian national flag is a tricolour of white, green and red arranged horizontally.
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Incomes and taxation The taxation of income earned by individuals is governed by the Personal Income Tax Act. Competent in matters of taxation is the National Revenue Agency (www.nap.bg). Liable to pay taxes in Bulgaria are resident individuals, i.e., those who have permanent address in Bulgaria or have resided in Bulgaria for more than 183 days in any 12-month period or whose centre of life interests is in Bulgaria, and non-resident individuals. Resident individuals must pay taxes on income from sources in Bulgaria or abroad; and non-resident individuals must only pay taxes on income from sources in Bulgaria. The incomes treated as coming from sources in Bulgaria are defined under the Personal Income Tax Act. Income earned from work done or service provided in Bulgaria is treat-
ed as coming from a source in Bulgaria and is taxable on the aggregate annual tax base. The annual tax base is calculated by deducting the social security contributions made directly by the taxpayer from the taxable income earned during the fiscal year. The tax rates are set by the Personal Income Tax Act. Tax-exempt incomes include: the proceeds from the sale or exchange of one residential property, the sale or exchange of personal property or works of art; income from compulsory insurance in Bulgaria or abroad; etc., listed in the Personal Income Tax Act. The Act provides also tax relief and incentives covering the disabled, persons caring for minors, voluntary private insurance, etc. Tax relief is claimed on the taxpayer’s annual tax return.
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Cost of living
According to National Statistical Institute (www.nsi.bg) data for 2006, the average cash income per household in Bulgaria is BGN 5,863, its main source being salaries. Other sources of income include entrepreneurship, real estate, pensions, disposal of assets, etc. Average household costs amount to BGN 5,595, with utilities coming first, followed by food. Food and beverage, and cigarette prices in Bulgaria are still lower than elsewhere in the EU/EEA. Here are some average non-food consumer prices: liquid fuels, BGN
1.90 per litre; electricity, BGN 0.12 per kWh; clothing and footwear prices vary widely depending on manufacturer, quality and season. Here are the prices of some staple food products: bread, BGN 1.00 per kg; brine cheese, BGN 5.00–8.00 per kg; hard cheese, BGN 8.00–12.00 per kg; milk, BGN 1.00–2.00 per litre; yoghurt, BGN 1.40 per litre. Most grocers’ are open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and some are open round the clock. Most of the other shops are open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 21
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Health Systems
Healthcare in Bulgaria is organised and directed by the Ministry of Health (www.mh.government.bg). The following are subject to compulsory health insurance with the National Health Insurance Fund (www. nhif.bg), which manages the funding of health services: all Bulgarian citizens who do not hold dual citizenship; all Bulgarian citizens who hold
dual citizenship but reside permanently in Bulgaria; foreign citizens and stateless persons who reside permanently in Bulgaria; persons of recognized refugee or humanitarian status or persons granted asylum in Bulgaria; foreign graduate or undergraduate students at Bulgarian universities or research establishments. Persons who are subject to health insurance in another Member State in accordance with the rules for the coordination of social security systems are exempt from health insurance contributions to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Health insurance contributions are made/withheld from monthly wages. Compulsory health insurance creates an entitlement to a basic package of health services guaranteed by the NHIF budget. The holders of national health insurance have access the services provided by medical specialists and establishments, regardless of their form of ownership, provided that the specialist or establishment has concluded a contract with NHIF. Outpatient medical services (except emergency aid) are provided by private individuals or legal persons who have concluded a framework agreement with NHIF. Every holder of national health insurance must choose their personal physician (general practitioner) whom they may consult
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as necessary. General practitioners refer cases beyond their professional competence to specialists who have a contract with NHIF. For visits to general practitioners and, on referral, to specialists, patients pay a service fee equal to 1 per cent of the current minimum monthly wage. For each day of stay at a hospital, but for a total of no more than 10 days per year, patients pay 2 per cent of the current minimum wage. Certain patients are exempt, including: those suffering from certain medical conditions as listed in the national
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framework agreement; minors; unemployed family members; pregnant women; military personnel; war veterans and invalids; the socially disadvantaged placed at welfare institutions; medics; and certain others. Those who do not hold national health insurance pay the full cost of medical service. In addition to the national health system, there are many private consulting rooms and clinics in which patients pay the full cost of medical treatment regardless of their health insurance status.
