Unemployment benefits are paid to third country nationals if  contributions have been made to the Unemployment Fund for at least 12 months of the last 18 months before becoming unemployed.

The benefits are paid regardless of whether the social security contributions have been paid or are due without actually being paid.

Employees can also receive benefits when the company in which they work is declared bankrupt.

To receive unemployment benefits, a person must:

– be registered as unemployed with the Employment Agency;

– has not acquired the right to a pension for length of service and age or for early retirement in Bulgaria, or an old-age pension in another country;

– is not engaged in an activity which is subject to compulsory insurance