Medical certificate for employment

Table of Contents
1. What is a medical certificate and when do we need it?
2. What documents and requirements are included in the issuance process?
3. For which professions is a medical certificate required?

A medical certificate for work is an official document that proves that the applicant is fit to perform specific duties, without risk to his health or that of his colleagues. Employers rely on it when applying for a position, as it ensures safety in the workplace.

What is a medical certificate and when do we need it?

A medical certificate certifies the health status of a given individual in relation to a specific purpose - work, training, driving or sports. It includes a conclusion from a doctor after examinations have been carried out, taking into account the requirements for the respective activity.
It is required when applying for a position, issuing a driver's license, enrolling in school or participating in sporting events. Each type of certificate has its own template and scope of medical examinations.

What documents and requirements are included in the issuance process?

The procedure for issuing a medical certificate for work is not universal - different professions require different health documents and steps.
Among the most common are:

• a form issued by the general practitioner or occupational medicine – mandatory to start the process. Without it, the tests cannot be started;
• conducting the necessary medical examinations – eye, pulmonology, psychiatrist and ECG – according to the specific position. The types of examinations are determined by the nature of the work performed and the potential risks;
• conducting an assessment by an occupational medicine specialist – when this is provided for by law. This assessment ensures the correspondence between the health status and the working environment;
• checking the health status for work – the presence of chronic diseases or contraindications. The result determines whether the candidate is suitable for the position;
• presenting certificates and work certificates – in case they are related to any regulation or internal rules. They are often necessary when working with machines, food or children;
• final completion of the form and official issuance – only the complete, signed and stamped document has legal value

Any omission may lead to a delay in the documentation, and in some cases – to a refusal to start work, regardless of the agreements with the employer.

For which professions is a medical certificate required?

The medical certificate for work is a mandatory document for all workers and employees upon starting work in Bulgaria. The requirement for its presentation is regulated in Regulation No. 3 of 1987, which is still in force.
Its validity is determined by a number of factors, the main one being the type of work performed. Although the regulations do not specify an exact validity period, in practice most employers accept certificates issued up to three months before the start of work duties.