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Educational systems The Bulgarian educational system provides primary, secondary, and higher education. The system of nursery schools, kindergartens, schools and universities is well developed. Children younger than 3 can go to half- or full-day nursery schools. Private babysitters are also available. Schooling in Bulgaria is compulsory from age 7 (or 6, if the parents wish) to 16. Most kindergartens are public, but there is a growing number of private ones (in larger towns and
cities). Sending a child to kindergarten is not compulsory but is rather common. Public kindergartens are funded from the national or local budgets. Parents do pay fees, however, which are fixed by law. One year before school age, every child, including those who have not been to a kindergarten before, must attend a preparatory class (at the local kindergarten or elementary school) for which no fees are paid. Special language classes are provided for children who are not fluent in Bulgarian.
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School education includes primary (first eight grades) and secondary (four more grades), and can be general or vocational. General education provides an educational minimum of skills and knowledge and, in most cases, a level of specialisation (in a certain subject or language). In addition to the general educational minimum, vocational education provides qualifications to practise a profession or trade. Education in state or municipal schools is free for Bulgarians. It is also free for foreigners who have a permanent residence permit or have been admitted under an intergovernmental agreement or are younger than 16 and reside in Bulgaria with their parents who are EU/EEA or Swiss citizens and are employed in Bulgaria. This latter category of pupils have free access to Bulgarian language courses and training in cooperation with their country of origin. Pupils’ achievement is scored on a 6-point scale (where ‘6’ is the highest score). Higher education is accessible on completion of secondary education. Schools of higher learning— universities, specialist schools, and
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colleges—can be state or private. Admission is based on exams. Tuition fees in state schools are fixed by the Government and are payable in instalments.
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Cultural and social life Like all other European countries, Bulgaria offers varied opportunities for cultural and social life. In their leisure time, Bulgarians like to go to eating or drinking places. Bulgarian cuisine is delicious and has its fans well beyond Bulgaria’s borders. Bulgarian yoghurt and wine are especially popular. Besides, traditional Bulgarian recipes always have a story to tell, an ancient myth or legend, as well as please the palate. Of course, like other Bulgarians, you could also devote your leisure time to reading or dancing or going to concerts or seeing a film or a play, an opera or a ballet performance or an art exhibition; or you could explore the countryside, watch sporting events or take up a sport or a hobby yourself. Throughout Bulgaria, there are 75 theatres, 4,552 public libraries, 2,838 local community centres, more than 230 museums; and there is at least one cinema and a stadium in every town, plus tennis courts and gyms. Smoking is not yet fully banned in public places, but non-smoking areas do exist. Throughout the country, you can tune into dozens of national or local radio stations, three national television networks and more than 100 other TV channels. Bulgaria is rich in cultural heritage; several historic monuments are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
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Bulgaria’s varied and wonderfully beautiful nature offers great opportunities for tourism and recreation in a number of well-known seaside and mountain resorts or off the beaten track. Sports like golf, rock-climbing, hang gliding, rowing, and riding are becoming increasingly popular and accessible.
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Private life (birth, marriage, death)
Death
Death is certified by a doctor who issues the death certificate. The Birth police are notified if the circumstances of death are unclear, and Every newborn in Bulgaria is isan autopsy can be performed. sued with a birth certificate. This is done at the place of birth, and the two parents’ identity documents are required. Marriage In Bulgaria, only civil marriage is recognised as lawful. It is executed on the consent of both spouses given in person before the appropriate public official. The minimum age for marriage is 18, but in exceptional cases, it can be brought down to 16 if ordered by the president of the local court. Would-be spouses must register in City Hall 30 days earlier. The required documents include: identity papers, a statement of no impediments to the marriage, and medical certificates. Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony to testify to the spouses’ consent. 27 previous
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Transport Bulgaria has a developed transport system including all modes of transport: road, water, and air. Water transport is accessible from the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, where the biggest ports are Varna and Bourgas, and along the river Danube. Bulgaria’s largest airport is at the capital city of Sofia. Larger urban communities have public transport networks; in addition to other kinds of public transport, Sofia has trams and an underground. Buses and passenger railways provide mass transit between inhabited places. For private vehicles, secure parking lots are available in almost every town. Car rentals are also available.
