The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) approved a 5% increase in the salaries of magistrates and employees in the judicial system, effective from January 1, 2026.
The increase is significantly lower than the 18% increase set in the draft budget for 2026, notes the specialized publication “Lex“. The reason is that the state budget for 2026 has not yet been adopted.
The extension law states that the basic monthly salaries in budget organizations reached as of December 31, 2025 cannot be changed for the respective position. An exception is allowed only for employees on a minimum wage and for a one-time indexation equal to the accumulated annual inflation as of the same date. By a decision of January 21 this year, the Council of Ministers set the annual inflation at 5% based on the consumer price index calculated by the National Statistical Institute. It is this percentage that was applied when updating the salaries in the judiciary.
After the increase, the basic salaries of magistrates at the highest level reach 4,874 euros (previously 9,079 leva). At the appellate level, the salaries become 4,032 euros (7,511 leva). Judges and prosecutors at the district level in Sofia will receive 3,606 euros (6,716 leva), and their colleagues from the other district courts and prosecutors' offices – 3334 euros (6210 leva).
Salaries in the Sofia District Court and the Sofia District Prosecutor's Office are increasing to 2928 euros (5454 leva), and in the regional structures in the country - up to 2630 euros (4899 leva).
Junior magistrates are also receiving an increase, with their salaries now being 2450 euros (previously 4564 leva).
Rank supplements are also increasing by 5%. For the first rank they will be 258 euros (previously 480 leva), for the second - 354 euros (660 leva), and for the third - 397 euros (740 leva).
In addition to their basic salary, magistrates and court employees receive additional remuneration for seniority and rank, as well as annual funds for work clothing.