Can I refuse overtime?
As a rule overtime is prohibited, and where it is allowed it is tightly capped. It is permitted only in the cases expressly listed in the law. The annual limit is 150 hours and it is absolute — it cannot be raised even with your consent, and an agreement for more is void. There are shorter caps too: up to 30 hours day and 20 hours night work a month, and 6 hours day / 4 hours night a week. Pay is agreed but cannot fall below: +50% on ordinary days, +75% on rest days and +100% on public holidays. Swapping it for time off instead of money is expressly forbidden — the familiar 'I'll give you a day off' is a breach. The employer must issue a written order in advance and report to the Labour Inspectorate.
📋 The rules
- Annual cap: 150 hours — absolute
- Monthly: up to 30 hours day / 20 hours night work
- Pay: at least +50% on an ordinary working day
- +75% on a rest day, +100% on a public holiday
- Time off instead of pay: forbidden
🔓 Exceptions
- Overtime is allowed only in the cases expressly listed in the law
- It is banned for some categories (e.g. minors, pregnant workers)
- The employer issues a written order in advance and keeps records
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Breaches are sanctioned by the Labour Inspectorate. An employer who works you beyond the caps, fails to pay the premium, or tries to swap it for time off instead of money, breaches the Labour Code. The worker can pursue the sums due in court. Working overtime without a written order and without records is also a breach.
📎 Official sources
- lex.bg · Labour Code (art. 143–150) →
- General Labour Inspectorate →
- Eurofast · Overtime regulations in Bulgaria →
❓ Frequently asked
How many hours of overtime are allowed?
Up to 150 hours in a calendar year. The limit is absolute and cannot be raised even with the worker's consent — an agreement for more is void.
How is overtime paid?
At a premium of at least 50% on ordinary working days, 75% on rest days and 100% on public holidays. You may agree more favourable terms, never less than those percentages.
Can they give me time off instead of pay?
No. Compensating overtime with extra leave instead of payment is expressly forbidden by the Labour Code. The familiar 'I'll give you a day off' arrangement is a breach.
Does there have to be an order?
Yes. The employer issues a written order in advance, keeps a record of the overtime worked and reports it to the Labour Inspectorate. The absence of an order is a breach in itself.
Can I refuse?
Overtime is permitted only in the cases expressly listed in the law. Outside those, requiring it is unlawful and cannot be imposed on you. For some categories — minors, pregnant workers — it is banned altogether.
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