The work culture in Bulgaria combines European elements with local peculiarities. The standard working hours stipulated in the Labour Code consist of a five-day workweek, with a normal workday of up to eight hours and a maximum of 40 hours per week. For night shifts, the standard working time is seven hours per night, with a maximum of 35 hours per week. Night work is defined as the period between 22:00 and 06:00, or between 20:00 and 06:00 for employees under 16 years of age. The maximum shift duration may be up to 12 hours; however, the total working week may not exceed 56 hours.
It should be noted that certain categories of employees are prohibited from engaging in night work, including individuals under 18 years of age, pregnant women, mothers of children under six years of age and mothers taking care of children with disabilities, less abled employees placed on jobs, and employees pursuing education while working, unless they provide their consent. For each worked hour or part of it between 22:00 and 6:00, workers and employees have to be paid no less than an additional 0,15% of the minimum working wage as a night work compensation.
Companies and enterprises have the flexibility to determine working hours, which may be structured variably. The workday may be divided into two or three segments, and the lunch break must be no less than 30 minutes.
Every employee in Bulgaria is entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid annual leave, in addition to national holidays, which are also designated as non-working days.