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Working in the EU - practical information and useful contacts

Working in the European Union

Practical information for Bulgarian citizens seeking employment or already living and working in EU Member States

1. Access to the labour market in the European Union

As citizens of the European Union (EU), Bulgarians have the right to live, seek employment and work freely in all EU Member States without requiring a work permit. They are entitled to equal treatment with regard to access to employment, working conditions, remuneration and social security, in accordance with the legislation of the respective Member State.

Before starting employment, it is advisable to:

  • sign a written employment contract;

  • familiarise yourself with the working conditions, working hours, remuneration and social security arrangements;

  • check the reliability of the employer;

  • complete any required registrations, where provided for by national legislation (e.g. residence registration, tax registration or registration with the social security system);

  • have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC);

  • keep all documents related to the employment relationship, including the employment contract, payslips, documents confirming social security contributions and other relevant documents.

 

In the event of an employment dispute, concerns about undeclared work, non-payment of agreed remuneration or other violations of labour legislation and/or workers' rights, workers may seek assistance from the competent authorities in the country of employment, as well as from European information and advisory networks (see Section 3).

 

Important: If an employer fails to pay the agreed remuneration or systematically delays payments, the worker should:

  • request payment of the outstanding amount in writing;

  • keep all documents confirming the work performed;

  • when necessary, seek assistance from a trade union, specialized advisory service or lawyer.

 

Working without a duly established employment relationship carries serious risks, including:

  • lack of social security coverage;

  • lack of health insurance coverage;

  • inability to claim benefits;

  • difficulties in proving periods of employment and social security contributions;

  • limited opportunities to enforce and protect labour rights.

 

Occupational accident

In the event of an occupational accident, the worker should immediately:

  • notify the employer;

  • seek medical assistance, if necessary;

  • request that the necessary documents for registering the incident be prepared;

  • keep all medical documents and records.

 

2. Information for returning to Bulgaria

When returning to Bulgaria, it is important to keep all documents confirming employment and social security periods in the country of residence, as these may be required to exercise rights before the Bulgarian authorities.

It is advisable to have:

  • documents certifying periods of employment and social security contributions;

  • certificates confirming periods of insurance;

  • documents relating to the termination of the employment relationship;

  • documents concerning unemployment benefits received, including Portable Documents U1 and U2, where applicable;

  • portable documents A1, S1, P1, U1, U2 and others may also be requested ex officio by the Bulgarian authorities after the person's return to Bulgaria. However, where possible, it is recommended to obtain, for example, the U1 document in advance from the competent institution of the respective country in order to speed up the process of granting unemployment benefits and/or recognizing periods of employment acquired abroad by the person's new employer in Bulgaria;

  • documents confirming payment of social security contributions;

  • medical documentation, where necessary;

  • tax documents and other documents issued by the competent authorities in the country of employment.

Upon returning to Bulgaria, citizens may contact Bulgarian institutions that provide information and assistance concerning the recognition of insurance periods, benefits, pensions, health insurance rights, tax matters, labour rights and social services. The main institutions are:

  • Employment Agency and its Labour Offices – if the person wishes to actively seek employment in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;

  • National Social Security Institute (NSSI) – for matters concerning pensions, periods of social security and employment, and various types of benefits under Bulgarian legislation;

  • National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and Regional Health Insurance Funds (RHIFs) – in cases where health insurance rights need to be restored following a period of residence in another EU Member State;

  • National Revenue Agency (NRA) – responsible for administering health insurance contributions in Bulgaria;

  • Executive Agency “General Labour Inspectorate” – in cases of violations of labour rights in the territory of Bulgaria;

  • Social Assistance Agency – for information and assistance concerning the provision of social assistance.

 

3. Useful contacts and additional information

European information networks

Your Europe

The official European Union portal providing practical information on citizens' rights concerning employment, residence, social security, healthcare, education, family rights and administrative procedures in all EU Member States.

Source of additional information:

Your Europe

EURES – The European Employment Services Network

Provides information on job vacancies, living and working conditions in EU Member States, as well as advice on labour mobility within the EU.

EURES – European Employment Services

SOLVIT

SOLVIT is a free European Union service for resolving problems arising from the incorrect application of EU law by public authorities.

SOLVIT can assist with cases concerning:

  • recognition of professional qualifications;

  • social security;

  • access to the labour market;

  • exercising rights as an EU citizen.

SOLVIT provides assistance where EU law has been incorrectly applied by public authorities.

SOLVIT

Bulgarian institutions

 

Where consular assistance is required, Bulgarian citizens may contact the nearest diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Bulgaria in the country where they are staying. A list of Bulgarian diplomatic and consular missions is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.