How much am I owed for night work?
Night work runs from 22:00 to 06:00 — and every such hour carries a supplement. For those under 18 the night period starts earlier, at 20:00. For every night hour worked, or part of one, between 22:00 and 06:00, an additional payment is due of no less than 0.15% of the national minimum wage. With the minimum wage at BGN 1,213 (2026), that comes to roughly BGN 1.82 (≈€0.93) per night hour — payable on top of your basic pay. The normal length of a night shift on a 5-day week is up to 7 hours. Night work is prohibited for those under 18 and for pregnant employees.
📋 The rules
- Night work: 22:00 to 06:00
- For those under 18 — from 20:00 to 06:00
- Supplement: no less than 0.15% of the minimum wage per hour
- At BGN 1,213 minimum wage: about BGN 1.82 (≈€0.93) an hour
- A night shift runs up to 7 hours on a 5-day week
🔓 Exceptions
- It is prohibited for those under 18 and for pregnant employees
- Mothers of young children work nights only with written consent
- A higher supplement may be agreed in a collective agreement
⚠️ Penalties & fines
An unpaid or understated supplement breaches the Labour Code and is sanctioned by the labour inspectorate with a penalty on the employer and a fine on the responsible officer. The shortfall is owed, with interest, and a claim for wages is time-barred only after 3 years — so you can recover what was underpaid. The commonest trick is to say the supplement is "included" in the basic salary — that is not permitted: it is a free-standing payment and must appear separately on the payslip. Keep the rotas and attendance records — they prove how many night hours you actually worked.
📎 Official sources
- lex.bg · Labour Code (arts. 140, 261) →
- Ordinance on the structure and organisation of wages →
- General Labour Inspectorate →
❓ Frequently asked
Which hours count as night?
From 22:00 to 06:00. For employees under 18 the night period begins earlier, at 20:00, and runs through to 06:00.
How big is the supplement?
No less than 0.15% of the minimum wage for every night hour worked, or part of one. With the wage at BGN 1,213 that is about BGN 1.82 (≈€0.93) an hour.
Can it be "included" in my salary?
No. It is a free-standing additional payment and must appear separately on the payslip. Rolling it into the basic wage breaches the Labour Code.
Who cannot work at night?
Night work is prohibited for those under 18 and for pregnant employees. Mothers of young children may work nights only with their express written consent.
How long is a night shift?
The normal length of night work on a 5-day week is up to 7 hours. Longer shifts must respect the rules on rest periods and overtime.
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