Grey economy accounts for 1/5 of Bulgaria's GDP, according to a study by the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association and the National Centre "Economy in the Clear".
Still, since 2010, the share of the regulated economy has increased by 15%, from 63.35% to 78.40%. Despite this positive trend, the informal sector in Bulgaria has a higher rate than in any other EU country.
"We have seen a significant improvement - the number of employment contracts where employees are insured on minimum wage while in reality they receive more, has decreased, , says the author of the study Stefan Petranov. The sectors most affected by the informal economy are services, hotels, restaurants, construction and agriculture.
In its "Economic Freedom of the World, 2025" ranking , the Canadian Fraser Institute gives Bulgaria a score of 7.13 out of a maximum of 10 points. This places the country 56th out of 165. It ranks between Greece and Thailand. In 2024, Bulgaria was 52nd..
As of October 1, the base interest rate in Bulgaria is 1.81%. The rate has been declining for the 12th consecutive month, this time by 0.01% compared to September 2025. The base interest rate in Bulgaria, which is used to calculate the annual..
Bulgaria’s accession to the eurozone will reduce transaction costs with key trade and investment partners, according to the annual U.S. State Department report on the investment climate in the country, reported BGNES. The report emphasizes that..
In its "Economic Freedom of the World, 2025" ranking , the Canadian Fraser Institute gives Bulgaria a score of 7.13 out of a maximum of 10 points. This..
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