What compensation are you entitled to upon dismissal?

Termination of an employment contract often raises questions: “Can they fire me like that?”, “How much am I entitled to?”, “What can I do?”

In this article from Advokat Varna, we explain the main types of compensation upon dismissal under the current Bulgarian Labour Code (2025), and how to protect your rights in employment disputes.

 

Types of compensation upon termination of an employment contract

• 1. For lack of notice (Art. 220 LC)

If your employer dismisses you without notice, you are entitled to full pay for the unserved notice period. The same applies if you terminate the contract early.

 

• 2. Unlawful dismissal (Art. 225 LC)

If the dismissal is found unlawful, you are entitled to:

 

up to 6 months’ full salary if unemployed during that period;

 

pay difference if you worked a lower-paid job temporarily.

 

• 3. Not allowed to start work (Art. 213 LC)

If you are hired but not allowed to start work, your employer owes you full pay from the day you show up until you are admitted.

 

• 4. Unlawful suspension (Art. 214 LC)

If you are suspended without legal grounds, you are entitled to full pay for the entire suspension period.

 

Additional cases with payable compensation

• Business trip – Art. 215 LC

You are entitled to travel, accommodation, and per diem costs in addition to your salary.

 

• Relocation – Art. 216 LC

Reimbursement of relocation expenses and extra compensation.

 

• Reassignment (due to medical condition) – Art. 217 LC

Pay from the date of reassignment order until actual reassignment.

 

• Natural disaster – Art. 218 LC

50% of your salary (min. 75% of the minimum wage); 100% if involved in rescue efforts.

 

• Refusal due to danger – Art. 219 LC

Full compensation if you refuse work due to real and immediate danger to life or health.

 

• Retirement – Art. 222(3) LC

2 salaries, or 6 salaries if you have 10 years with the same employer within the last 20.

 

• Illness – Art. 222(2) LC

2 months' pay if terminated due to illness and with at least 5 years’ service.

 

• Unused annual leave – Art. 224 LC

You are entitled to pay for all unused paid leave days.

 

• Employer-caused damages – Art. 226 LC

Including moral damages and issues related to documentation.

 

How is compensation calculated?

Based on your gross salary from the last full month of employment.

It must be paid by the end of the following month. Legal interest applies if delayed.

 

What if your compensation is not paid?

Submit a written request to your employer

 

File a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate

 

Consult a labour lawyer

 

Need legal assistance?

If you're unsure whether your dismissal was lawful or your compensation hasn't been paid — contact a lawyer.

The team at advokatvarna.com is here to help with:

 

Consultations

 

Document preparation

 

Legal representation

 

???? Contact us or book a consultation directly.

Yuliya Danova - + 359 895645940