Can I hold a second job on an employment contract?
Yes — and you do not need your main employer's permission. The Labour Code allows additional work on three footings: art. 110 — with the same employer; art. 111 — with another employer; and art. 114 — work on specified days of the month. The only condition is that the additional work falls outside the hours of your main contract. Combined working time across both contracts may not exceed 48 hours a week, and for those under 18 the cap is 40 hours. With express written consent, adults may work beyond 48 hours. In every case the minimum daily and weekly rest must still be respected. Your employer can prohibit a second job only if your contract contains an express clause to that effect.
📋 The rules
- Art. 110: same employer; art. 111: another employer
- The additional work must fall outside your main hours
- Combined across both contracts: up to 48 hours a week
- Under 18: up to 40 hours a week — no exceptions
- A ban is possible only under an express clause in the contract
🔓 Exceptions
- With express written consent, adults may work beyond 48 hours a week
- Minimum daily and weekly rest must be respected in all circumstances
- Some professions (civil service, security, transport) face specific restrictions
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The breach falls mainly on the employer: failing to observe the caps on working time and rest is sanctioned by the labour inspectorate under the ordinary Labour Code regime. For you the risk is different — if your main contract contains an express prohibition on additional work or a non-compete clause, breaching it can be grounds for disciplinary dismissal. So read your contract before you sign the second one. Separately: contributions are due on both contracts, and the incomes are aggregated for annual assessment — with two contracts you will often face an additional tax payment when you file the annual return.
📎 Official sources
- lex.bg · Labour Code (arts. 110, 111, 113, 114) →
- Ministry of Labour · Employment relationships →
- General Labour Inspectorate →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need permission from my main employer?
No. Additional work under art. 111 with a different employer needs no consent, unless your main contract contains an express clause prohibiting it.
How many hours can I work in total?
Up to 48 a week across both contracts combined. Adults may go beyond that with express written consent, but those under 18 are capped at 40 hours with no exceptions.
What is the difference between art. 110 and art. 111?
Article 110 governs additional work with the same employer, art. 111 with a different one. Article 114 allows work on specified days of the month only.
Can my employer ban a second job?
Only if your employment contract contains an express clause prohibiting additional work. Without such a clause, a ban has no legal effect.
How are the two incomes taxed?
Contributions are due on both contracts, and the incomes are aggregated for annual assessment. With two contracts an additional tax payment on the annual return is common.
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