My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?

Direct answer

Unpaid wages are the one dispute where waiting costs you: claims expire. Write to the employer with the amount and a short deadline, then contact Изпълнителна агенция „Главна инспекция по труда“ (0700 17 670) — the body that enforces employment law in Bulgaria; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Вашият синдикат (КНСБ, Подкрепа) (knsb-bg.org), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Фонд „Гарантирани вземания на работниците“ (НОИ) pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Call firstИзпълнителна агенция „Главна инспекция по труда“

Report toВашият синдикат (КНСБ, Подкрепа)

If that failsФонд „Гарантирани вземания на работниците“ (НОИ)

🗣️ What to say

"My wages for [month] of €… gross were due on [date] and have not been paid. I request payment within 7 days. If not, I will file with Изпълнителна агенция „Главна инспекция по труда“ and claim interest and costs."

🪜 Step by step

Put it in writingAmount, period, due date, 7-day deadline. Keep every message about pay.
Gather proofContract, payslips, bank statements, your own record of hours and days worked, work chat messages.
Report to Изпълнителна агенция „Главна инспекция по труда“Complaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Вашият синдикат (КНСБ, Подкрепа) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Фонд „Гарантирани вземания на работниците“ (НОИ)The wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Изпълнителна агенция „Главна инспекция по труда“Employer inspections, fines, reports onlineAs soon as wages are overdue📞 0700 17 670 🔗 www.gli.government.bg/bg/signali

Вашият синдикат (КНСБ, Подкрепа)Legal aid and negotiation for membersFor members; you can join right away🔗 knsb-bg.org

Фонд „Гарантирани вземания на работниците“ (НОИ)Pays up to 6 months' wages in insolvencyWithin 3 months of the insolvency ruling🔗 www.nssi.bg/gvrs

❓ Frequently asked

Can I stop working until I am paid?

In most countries yes, after a written warning, if the arrears are substantial — check with Вашият синдикат (КНСБ, Подкрепа) first so it cannot be treated as abandonment.

I worked without a contract

You are still an employee. Messages, hours, colleagues and payments prove the relationship, and the inspectorate can enforce the minimum wage.

How long do I have?

Limitation periods are short — often one to three years, and collective agreements may cut it to months. Act now.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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💼 My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?