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Conclusion of an employment contract: documents and steps

Сключване на трудов договор: документи и стъпки

Signing an employment contract seems simple, but there are strict rules regarding the documents, content, and deadlines for registration. A lapse here — for example, late registration with the National Revenue Agency — leads to prescriptions and fines.

In this manual, an accounting firm Rodi Consult (Varna) explains the steps, required documents, and registration of the employment contract — updated for 2026.

In short: The employment contract is concluded in writing before starting work. The employee presents documents (identity card, education, medical, etc.), the contract is signed and registered with the National Revenue Agency with a notification under Art. 62 within 3 days of conclusion. The employee receives a copy with a certified notification.

The steps to conclude

  1. The worker presents the necessary documents;
  2. Both parties sign the employment contract;
  3. The employer registers the contract with the National Revenue Agency (notification under Art. 62, para. 3);
  4. The employer hands the employee a copy of the contract + the certified notification;
  5. The employee starts work at the agreed time.

Required documents (Regulation No. 4)

  • Identity document — the employer downloads the data and returns it immediately (he cannot copy or retain it);
  • Education/Qualification Document — when required for the position;
  • Document for internship in the specialty — if necessary (e.g. employment record);
  • Medical certificate — upon initial admission and after a break of more than 3 months (e.g. after maternity leave);
  • Criminal record certificate — only when the law requires it for the position;
  • Permission from the labor inspectorate — when hiring persons under 18 years of age.

Data in the employment contract

For the worker: three names, permanent address, personal identification number (or personal identification number for foreigners), education and academic degree (if related to the job). For the employer: full name and type of the company, registered office and address, UIC, and the representative person with his/her PIN.

Registration with the NRA

The contract is registered with notification under Art. 62, para. 3 в 3-day period from the conclusion (not from the start of work). Upon termination, the NRA is notified in 7-day period. If the 3-day deadline is missed, a mandatory prescription from the labor inspectorate is first requested, after which the notification can be submitted. Proper administration is part of our service Payroll & HR.

Don't forget too the probationary period — an important element that must be correctly formulated in the contract.

FAQ

What documents are needed to conclude an employment contract?

According to Regulation No. 4: identity document, document of acquired education/qualification, document of internship in the specialty (if required), medical certificate, criminal record certificate (only when required by law for the position) and permission from the labor inspectorate when employing minors.

How long does it take to register an employment contract with the NRA?

The employer shall submit a notification under Art. 62, para. 3 of the Labor Code within 3 days of the conclusion of the contract — counted from the date of signing, not from the date of commencement of work. In the event of termination, the NRA shall be notified within 7 days.

Can an employee start work before signing the contract?

No. The employment contract must be concluded in writing and before starting work. The employer does not have the right to allow the employee to work without a written employment contract.

Can the employer copy the ID card?

No. After taking the data and verifying the identity, the employer is obliged to immediately return the identity document and is not entitled to photograph, retain or copy it.

What happens if there is a delay in registering with the NRA?

If the 3-day period is missed, the employer must first obtain a mandatory prescription from the labor inspectorate (upon request according to a sample form) and only then is he entitled to submit the notification under Article 62 to the NRA.

The conclusion

A properly concluded employment contract — with the correct documents, complete data, and timely registration with the National Revenue Agency — protects you from sanctions and disputes. The 3-day notification period is particularly critical.

Are you hiring staff? Explore the service Payroll & HR or is contact us — we will take care of the contracts and registrations. Phone: +359 893 474 576.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or accounting advice. Please consult a professional for your specific situation.

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