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The social security system in this counrtry The public social security system is run by the National Social Security Institute. The system provides benefits, allowances and pensions for sickness, temporary or permanent disability, maternity, unemployment, old age or death. Everyone employed for more than five working days or 40 hours per calendar month must be covered for all social security risks. Everyone employed by one or more employers for up to five working days (40 hours) per calendar month must be covered for permanent disability, old age, death, and occupational accident or disease. The contributions to social security required from employees are made by the employer from the employee’s monthly wages. Self-employed persons are also self-insured for social security purposes. Any natural or legal person required to make social security contributions on behalf of others is treated as an insurer. Selfinsured are individuals who must make such contributions entirely on their own behalf and for their own account. Social security contributions are assessed as a percentage of all earned income, whether paid or accrued. Contribution rates and the proportions to be made by the insurer and
by the beneficiary are set by the Social Security Code. Contributions to the Occupational Accident and Disease Fund are made entirely by the insurers.
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Unemployment insurance The unemployment insurance rate is 3% of the employee’s monthly gross remuneration. Everyone on whose behalf social security contributions for all risks have been made or have accrued for not less than nine out of the fifteen months prior to termination is entitled to unemployment benefits. To receive their benefits, those eligible must register as unemployed with their local Employment Agency office and must not be receiving any retirement, old-age or earlyretirement pension, and must not otherwise be in employment for which social security contributions are due. The unemployment benefit rate is equal to 60 per cent of the average monthly income on which social security contributions have been made or have accrued for the last nine months when the beneficiary was subject to compulsory social security contributions, but cannot be smaller than the minimum, nor greater than the maximum, fixed annually by the Social Security Budget Act. Unemployment benefits are paid each month for the previous month and for a total period based on prior length of service. 30 previous
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Sickness Insurance The health insurance rate is 6% of the employee’s monthly gross remuneration. Every person covered by the social security system, whether for all risks or for all risks except accident, disease or unemployment, is entitled to sickness benefits in lieu of their regular pay for the duration of their sick leave, provided that their length of service for social security purposes is not less than six months. The length of service requirement is waived in the case of occupational accident or disease, and for minors. Sickness benefits are calculated and paid out by the local offices of the National Social Security Institute into a bank account notified by the beneficiary. The daily benefit amount for general sickness is equal to 80 per cent, or 90 per cent for an occupational accident or disease, of the average gross daily wage or the average daily insurance base for the six calendar months preceding the event. For the first day of sick leave, the benefit is equal to the full average gross daily wage for the month in which the event occurred. 31 previous
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Family and maternity benefits Social security beneficiaries are entitled to maternity benefits, provided they have length of service of not less than six months. The daily amount is equal to 90 per cent of average daily wages or insurance base. Maternity benefits are payable for 315 calendar days, of which 45 before giving birth. After the 315-day period, mothers are entitled to further parental leave until the child is two years old. During this time, the mother (or the adoptive mother) receives monthly benefits in amounts set by the Social Security Budget Act. This entitlement (leave and benefits) can, with the mother’s consent, be transferred to the father or to one of the
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couple’s parents who is employed under an employment contract. Family allowances, including maternity and parental allowances, are governed by the Family Child Benefits Act. The following persons are entitled to family allowances: pregnant women who are Bulgarian citizens; the families of Bulgarian citizens, in respect of the children they are raising in Bulgaria; families in which one of the parents is a Bulgarian citizen, in respect of the children who are Bulgarian citizens and are being raised in Bulgaria; pregnant women who are foreign citizens, and the families of foreign citizens, who are permanent residents and are raising their children in Bulgaria. Family allowances are based on income per family member.
Pensions Social security beneficiaries are entitled to maternity benefits, provided they have length of service of not less than six months. The daily amount is equal to 90 per cent of average daily wages or insurance base. Maternity benefits are payable for 315 calendar days, of which 45 before giving birth. After the 315-day period, mothers are entitled to further parental leave until the child is two years old. During this time, the mother (or the adoptive mother) receives monthly benefits in amounts set by the Social Security Budget Act. This entitlement (leave and benefits) can, with the mother’s consent, be transferred to the father or to one of the couple’s parents who is employed under
an employment contract. Family allowances, including maternity and parental allowances, are governed by the Family Child Benefits Act. The following persons are entitled to family allowances: pregnant women who are Bulgarian citizens; the families of Bulgarian citizens, in respect of the children they are raising in Bulgaria; families in which one of the parents is a Bulgarian citizen, in respect of the children who are Bulgarian citizens and are being raised in Bulgaria; pregnant women who are foreign citizens, and the families of foreign citizens, who are permanent residents and are raising their children in Bulgaria. Family allowances are based on income per family member. 33
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