Bulgaria’s Minimum Wage Gains Ground: Purchasing Power Nears EU Average
Since the start of 2026, Bulgaria’s statutory minimum monthly wage has been set at 620 euros, the lowest in the European Union
Society | February 9, 2026, Monday // 13:15
Finance Ministry Foresees Increasing Minimum Wage to BGN 510 From Jan 2018
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
The government foresees increasing the minimum wage from BGN 460 to BGN 510 as of January 1, 2018, to BGN 560 as of January 1, 2019 and to BGN 610 as of January 1, 2020. This is part of the mid-term budget forecast for 2018-2020, the Finance Ministry said.
Key targets remain fiscal stability, removing macroeconomic unbalances and conducting consistent, transparent and foreseeable fiscal policy to improve business environment, encourage investments and stimulate labour market for achieving economic growth and employment.
Deficit in the consolidated fiscal programme for 2018 and 2019 remains, respectively, 1% and 0.5% of GDP.
For 2020, the government plans a balanced budget. Revenue is expected to stand at 36.5-36.6% of GDP, while financing of public expenditure policies will range from 37.5% of GDP in 2018 to 36.5% of GDP in 2020. The government does not plan significant tax changes.
Considering net debt financing in 2018-2020, debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to decrease to 22.3% by the end of the period, mainly due to repayment of outstanding debt.
Related Articles:
Bulgaria Among EU’s Lowest Debt Countries - But Deficit Still Rising
Bulgaria ranks as one of the three European Union member states with the lowest government debt relative to GDP in the third quarter of 2025, though it also registered the second-highest increase in debt compared with the previous quarter
Bulgarian National Bank Projects Stronger Domestic Growth Through 2027
The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has updated its GDP growth forecast for Bulgaria for the 2025–2027 period, showing a more optimistic outlook than its June 2025 projections.
Bulgaria Joins the Eurozone Without a Budget, Secures Minimum Wage of €620
For the first quarter of 2026, the country will operate under an extension law, which limits state spending to the revenues collected each month
Society | January 1, 2026, Thursday // 14:28
OECD: Strong Consumption and Rising Incomes Keep Bulgaria’s GDP On Track
The latest assessment from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development suggests that Bulgaria will maintain solid economic momentum this year
Bulgaria: Modest 0.7 Percent Growth in GDP per Employee in the Third Quarter
The latest preliminary figures from the National Statistical Institute show that Bulgaria’s gross domestic product per employee rose in real terms by 0.7 percent in the third quarter of 2025
Business | December 7, 2025, Sunday // 10:05
How to Identify a Counterfeit Euro Banknote
Detecting a fake euro note does not require specialized tools or microscopes. By carefully examining, feeling, and tilting the banknote, you can verify its authenticity.
Bulgaria Nears Completion of Leva Withdrawal as 81% Taken Out of Circulation
As of February 6, 2026, Bulgaria continues to make steady progress in withdrawing the national currency, the leva, from circulation.
Bulgarian Central Bank Reports New 10-Year Government Debt Issue Worth €150 Million
Bulgaria has taken on new debt amounting to 150 million euros through the issuance of government securities, according to results published on the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) website.
Bulgaria One Month After the Euro: Inflation Slows, Budget Pressures Remain
The first month following the introduction of the euro and the period of dual circulation with the lev has now ended, providing a clearer picture of how the transition is unfolding.
Bulgaria: What Taxpayers Need to Know After the Euro Changeover
The annual campaign for filing personal income tax returns under Article 50 of the Personal Income Tax Act is underway
Bulgarian National Bank: 81% of Lev Cash Withdrawn as Euro Fully Takes Over
The Bulgarian National Bank reported that as of February 6, 2026, the withdrawal of lev banknotes and coins and their replacement with euro cash is progressing in line with the applicable legislation and the operational plans approved for the transition.
