Average Pension in Bulgaria to Reach €541.20 in 2026

The average pension in Bulgaria is expected to rise to €541.20 in 2026, according to the draft State Social Security Budget Act for 2026, approved by the government. The nominal increase of 8.5% will more than double the projected average annual inflation rate of 3.5%, meaning that the purchasing power of pensioners will improve.

From 1 July 2026, all pensions granted up to the end of 2025 will be updated under Article 100 of the Social Insurance Code, following the so-called Swiss rule, by between 7% and 8%. From the same date, the minimum pension for length of service and age will rise from €322.37 to €346.87, while the maximum monthly pension—for one or more pensions combined—will remain unchanged at €1,738.40. From 1 July, the social pension for old age and related supplements will also increase by the same percentage.

• The draft State Budget Law for 2026 has been approved.

In 2026, women working in the third labour category will be able to retire at 62 years and 6 months with 36 years and 10 months of insurance contributions. For men, the requirements will be 64 years and 9 months of age and 39 years and 10 months of contributions.

A total of €13.42 billion—or 11.3% of Bulgaria’s projected GDP—has been allocated for pensions and related supplements in 2026. This represents an increase of €1.1 billion (8.9%) compared with 2025.

The minimum social insurance income for self-employed persons will be €620.20 from 1 January 2026, while the maximum insurance income for all insured persons will be set at €2,352.

The childcare allowance for children up to the age of two, as well as for fathers (or adoptive parents) of children up to eight years old, will rise to €460.17. The cash benefits for unused maternity, childcare, and adoption leave will increase from 50% to 75% of the applicable amount.

The minimum daily unemployment benefit will remain at €9.21, and the maximum at €54.78.

The draft law also proposes an increase in the pension fund contribution rate by two percentage points from 1 January 2026, with a further one percentage point increase from 1 January 2028. Contribution rates for the other state social security funds will remain unchanged from 2025 levels.