Everything You Need to Know About the Introduction of the Euro
With Bulgaria’s anticipated entry into the Eurozone, on January 1, 2026, significant changes are coming that will affect all citizens and businesses.
In accordance with the Law on the Introduction of the Euro in the Republic of Bulgaria and the National Plan for Euro Adoption, this page provides reliable and practical information. Here, you will find everything essential about the transition stages, legal and operational obligations, and specific guidelines for adaptation – both for individuals and for organizations and companies.
KEY DATES
Date of Euro Adoption
Set by a decision of the EU Council – expected on 01.01.2026.
From this date, the euro will be the official currency.
Dual Price Display
Begins 1 month after the EU decision and continues for 12 months after the euro is introduced – a total of about 18 months..
Dual Circulation of Currencies
From 01.01.2026 to 31.01.2026 both the lev and the euro will be used in parallel. After this, the lev will no longer be legal tender.
Currency Conversion
Official Rate: 1 euro = 1.95583 BGN (no rounding).
Conversion: Done by dividing by the rate, followed by standard mathematical rounding to the second decimal place.
Special Rounding: For salaries, pensions, and benefits – always rounded up if a third decimal digit is present.
Penalties: Fines up to BGN 10 000 or BGN 14, 000 for legal entities in case of repeated violations) for incorrect application .
Contracts and Bank Accounts
All contracts specifying amounts in leva will automatically be interpreted in euros from the introduction date, without requiring amendments.
Bank and electronic lev accounts will be automatically and freely converted into euro accounts.
Possibility to merge lev and euro accounts within 2 months after the introduction date.
Cash Exchange
BNB: Free, unlimited, and indefinite exchange of leva into euros.
Banks: Free exchange for the first 6 months. After 12 months, they may stop offering this service.
Bulgarian Post Offices: Free exchange up to BGN 1,000/day for 6 months in areas without bank branches.
Prices and Payments
Merchants are not allowed to raise prices unjustifiably.
During the dual price display period:
Prices will be displayed in both leva and euros on receipts, labels, advertisements, and fiscal slips.
During the dual circulation period:
When paying in cash, change will be returned in euros (or in leva if euros are not available).
Restriction during dual circulation:
No more than 50 lev coins may be used in a single transaction.
Useful Sources:
- Official portal – evroto.bg
- Ministry of Finance – https://www.minfin.bg/bg/euro
- Bulgarian National Bank (BNB)- https://www.bnb.bg/ResearchAndPublications/P_Euro/p_euro.htm
- National Revenue Agency – https://www.nap.bg/
- Government Communication Strategy – https://gov.bg/bg/prestsentar/novini/startira-informatsionniyat-sayt-za-vavezhdane-na-evroto-v-balgaria
- Media information – https://www.capital.bg/politika_i_ikonomika/ikonomika/2025/06/06/4790790_smeniame_levovete_s_evro_koga_kude_i_kak/
- Consumer Protection Commission – https://kzp.bg/
- Ministry of e-Government – https://egov.government.bg/wps/portal/ministry-meu/home/introduction-of-the-euro-in-republic-of-bulgaria/euro-developers-faq/euro-developers-faq
Have additional questions about the euro introduction?
Contact us – the team at Sb Accounting & Consulting is available to provide information and practical support for a smooth transition to the new currency.