On January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Bulgaria was

No raise after the minimum wage increase? Here’s how to ask for it!

On January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Bulgaria was increased from BGN 933 to BGN 1077 . This means that all employers are required to provide their employees with remuneration no lower than the new minimum. Therefore, if an employee has received a salary below BGN 1077 , the employer have to raise it to at least this minimum amount.

For employees whose salaries already exceed BGN 1077, there is no legal requirement for an additional increase due to the change in the minimum wage. This has left many workers feeling that their contributions to the company have not been fairly recognized . If you are among them and believe you deserve higher pay, now is the time to act . Requesting a salary increase is a delicate process that requires well-prepared arguments, confidence, and the right approach. In the following lines, we‘d like to offer you 3 key steps for successfully requesting a salary increase, based on the advice of team management and HR expert Villy Sechanova .

Preparation:

Research the market : Before asking for a pay raise, it’s important to know the average salary for your position and experience in other companies and within your industry.
Make a list of your achievements : Describe how your responsibilities and contributions to the company have increased since your last raise or since the beginning of your employment.
Set a specific amount or percentage : Instead of simply saying „ I want a raise, “ it’s more effective to say „ I believe an increase of BGN 200 would be fair. “.

Communication:

Time it right: Don’t ask for a raise when your boss is angry or busy.
Be confident, but not aggressive : Don’t make ultimatums or threaten to quit.
Focus on the benefits for the company : Explain how the raise will motivate you to contribute even more to the company’s success.
Offer solutions : If a pay raise isn’t possible, ask for additional responsibilities, training opportunities, or other bonuses.

Alternatives:

Bonuses: Consider additional bonuses such as extra vacation time, health insurance, or performance-based bonuses.
Additional responsibilities: If you need more money, ask for the opportunity to take on extra tasks.
Career growth in the company: Inquire about training and development opportunities that will help you advance within the company hierarchy.

Remember that asking for a raise is a conversation in which both parties must be happy with the outcome.