Bulgarian pensions 2026–2027: +7.8% from July, next rise mid-2027

Bulgarian pensions rose by 7.8% on 1 July 2026, and the next increase is planned for mid-2027. Since July the minimum old-age pension is €347.51 a month and the social old-age pension €183.81. The 2027 percentage has not been set yet, BTA reported on 16 October; this page will be updated when it is.

How much did pensions rise in July 2026?

According to BTA and BNR, all pensions granted by the end of 2025 went up by 7.8% from 1 July 2026. BTA reports that the higher amounts were paid from 7 July, by bank transfer that day and at post offices until 20 July.

Pension	Until 30 June 2026	From 1 July 2026
Minimum old-age pension (service and age)	€322.37	€347.51
Social old-age pension	€170.51	€183.81
Maximum total pension	€1,738.40	€1,738.40 (unchanged)

The figures come from BNT (minimum and maximum) and BNR (social pension). The BGN 60 “COVID supplement” (€30.68) stays for existing pensions and is indexed too, but BNR says it is no longer added to pensions granted after 1 July.

What is the Swiss rule?

The Swiss rule (Art. 100 of the Social Security Code) sets the yearly rise from two equal halves: 50% of last year’s inflation and 50% of the growth in average insured income, as BTA explains. BTA notes that in the two previous years only one of the two components was applied.

What is the average pension in Bulgaria?

The answer depends on what is measured, so treat it as a range of about €541–554, based on BNT and NSSI data (as of 2026-10):

• The 2026 social security budget projects an annual average of €541.20 (first draft, BNT, November 2025) to €543.46 (July 2026 draft, BNT).
• NSSI data reported by Novinite put the average old-age pension at €554 in the first quarter of 2026.
• The average of all pensions was €517.08 in June 2026, before the July rise, for 2,069,079 pensioners (NSSI via Novinite).

Will pensions rise again in 2027?

Yes. According to BTA (16 October 2026), the draft 2027 budget plans a pension increase in the middle of 2027. No percentage had been published as of 26 October 2026. Inflation is one half of the formula, so our inflation report gives a hint; see also the proposed 2027 minimum wage.

The draft budgetary plan that Bulgaria sent to the European Commission on 15 October says pensions are planned to rise “by about 8%”, BTA reported. It does not say whether this is the July 2027 indexation, so treat it as a planning figure, not the final rise.

What it means for Varna

Pensions are set nationally, so pensioners in Varna get the same amounts as everywhere else in Bulgaria. Since 1 January 2026 all pensions are paid in euros. For expat retirees, the Bulgarian minimum pension matters because the Foreign Ministry’s money test for a pensioner visa refers to the minimum wage or minimum pension. Pensions from abroad are not affected by the Bulgarian indexation. Our partner site explains residence, health cover and tax in Retire in Varna, Bulgaria.