Bulgaria adopted the euro currency on 1 January 2026, marking an important milestone for the country, following a period of intensive preparation and effort to meet all the necessary requirements.
Commission president Ursula von der Leyen congratulated the country: “Bulgaria joins the euro area, one of the European Union’s greatest achievements. This milestone reflects years of hard work and commitment, overcoming challenges. The euro will bring benefits for the Bulgarian people making payments and travel easier. It will bring new opportunities for Bulgarian businesses, allowing them to seize better the advantages of our common single market.”
From 1 January 2026, the euro will gradually replace the lev as Bulgaria’s currency. In line with a consistent record of exchange-rate stability, the lev will be exchanged at a conversion rate of 1.95583 lev per €1. The two currencies will be used alongside each other for a period of one month. When payments are made in lev, change will be given in euro. This will allow for a progressive withdrawal of the lev from circulation.
The dual display of prices in lev and euro became compulsory on 8 August 2025 and will apply until 8 August 2026. In order to protect consumers and address their concerns about unjustified price increases during the changeover period, Bulgaria relies on the strict application of consumer protection law and information campaigns. The prices of 101 frequently purchased products have been monitored daily and published on a dedicated website during the changeover by the Consumer Protection Commission, to provide information to the public and an incentive to businesses not to unjustifiably increase prices during the changeover.
Commercial banks have received euro banknotes and coins in advance from the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) and have in turn supplied euro cash to shops and other businesses. Lev banknotes and coins can be exchanged at the BNB, commercial banks, and any post office located in rural areas where there is no commercial bank. Exchanges at the BNB are free of charge and unlimited in time. Exchanges at banks and the post offices are free of charge for the first six months. Banks and post offices may charge for the exchange as of 1 July 2026.
As of 1 January, 96% of automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Bulgaria will be distributing euro banknotes, and the remainder will follow as soon as possible (within two weeks).
Questions and answers on Bulgaria’s changeover to the euro
Press Release: Bulgaria meets criteria to join the euro area on 1 January 2026
Questions and answers on the Convergence Report 2025 on Bulgaria
