Retirement age in Bulgaria has been gradually increasing under recent changes to the country’s social security system. The retirement age differs for women and men, and the length of insured employment and contribution history also affect eligibility. The reforms aim to make social security expenditures sustainable in light of Bulgaria’s aging population and economic realities.
In 2025, pensions in Bulgaria are calculated taking into account the minimum wage and economic growth rates. The amount a retiree receives depends on the number of years worked, the contributions paid, and the type of pension chosen. Below we explain key questions such as: what is the retirement age in Bulgaria in 2025, how much are pensions, who can retire early, and how bilateral social security agreements with Turkey work.
What is the retirement age in Bulgaria for 2025?
As of 2025, the retirement age in Bulgaria differs between women and men. Reaching the calendar age alone is not sufficient to qualify for a pension; a required period of insured employment and payment of contributions is also necessary. Bulgaria is gradually raising its retirement ages to align with European Union standards.
Current retirement ages (2025):
- Women: 62 years and 4 months
- Men: 64 years and 8 months
To receive a pension at these ages, individuals must also meet contribution requirements:
- They must have completed at least 36 years and 8 months of insured work.
- Those with missing contribution periods may face a higher minimum retirement age.
Is early retirement possible?
- Workers in hazardous occupations and persons with disabilities may be eligible to retire earlier than the standard age.
- In 2025, periods related to childcare remain among the criteria that can reduce retirement age for women.
- If social security contributions have been paid at a high rate and consistently, some professional groups may qualify for early retirement.
How much are pensions in Bulgaria in 2025?
In 2025, pension amounts in Bulgaria are determined by the contributions paid over a worker’s career, total insured employment duration, and the social factors and coefficients set by the state for that year. Pensions are generally discussed as the minimum pension and the average pension.
Pension figures for 2025:
- Minimum pension: 580 Bulgarian leva per month (approximately 295 euros)
- Average pension: 850–900 Bulgarian leva per month (approximately 430–455 euros)
These amounts vary according to the retiree’s:
- Total years of work,
- Level of contribution payments,
- Chosen pension scheme at retirement,
- And the annual inflation rate in Bulgaria.
Factors that affect pension amounts:
- Contribution rate: Longer contribution periods and higher payments increase pension size.
- Second-pillar pension funds: Participants in supplementary pension schemes may receive additional pension income.
- Average gross salary: Those who earned higher wages generally receive higher pensions.
For those who retire from Turkey and live in Bulgaria:
- There is a bilateral social security agreement between Bulgaria and Turkey.
- Under this agreement, periods of service in one country can be recognized in the other.
- Turkish citizens who worked in Bulgaria can have their contributions treated as if they were paid in Turkey for calculation purposes.
- Pension calculations can take into account the combined periods worked in both countries.
What are the conditions for early retirement in Bulgaria?
Early retirement in Bulgaria allows eligible individuals to start receiving a pension before the statutory retirement age, but this option is limited to specific professions and special circumstances. Early retirement is not a universal entitlement and is subject to strict criteria.
Groups eligible for early retirement:
- Workers in heavy and dangerous occupations: Sectors such as mining, chemicals, and metallurgy may qualify for earlier retirement.
- Persons with disabilities: Citizens with at least 50% disability have lower age and contribution requirements.
- Female workers: Provisions that reduce retirement age for women with at least one child may apply.
- Long-term contributors: Some individuals who have paid contributions for extended periods may retire before the normal age.
What documents are required for retirement in Bulgaria?
As of 2025, applicants wishing to retire in Bulgaria must submit certain documents to the National Social Security Institute (NSSI). These documents are used to verify contribution history and personal data. Missing or incorrect documents can delay or lead to rejection of the application.
Required application documents:
1- Identity document (passport or ID card):
- Bulgarian citizens apply with their ID card; foreign nationals use a passport.
2- Document showing insured employment periods:
- Official statements from employers detailing work periods and paid contributions.
- Service record certified by the NSSI is required.
3- Contribution payment documents:
- Self-employed persons and farmers must document past contribution payments.
4- Pension application form:
- Available from the NSSI website or local offices and must be completed accurately.
5- Bank account details:
- The account receiving the pension must be held at a bank in Bulgaria.
Additional documents that may be required:
- Disability report: Required for those applying for early retirement on disability grounds.
- Childcare documentation: Submitted by women to claim reductions based on periods spent caring for children.
- Documents for bilateral agreements: If combining Turkish and Bulgarian contribution records, service documents from Turkey and certified translations should be provided.
Where and how to apply?
- Applications can be submitted in person at NSSI offices,
- and some procedures can be handled electronically using e-podpis (electronic signature).
- Bulgarian citizens residing in Turkey can receive guidance through the Bulgarian Embassy in Sofia.
What does the pension agreement between Turkey and Bulgaria cover?
The social security agreement between Turkey and Bulgaria protects the pension rights of workers who have been employed in both countries. Under the agreement, insured periods completed in one country can be combined with those in the other so that individuals do not lose entitlement to benefits.
Primary rights covered by the agreement:
1- Aggregation of contribution periods:
- Periods worked in Turkey and Bulgaria are combined for eligibility calculations.
- This helps meet the total contribution days required for a pension.
2- Possibility of receiving pensions from both countries:
- If an individual meets pension conditions in both countries separately, they may receive pensions from each.
3- Access to healthcare services:
- Turkish citizens living in Bulgaria after retirement can use healthcare services covered under agreements between institutions.
- The same reciprocal healthcare provisions apply to Bulgarian pensioners in Turkey.
4- Transfer of pension payments to Turkey:
- Those who retire in Bulgaria but live in Turkey can have their pensions transferred to bank accounts in Turkey.
5- Language and translation assistance:
- Documents are shared between official institutions with translations when required.
- If additional documents are requested, both countries are obliged to facilitate the process.
How does the application process work?
- Applications are submitted to the social security institution of the country where the applicant last worked.
- For applications submitted from Turkey, the SGK’s overseas pension unit processes Bulgarian employment periods as part of the evaluation.
- Required documents are officially exchanged with the Bulgarian National Social Security Institute (NSSI) through established channels.