Do I get leave for my wedding or for giving blood?
Yes — and it is separate, paid leave that does not come out of your annual entitlement. Under art. 157 of the Labour Code the employer is obliged to release you from work in several situations. On marriage — 2 working days. On giving blood — for the day of the examination and the donation, plus 1 day after. On the death of a parent, child, spouse, brother, sister, parent-in-law or other relative in the direct line — 2 working days; these may be taken together or in parts within 8 days of the date of death. The leave is paid by the employer and must be evidenced by a document — a marriage certificate, a death certificate, or a blood-donation certificate.
📋 The rules
- Marriage: 2 working days
- Blood donation: the day of the check and donation + 1 day after
- Death of a close relative: 2 working days
- On a death: taken within 8 days of the date
- The leave is paid and evidenced by a document
🔓 Exceptions
- This leave is not deducted from your paid annual leave
- Leave is also due for attending court as a witness or expert
- More favourable terms may be agreed in a collective agreement
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Refusing to release you breaches the Labour Code — leave under art. 157 is taken as of right, not at the employer's discretion, and refusal is sanctioned by the labour inspectorate. If you are refused anyway, ask for the refusal in writing — it is evidence. A caution the other way: the leave must be evidenced by a document, and without a marriage certificate, a death certificate or a blood-donation certificate the absence can be treated as unauthorised — which is a ground for disciplinary dismissal. So produce the document immediately on your return to work.
📎 Official sources
- lex.bg · Labour Code (art. 157) →
- Ministry of Labour · Leave entitlements →
- General Labour Inspectorate →
❓ Frequently asked
How many days do I get for my wedding?
Two working days on entering into marriage. The leave is paid by the employer and is not deducted from your paid annual leave.
And for giving blood?
You are released for the day of the examination and the donation itself, plus 1 day afterwards. It is evidenced by a certificate from the blood centre.
How many days for a bereavement?
Two working days on the death of a parent, child, spouse, brother, sister, parent-in-law or other relative in the direct line. They are taken within 8 days of the date.
Can my employer refuse?
No. Leave under art. 157 is taken as of right, not at the employer's discretion. Refusal is a breach and is sanctioned by the labour inspectorate.
Do I need a document?
Yes. The leave is evidenced by a marriage certificate, a death certificate or a blood-donation certificate. Without one, the absence can be treated as unauthorised.
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