Bulgaria and the euro
Bulgaria and its national institutions are entering the final phase of adopting the euro as the country’s official currency. The euro will become the sole legal tender as of January 1, 2026, replacing the Bulgarian lev. Until then, a transition period and significant preparations are underway.
What do citizens and businesses need to know about the changeover from lev to euro? Find out below.
When will the euro be introduced in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is set to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, becoming the only legal currency from the start of that year.
This decision follows the successful completion of convergence reports and has been supported by both European and Bulgarian institutions.
On the path to joining the Eurozone, Bulgaria has met key economic criteria, introduced additional legislative measures, and maintained political discipline.
The changeover is outlined in the Euro Introduction Act and the National Euro Adoption Plan, coordinated by the Ministry of Finance and the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB).
Key Dates for Euro Adoption in Bulgaria
In the months leading up to January 1, 2026, Bulgaria will go through a transition period, which will affect both businesses and individuals.
Here are the key milestones and the steps ahead:
July 8, 2025
The European Council is expected to make the final decision approving Bulgaria’s accession to the Eurozone. This will officially confirm that the country will adopt the euro on January 1, 2026.
July 8 - August 8, 2025
All prices in shops must be adjusted to reflect dual display - in both BGN and EUR. The presentation must be clear and unambiguous for customers.
August 8, 2025
Mandatory dual pricing begins - every product and service must show both the lev and euro value. This will help consumers get used to the new currency before it officially takes effect.
January 1, 2026
Bulgaria officially joins the Eurozone, and the euro becomes the only legal currency. All wages, pensions, prices, and bank balances will be in euros. Bank accounts will be converted automatically at the fixed lev-euro exchange rate. Cash payments will also be made in euros, although levs will still be accepted briefly.
January 1-31, 2026
A dual circulation period will be in effect. Both levs and euros will be accepted for cash payments, and businesses must accept both currencies.
June 30, 2026
Prices will continue to be displayed in both currencies until the end of June 2026, ensuring clarity during the adjustment period.
From July 2026
A long-term free exchange period for levs begins, under terms set by the BNB. Citizens will be able to convert levs into euros at the BNB and at designated banks free of charge, according to the timelines announced.
The Transition Period – What to Expect
The transition to the euro will happen gradually to ensure a smooth adjustment.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions:
The transition period
The transition period includes several key phases, designed to ensure a smooth and gradual shift to the euro as Bulgaria’s official currency.
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
What does the euro introduction mean for your daily life?
The adoption of the euro will affect many aspects of everyday life - from shopping and salaries to online payments and household bills. To ease the transition, all prices will be displayed in both currencies.
For example, if a product costs BGN 20, its equivalent in euro (EUR 10.23) will also be shown.
This will help consumers become familiar with the new currency without needing to make conversions themselves.
What happens to your loans and contracts?
Many people wonder what will happen to their existing loans once the euro is introduced. If you have a loan, it will be automatically converted into euro. This also applies to leasing agreements and consumer loans.
The terms of your contract will remain unchanged - no need to sign anything new.
Your monthly payments will retain their value, but from now on, they will be paid in euro.
The role of institutions
The introduction of the euro is overseen and managed by the state and involves a range of public responsibilities.
The leading administrative bodies are the Ministry of Finance and the Bulgarian National Bank, which are responsible for setting the national framework, legal requirements, and deadlines.
The Consumer Protection Commission and the Commission on Protection of Competition will monitor market compliance, including correct price display and preventing unfair practices.
Banks and retail outlets are required to follow these rules and inform customers clearly and in a timely manner. Institutions will provide official materials, monitoring tools, and citizen reporting channels.
How to prepare
There’s no need to take any special action - the banking system will handle all automatic conversions.
However, it is advisable to:
- Follow updates from official sources
- Keep receipts and records of large payments
- Check that your receipts show prices in both currencies
- Avoid relying on rumors or speculation, as online misinformation is widespread
- You can find official information about the transition period on the BNB website.
What to do if you have lev cash
If you have levs in cash, there's no need to exchange them immediately.
After 1 January 2026, levs will be accepted for cash payments until 15 January. After that, they can be exchanged at bank branches free of charge for a set period.
The Bulgarian National Bank will exchange levs indefinitely.
It’s a good idea to review your available cash in advance and prepare it for easier exchange or use during the dual circulation period.
What changes when travelling abroad
Once Bulgaria adopts the euro, travel to Eurozone countries will become much easier.
There will be no need to exchange currency, either in person or online, when shopping or paying abroad in euros. Online purchases from European websites will no longer incur currency conversion fees.
For frequent travellers or online shoppers within the Eurozone, this means lower costs and greater convenience.
What to do if you spot incorrect pricing
If you encounter a merchant that does not display prices in both currencies, or uses incorrect conversions, you can file a complaint with the Commission for Consumer Protection. Merchants are required to display prices in both lev and euro until the end of June 2026.
Conversions must use the official fixed rate (1.95583 BGN per EUR), and rounding must follow legal rules, rounding after the second decimal place.
What changes with online banking and mobile apps
Following the euro adoption, all mobile and online banking platforms will display balances, transactions, and currencies in euros.
Interfaces will be automatically updated by each bank - no action is required from customers.
Domestic transfers within Bulgaria will be executed in euros only, and international transfers to Eurozone countries will become easier and cheaper.
Your rights as a consumer
As a consumer, you are entitled to clear and accurate information during the currency changeover and euro adoption process. This includes:
- Correct display of prices in both lev and euro
- Accurate conversion using the official fixed rate
- Proper rounding procedures
Every consumer has the right to file complaints about violations of these rules, either with the Commission for Consumer Protection or directly with the Bulgarian National Bank.
What businesses need to know
The introduction of the euro will transform business operations across the country. Key requirements include:
- From August 8, 2025, all prices must be displayed in both lev and euro
- From January 1, 2026, all payments, invoices, contracts, and accounting documents must be issued in euros
- Cash registers, labels, ERP systems, and accounting software must be updated
- Train staff with clear instructions and use official materials
- Follow guidance from NAP, BNB, and the Ministry of Finance to avoid confusion
What citizens need to know
Here are the essential things to know regarding your personal finances:
- All accounts, salaries, and pensions will be automatically converted at the exchange rate 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN
- Your bank cards and IBAN numbers remain unchanged
- Prices will be displayed in both currencies until end of June 2026
- Euro coins in circulation will feature Bulgarian symbols and Cyrillic inscriptions
- Levs can be exchanged for euros free of charge within timeframes defined by the BNB
For questions regarding conversion, you can contact your bank directly
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Bulgaria adopt the euro?
On January 1, 2026, following confirmation from the European Union, the European Commission, and the European Central Bank.
What happens to the funds in my bank account?
They will be automatically converted into euros at the official fixed rate.
Do I need a new bank card?
No. Existing cards will remain valid and fully functional.
Will there be fees for exchanging levs for euros?
No. In the initial months after the euro adoption, exchange will be free of charge.
Who is overseeing the process?
The process is coordinated by the Ministry of Finance, the Bulgarian National Bank, the European Commission, and the European Central Bank.
Do you have a question or concern related to the euro? Write to us at euro@ibank.bg - our dedicated email address. You will receive a detailed response from our experts, based on facts and up-to-date information.