From January 1, 2026, Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its official currency, fixing an exchange rate of 1 euro for 1.95583 leva. This transition affects all areas of economic and social life. Here are the main changes:
Banking:
- Bank accounts in leva are automatically converted to euros without fees, with IBAN and contractual terms remaining unchanged.
- Salaries, pensions, and social payments will be in euros, maintaining their real value.
- Loans and mortgages in leva are also converted to euros, without changes to the terms.
- Short technical interruptions of banking services are possible around December 31 / January 1.
- Planning payments and cash on hand is recommended.
Taxes and NRA (National Revenue Agency):
- All taxes, social security contributions, and fines will be in euros from January 1, 2026.
- Tax period declarations up to the end of 2025 are submitted in leva, and after that - in euros.
- Tax relief refunds for children will be in euros.
Trade:
- Dual circulation of leva and euros until the end of January 2026, after which the euro becomes the sole currency.
- Change is returned in euros, unless there is insufficient availability.
- Prices in establishments will be in leva and euros until August 8, 2026.
- Fiscal devices will record sales in euros.
Customs:
- All customs duties will be calculated and paid in euros.
- Customs declarations will be submitted in euros.
- Conversion of virtual accounts.
Currency exchange:
- Free and indefinite exchange at BNB (Bulgarian National Bank).
- No fees at commercial banks during the first 6 months.
- Exchange at post offices during 2026.
Rounding: Amounts are rounded to the second decimal place based on the third digit.