Change in the Calculation of Length of Service: New Rules to Take Effect from 2027

The new method for determining length of service, based on actual hours worked, has been postponed. During the decision-making process during the second reading of the 2026 state budget, deputies from the Budget and Finance Committee decided that the changes will take effect from January 1, 2027, instead of September this year.

The proposal, initiated by "Progressive Bulgaria," aims to replace the current calendar principle. To date, if an employee has worked at least half of the statutory working time, the day is counted as full length of service. The new measure provides for the service to be calculated proportionally to the actual hours worked.

Government Goals and Arguments
The Ministry of Labor defends the change with the argument that current rules encourage the "shadow economy." According to authorities, fictitious four-hour contracts allow employees to work full-time while social security contributions are paid for only half the time. With the new model, workers are expected to insist on declaring their actual working hours.

Criticism and Concerns
The reform met serious resistance. Asen Vasilev from "We Continue the Change" warned that this will complicate the lives of students, mothers, and people with disabilities, who often work part-time. For his part, the chief economist of the CCSSB, Lyuboslav Kostov, emphasized that the change through transitional provisions in the budget law is potentially unconstitutional.

Why the Postponement?
The decision to shift the deadline to 2027 was proposed by Asen Vasilev to avoid confusion among employees who have already taken advanced leave for the current year. This move ensures that the current regime will remain in effect until the end of 2026, providing easier accumulation of service for those working part-time.