On June 1, 2025, a major shift occurred in Bulgarian labor relations—the traditional paper labor book was officially replaced by a new digital system called the Unified Electronic Employment Record (EETR). For some, this might seem like just another bureaucratic update, but it’s actually a significant reform that affects every employee and every employer in the country.

If you’re still wondering what exactly the EETR is, how it works, and what you need to do, this article will give you a clear and simple explanation.

What Is EETR?

The Unified Electronic Employment Record (EETR) is a centralized digital database maintained by the National Revenue Agency (NRA). It stores your entire work history electronically. Everything that was once manually recorded in the labor book—starting a job, promotions, contract terminations—is now documented and stored online.

No more paper, stamps, or physical copies. All information is submitted digitally by employers, and employees can easily view their records through their personal online profile.

Who Submits the Electronic Records?

Not you—unless you’re an employer or responsible for HR. Here’s who submits employment records (EETRs):

• The Employer – for hiring, promotions, terminations, and other employment changes
• The Labor Inspectorate – in case of a court ruling to reinstate an employee
• The New Employer – when workers are transferred under Article 123/123a of the Labor Code

Important Submission Deadlines

Different actions have different deadlines. Here’s a summary table:

❗ Missing a deadline may result in fines, so don’t delay.

How to Submit a Record?

There are two ways to submit records to the EETR system:

1. Online via the NRA Website

You’ll need a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES). Fill out the form, submit it online, and if necessary, you can make corrections later.

2. In Person at an NRA Office

Save the data on a USB stick or CD and bring it to an NRA office. You must also include “Appendix No. 4”—a document confirming the data is accurate. The file must meet the NRA’s technical specifications to be accepted.

What If There’s a Mistake?

Mistakes happen—wrong date, incorrect job title, etc. If the data is incorrect, the NRA may reject the file. In such cases, the employer must submit a corrected record within three working days, stating the reason for the correction.

If there’s a court decision, it takes priority, and the employment data must be updated accordingly.

Why Is This Important and What Are the Benefits?

The shift to digital employment records brings several advantages:

For Employees:

• Instant access to up-to-date, officially recognized employment history
• Easier to obtain certificates needed for job changes, retirement, or loan applications

For Employers:

• Streamlined administrative processes
• Saves time and resources

For the State:

• Better oversight and tracking of employment relationships
• Reduced fraud and undeclared labor

In Summary

The labor book is officially history. With the launch of the EETR, Bulgaria is stepping into a new era of modern, digital, and secure employment management.

• If you’re an employee – request certificates and monitor your employment records.
• If you’re an employer – learn the deadlines and procedures to stay compliant with the new requirements.

The changes are big, but they’re moving in the right direction.