Bulgaria Labor Minister proposes 672.80 euro minimum wage

Bulgarian Minister of Labor and Social Policy Natalia Efremova has proposed setting the minimum wage at 672.80 euros for 2027. This figure represents the maximum possible threshold allowed by the formula established in the Labor Code.

The proposal is being submitted to the Ministry of Finance as part of the state budget preparations. Efremova noted that the minimum wage level significantly impacts both state revenues and expenditures. The final decision will depend on macroeconomic parameters and upcoming changes to the Ordinance on the structure and organization of wages.

Addressing the shadow economy remains a priority, as an estimated 25% of the economy is considered unofficial. This often involves paying workers the minimum wage for social security purposes while providing the remainder of their salary in unregulated cash. Such practices affect the adequacy of social benefits like sick leave and maternity pay. Currently, approximately 450,000 people in Bulgaria work at the minimum wage level.