What can I do if I have been discriminated against?
You complain to the commission — and the burden of proof shifts against the other side. The Commission for Protection against Discrimination hears complaints on every protected ground and across every field — employment, education, goods and services — in both the private and the public sector. The complaint is filed in writing within 3 years of the violation and must set out your details, the circumstances, what you are asking for, the date and your signature. The key advantage: once you present facts from which discrimination may be inferred, the burden of proof passes to the respondent — who must show they did not breach the law. The sanction is BGN 250–2,000, and the commission's decision can be appealed to the administrative court.
📋 The rules
- Complain to the commission within 3 years of the violation
- The complaint is written, with facts, requests, date and signature
- The burden of proof shifts to the respondent
- Sanction for discrimination: BGN 250–2,000
- The decision is appealed to the administrative court
🔓 Exceptions
- Instead of complaining, you may bring a court claim for damages
- Anonymous complaints are not examined — a name and address are required
- The commission can impose compulsory administrative measures, not just a fine
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The sanction for breaching the ban on discrimination is BGN 250 to 2,000, but the commission can also impose compulsory administrative measures — ordering an employer to stop the practice, for instance. What matters more to you is compensation: once discrimination is established you can claim non-pecuniary damages in court, and the reversed burden of proof makes your position strong. Keep the evidence: job adverts with age or gender restrictions, correspondence, witnesses, recordings. And do not wait — the 3-year clock runs from the violation, not from the moment you realised what had happened.
📎 Official sources
- Commission for Protection against Discrimination →
- lex.bg · Protection against Discrimination Act →
- Human Rights Guide →
❓ Frequently asked
What is the deadline to complain?
Three years from the violation. The clock runs from the act itself, not from the moment you realised what had happened, so do not delay.
Who has to prove the discrimination?
Once you present facts from which discrimination may be inferred, the burden of proof shifts to the respondent, who must show they did not breach the law.
What is the sanction?
A fine of BGN 250 to 2,000. The commission can also impose compulsory administrative measures — for instance ordering an employer to stop the discriminatory practice.
Can I get compensation?
Yes. Besides complaining to the commission you can bring a court claim for non-pecuniary damages. The reversed burden of proof makes that position strong.
Are anonymous complaints examined?
No. The complaint must contain your name and address, the facts, what you are asking for, the date and your signature. Anonymous reports are not examined on the merits.
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